Course summary
Based in the Department of Government, this course supports the development of the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be an effective social data scientist. With modules taught in both the Department of Government and School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, it equips future social scientists with a range of skills in advanced data science and artificial intelligence that will enable them to undertake social sciences research, making use of increasingly large and complex data sets. The close partnership with Essex County Council, Essex Police and other public sector organisations ensures the development of necessary skills to apply data science for public good within a strong academic framework. This degree provides an introduction and solid foundation in data science for students with a social science undergraduate degree. The emphasis in the course is on big data, new forms of data, and computational methods to work with such data – all within a strong framework of social science applications and research design principles.
Modules
Most of our courses combine compulsory and optional modules, giving you freedom to pursue your own interests.
Entry requirements
A degree with a 2.2 in Political Science, International Relations, American Studies, United States Politics, Business - ( finance related), Economics or Statistics. Applications from students with a degree below a 2:2 or equivalent will be considered dependent on any relevant professional or voluntary experience, previous modules studied and/or personal statement. We will accept applicants with a degree in an unrelated field but you must have studied at least two relevant modules with marks at 2:2 level in the final two years of study. Relevant modules include, but are not limited to: Comparative Political Systems, Constitutional Democracy, Contemporary World Affairs, Democratic Theory, Econometrics, European Integration, Foreign Policy, Game Theory, Governmental processes, Human Rights, Ideology & Political Analysis, International Economic Law, International Economic Relations, International Trade/Business Law, International Law, International Public Relations, International Security, Law of Armed Conflict, Micro/Macro Economics, Peace Studies, Political Conflict, Political Decision Making, Political Economy, Political Sociology, Public Administration, Public International Law, Public Policy Analysis, Quantitative reasoning, Strategic Studies, Theories of Development, Current Affairs, Political Economy, Terrorism, Security Studies. We will also consider applicants with a non relevant degree but at least six months relevant work experience such as working with a NGO.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £10500 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £10500 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £10500 | Year 1 |
Wales | £10500 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £10500 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £10500 | Year 1 |
EU | £22750 | Year 1 |
International | £22750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ