Social Science of the Internet

The MSc in Social Science of the Internet is highly multidisciplinary, providing students from a wide variety of backgrounds with in-depth understanding of the social science concepts, theories and methods required to undertake rigorous empirical quantitative and qualitative research and policy analysis about the Internet.

Graduate destinations

Employers recognise the value of a degree from the University of Oxford, and OII MSc graduates have secured excellent positions in industry, government, NGOs, or have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at top universities. For example, non-academic destinations of recent graduates have included large Internet companies such as Google or Facebook, smaller start-ups like Academia.edu, as well as regulatory positions and consultancy. MSc alumni have progressed to further graduate study at institutions such as Oxford, Harvard, Princeton and LSE.

The OII Alumni Wall features interviews from both MSc and DPhil alumni about their time at the Department and career paths after Oxford.

The course aims to equip you with essential theoretical tools and methodological skills. You are introduced to the empirical evidence necessary for an in-depth understanding of the role of the Internet in society, including the changing nature of governance and the theoretical, practical and ethical questions surrounding Internet use.

You will take a combination of core and option papers and produce a dissertation of up to 15,000 words on a topic of your choosing based on discussions with a dissertation supervisor. The dissertation provides you the opportunity to apply the methods and approaches you have covered in the other parts of the course and carry out a substantive piece of academic research.

During Trinity term, you will attend weekly seminars where you will present and develop your dissertation research and receive feedback from fellow students and academic staff. The MSc seminars also include brief talks from academics within the OII, the University and the greater academic community across the UK.

The MSc in Social Science of the Internet is offered on both a full time (1 year) and part time (2 year) basis. The degree and expectations for both modes of study are equally rigorous: part time students take their classes with the full time students, but spread over two years to accommodate work and personal circumstances. Whether you choose to apply for the part time or full time programme, you will be part of a close knit cohort of students from diverse backgrounds.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a distinguished record of workplace achievement since graduation may be accepted with lower grades at first degree level.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:500 words
• Written work:One essay of 2,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The Social Science of the Internet is an interdisciplinary program offered by the University of Oxford that explores the complex relationship between society and digital communication technologies. This programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how the internet shapes social, political, cultural, and economic life across the globe. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical research projects, students examine the influence of digital platforms on identity, community formation, governance, privacy, and information dissemination. The curriculum covers critical topics such as online behaviour, digital activism, cybersecurity, regulation of digital spaces, and the implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain. The program also emphasizes developing analytical skills to evaluate the social impacts of technological change and to understand the ethical challenges associated with digital innovation. Students have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research, combining insights from sociology, political science, media studies, law, and computer science. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in academia, policy-making, technology industry, journalism, or digital consultancy, providing them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for analyzing and influencing the digital societal landscape. The faculty comprises leading researchers and practitioners in digital studies, who bring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. The programme promotes a global perspective, encouraging students to consider the implications of internet technologies across different cultures and political systems. Graduates of the Social Science of the Internet course are well-prepared to contribute to debates on digital policy, innovation, and social impact at national and international levels. The course typically includes modules that require active participation, research assignments, and a dissertation, fostering critical thinking and independent research skills. With the fast-evolving nature of the digital environment, students are encouraged to stay abreast of new developments and contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations about the social dimensions of the internet.