Program Overview

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MSc in Social Science of the Internet

The MSc in Social Science of the Internet is a taught course that explores how the internet and digital technologies shape society. It covers social theory, internet governance, digital methods, and policy, with training in qualitative and quantitative research.

About the Course

The course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to question and understand the multi-faceted ways in which the internet and emerging digital technologies are influencing and affecting our lives, societies, businesses, and governments. Students will learn from the Oxford Internet Institute's world-leading multi-disciplinary faculty and will leave with new knowledge on important social science concepts and theories, research methods, technological fundamentals, and how to conduct and communicate high-quality research.

Course Structure

The course structure includes:

• Core courses: Internet and Society, Internet Technologies and Regulation, Digital Social Research: Methods Core, Digital Social Research: Statistics Core
• Option modules: Substantive Options (e.g., AI for Policymaking, Cultural Analytics, Digital Ethics) and Methods Options (e.g., Advanced Statistics for Internet Research, Computational Methods for the Social Sciences, Digital Ethnography)
• Thesis: Students will write a thesis, which provides the opportunity to apply the methods and approaches covered in the course and carry out a substantive piece of academic research

Attendance

The course can be studied full-time or part-time, with both modes requiring attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements, while part-time students are required to attend course-related activities in Oxford for a minimum of 30 days each year.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including:

• Libraries: The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, with over 13 million printed items and access to e-journals
• IT Services: The University's IT Services provides support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities
• The Oxford Internet Institute: The OII is based in the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, a brand-new building at the University of Oxford, which includes a library, an on-site cafe, teaching and seminar rooms, and performance and arts venues

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford Internet Institute. MSc students can expect to meet with their supervisor 8-10 times over the course of the degree, with a general supervisor in the first term and a thesis supervisor in the second term.

Assessment

Assessments will consist of written examinations and/or individual coursework submissions, with some options including oral presentations. The two main assessment periods are the winter vacation (December and January) and the spring vacation (March and April).

Graduate Destinations

Employers recognize the value of a degree from the University of Oxford, and graduates from this course have secured excellent positions in industry, government, NGOs, or have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at top universities.

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry.

• Degree-level qualifications: A first-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject
• GRE General Test scores: Not required
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience: Academic research related to the internet or experience working in internet-related businesses is not required but may be an advantage

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.

References

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application, including:

• Official transcript(s)
• Personal statement: A maximum of 500 words, explaining your motivation for applying for the course and your research interests
• Written work: One essay, up to a maximum of 2,000 words, demonstrating your academic abilities

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. You can use the fees, funding, and scholarship search tool to identify opportunities and find out how to apply.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Full-time study: ｣28,170 (Home), ｣38,430 (Overseas)
• Part-time study: ｣14,085 (Home), ｣19,215 (Overseas)

Additional Costs

You may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and materials, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it.

Living Costs

You will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course. The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between ｣1,405 and ｣2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. You can express a preference for one of the colleges listed or ask us to find a college for you.

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

• Application fee waivers are available for eligible applicants
• You do not need to contact the department before you apply, but you are encouraged to visit the relevant departmental webpages to read any further information about your chosen course

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. You can find out more about the shortlisting and selection process in the detailed guide to what happens next.