Program Overview

MSc Applied Social Data Science

The MSc Applied Social Data Science programme is designed to equip students with cutting-edge data science skills that are in demand across various careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. The programme has a strong practical focus, with students acquiring technical skills in applied data science, computation, programming, and quantitative methods.

Introduction

The rapid rise of AI and big data are reshaping our world. This programme will equip students with the skills to use data to answer interesting and important social science questions. Students will master highly demanded programming languages, including R and Python, learn how to construct and manipulate large databases, and creatively deploy newly acquired analytical skills on project-based tasks.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science with evidence of quantitative training.
• Work experience is advantageous but not required.
• English language requirements: Standard.

Programme Content

• Year 1: Core courses providing training in fundamental aspects of applied data science, computation, and programming, and quantitative methods.
• Substantive electives: Students can choose from a range of options both within the department and across the School, allowing them to tailor the programme to their particular interests.
• Capstone project: Students will creatively apply the technical skills they have learned to a project of their own design.

Courses

• MY470: Computer Programming (Half unit)
• MY400: Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design (Half unit)
• MY498: Capstone Project (One unit)
• MY472: Data for Data Scientists (Half unit)
• ST445: Managing and Visualising Data (Half unit)
• MY452: Applied Regression Analysis (Half unit)
• MY474: Applied Machine Learning for Social Science (Half unit)
• ST443: Machine Learning and Data Mining (Half unit)

Why Study with Us

• The Department of Methodology is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in social science research methodology.
• The programme offers postgraduate programmes in social research methods, applied social data science, and demography.
• The department has a vibrant and collaborative ethos, with a teaching team that includes leading researchers in sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology, economics, psychology, criminology, and statistics.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £39,900
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £39,900
• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: The School offers some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

• Teaching methods: LSE employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status.
• Academic support: Students will have an academic mentor and can access the Learning Lab for support with academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills.
• Assessment: All taught courses are required to include formative coursework, which is unassessed, and summative assessment, which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award.

Graduate Destinations

• This programme will prepare students for a variety of careers in the private, non-profit, and public sectors.
• Top 5 sectors our students work in:
  • Information, Digital Technology and Data
  • Education, Teaching and Research
  • Financial and Professional Services
  • Advertising, Marketing, PR, Media, Entertainment, Publishing and Journalism
  • Government, Public Sector and Policy

Career Support

• LSE offers lots of information and support to help students make the step from education into work.
• Careers fairs, CV workshops, and careers presentations are available to students.
• The LSE Careers website provides further details on career support.