1. University of Oxford
  2. Program
  3. Masters
  4. MSc in Social Data Science

MSc in Social Data Science

10 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Oxford

Program Overview

The MSc in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford is a 10-month, full-time interdisciplinary program delivered by the Oxford Internet Institute. It is designed for students from social sciences, but welcomes applicants from other relevant disciplines with a strong academic background.

The course combines advanced data science methods with social, political, economic, and ethical analysis, focusing on both technical training and societal impact.

Students develop skills in Python, data wrangling, large-scale analytics, and machine learning while critically examining the legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges of AI and data governance. 

Course Overview:

  • Choose 1: Fundamentals of Social Data Science in Python, an intensive programming primer to get people up to speed on the Python programming language for use with data science OR Computational complexity and how to profile and increase the computational efficiency of Python code OR Introductory machine learning, covering the fundamentals of both supervised and unsupervised learning.

  • Foundations and Frontiers of Social Data Science

  • Applied Analytical Statistics

  • Research Design for Social Data Science

  • Optional: 

    • Applied Machine Learning

    • Digital Era Government and Politics

    • Experiments in Social Data Science

    • Fairness Accountability and Transparency in Machine Learning

    • Internet Economics

    • Introduction to Natural Language Processing for the Social Sciences

    • Social Network Analysis and Interpretation

    • Data-driven Network Science

Teaching: Delivered through lectures, practical lab sessions, data science intensives, and small-group tutorials.

Assessment: Assessed through essays, take-home exam, practical assignments, and a thesis (10,000-15,000 words).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

  • Intensive data science training including Python, large-scale data analytics, and machine learning.

  • Real-world social, political, and behavioral datasets used in lab exercises and projects.

  • Opportunity to explore the societal impact of AI, data governance, and internet regulation.

  • Thesis project applying course methods to substantive research questions.

  • Collaborative, cohort-based learning environment with interdisciplinary perspectives

Progression & Future Opportunities

  • Graduates are well-prepared for data-centric roles in public, private, and non-profit sectors.

  • Pathway to PhD or advanced research in social data science, AI ethics, or internet governance.

  • Strong career prospects at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact.

  • Alumni move into roles influencing social policy, business strategy, and data-driven decision-making globally.

Program Key Stats

£36,250
£ 75
Oct Intake : 14th Jan


18 %

Eligibility Criteria


100
160
161
690
7.5
110
2:1
1400
33

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Data Scientist
  • Social Data Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • AI Ethics Specialist
  • Machine Learning Engineer (Social Applications)
  • Public Sector Data Consultant
  • NGO Data Strategist
  • Social Researcher
  • Internet Policy Advisor
  • PhD Researcher in Social Data Science

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