An innovative, interdisciplinary degree with Edinburgh Futures Institute_x000D_ Technology and data are transforming governance across the globe. How we apply ethical and innovative use of data and technology to society’s most pressing challenges is key to how we govern our future world. This MSc programme in the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) explores and analyses the challenges and opportunities that digital technology brings to the future of democracy._x000D_ This is a unique, new interdisciplinary programme offering an innovative approach to study that will help you develop advanced thinking in governance and policy-making for the future. It is for critical thinkers who seek to develop leading-edge knowledge to help them shape the world, and their careers, by driving positive change through policy and decision-making._x000D_ You will gain the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and use diverse data sources and emerging technologies to understand, critique and shape the future of governance. The cross-sector, interdisciplinary approach used within the Futures Institute showcases the very best the University of Edinburgh has to offer and includes collaboration with policy and communication experts and decision-makers across the public, private and third sectors._x000D_ You will:_x000D_ develop a deep understanding of democracy and participation in an era of rapidly developing technological change and data-driven decision-making_x000D_ interrogate the challenges and opportunities that new and big data sources bring to the future of governance_x000D_ increase your knowledge of ethical decision-making in the context of data-driven policy-making, and your confidence in using new and big data_x000D_ learn to identify the most appropriate methods required to address policy issues and learn how to apply a strong, critical and interdisciplinary understanding to the challenge of our democratic futures_x000D_ Postgraduate study at the Edinburgh Futures Institute_x000D_ This programme is part of an interconnected portfolio of postgraduate study opportunities at Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI)._x000D_ The Futures Institute supports interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research that is focused on complex global and social challenges. Our programmes are taught by academic experts from many different subject areas._x000D_ As a Futures Institute student, you should be proactive and motivated. You will be supported to develop creative, critical, and data-informed thinking that cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will have the space to think deeply about questions linked to your own passions and professional goals and will develop a project based on an issue that you care about._x000D_ As well as knowledge specific to your area of study, studying at Edinburgh Futures Institute will give you the skills and understanding you need to become a creative, confident, and critical citizen in a fast-changing world._x000D_ These skills include:_x000D_ core data skills_x000D_ data ethics_x000D_ the ability to interrogate issues of global scope using perspectives from across disciplines_x000D_ creative and analytic approaches to knowledge_x000D_ You can join us regardless of whether you already have experience or practical skills in the use and application of digital data.