Information for prospective students
MSc Applied Social Data Science is now open for 2024/25 applications.
Visit the MSc in Applied Social Data Science online prospectus page.
This interdisciplinary programme will provide you with training in fundamental aspects of applied data science, computation and programming, and quantitative methods.
With a background in social sciences, you will be trained to use data to answer interesting social science questions. You will take a series of project-based programming courses specifically designed for students without a formal computing or statistical background. A typical student will also have taken a prior course in quantitative methods or applied statistics at a basic level, although this is not a formal requirement.
You will also have the opportunity to choose substantive electives, allowing you to tailor the programme to your particular interests. The programme will culminate with a Capstone project where you will creatively apply the technical skills you have learned to a project of your own design.
The MSc may be taken full-time over a calendar year, or part-time over two years. Please see the Calendar for further information on the programme structure.
The MSc aims to provide:
- Training in fundamental aspects of applied data science, computation and programming, and quantitative methods.
- The skills of 'practical scholarship' built on a thorough grounding in the principles of quantitative social research
- An advanced training in quantitative research methodologies
- Experience in the design, collection, analysis and reporting of empirical social research
- Training as a precursor to doctoral research and/or for employment in social research in the public and private sectors
The programme outcomes are:
- Fluency in a variety of programming languages and applications, particularly R and Python
- Understanding of quantitative research methodologies
- Understanding of conceptual and methodological questions underlying quantitative research
- Ability to create and manipulate large databases
- Ability to design, conduct, analyse and report a social research project
All MSc programmes at LSE expect applicants to have achieved a 2.1 or equivalent in their first degree. In some cases relevant work experience can be taken into account. Please see the subject options for the MSc Applied Social Data Science at Graduate Admissions and make your choice.
Please see graduate admissions where you can find a full prospectus and information on the admissions processes. Click here for more information on how to apply.
Please see the Financial Support Office information about Graduate Merit Awards for the MSc Applied Social Data Science. This and general information about financial help for MSc students can be found at the financial support office.
Current students
Please refer to the MSc Applied Social Data Science handbook and the MSc ASDS Moodle page for programme information.