Big Data and Digital Futures

Entry requirements

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Increasingly, big data is used to track and trace social trends and behaviours. This course addresses how big data challenge traditional research processes, and impact on security, privacy, ethics, and governance and policy. You will learn practical and theoretical data skills, both in quantitative methods and the wider theoretical implications about how big data are transforming disciplinary boundaries.

You'll take three core modules and a dissertation. Optional modules (see below) allow further specialisation. Lab work, report writing, data skills training and guest lectures by industry experts will form an integral part of your learning experience. You will be invited to attend short certified ‘Masterclasses’ to further extend your methodological repertoire. An annual Spring Camp on a key theme (e.g. forecasting; visualisation) is also provided, allowing you to gain expertise in a wide range of cutting-edge quantitative methods.

You don’t need a computer science, mathematics or statistics background to apply. The focus is on conducting and understanding applied quantitative social science, so a willingness to engage with world social science issues is essential.

Information for international students

English Language requirement: Band B. For more guidance on English language requirements please visit this page.

Fees and funding

For more information on funding please visit our Postgraduate fees and funding page.