Overview
Youll receive technical training in statistical methods, Python and R and learn where social data science can be applied to analyse contemporary social issues
Run by the prestigious Centre for Computational Social Science (C2S2)
Designed for those without an advanced mathematical background who wish to study data types and manipulation, web scraping, algorithms, sequences and iteration and data visualisation
Our broad range of optional modules in your second and third years gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and develop specialist knowledge on a range of topics
Youll gain a full range of social and data science skills suitable for developing careers within business intelligence and business analytics, data journalism, market research and social research
Course content
Your first year introduces you to the basics of programming in Python, the most popular programming language for social data science. You will also consider social problems such as social inequalities and mobility, pandemics, immigration and social movements and how social data science skills can be applied to these.

Your second and final years build on your programming and research skills. The increased range of optional modules enable you to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions. In your final year you will complete a quantitative dissertation enabling you to research an area of interest and apply your data science skills.

Your future
A student celebrating her graduation on our iconic Forum North Piazza
Social Data Science provides you with an excellent all-round education, combining subject-specific knowledge and expertise with a wide range of transferable skills sought after by employers. These include:

Data Science and programming
Qualitative research skills including interview techniques, focus groups, sensory analysis
Interpretation and use of qualitative and other data
Research project design and the use of appropriate methodologies
High standards of written and oral communication including formulating an argument, presentation and interpersonal skills
Collation and interpretation of evidence
Organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
The ability to work independently and within a team
Career paths
Social Data science offers excellent employment opportunities. As a graduate you will combine technical skills (programming in Python and R, knowledge of statistical methods) and substantive knowledge of the areas where these skills can be applied. The likely career paths include business intelligence and business analytics, data journalism, market research, and social research.