Put your market-leading social data science skills into practice with optional work placements or industry-based research consultancy projects
You’ll gain an understanding of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments which will be relevant to both business and public sector careers or PhD study
Exeter is one of only 15 UK universities to host a Q Step Centre
Top 100 in the world for Political Sciences
Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
Entry requirements
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above (or equivalent). We welcome students from any academic background.
Please note, if we receive an application which we deem more suitable for one of our other data science programmes we may make an offer for that alternative programme.
Compulsory modules will explore the politics of the policy making process, evidence-based decision making, the use of data analysis at each of the policy and decision-making stages and the social complexities of policy making. You will discover how to turn data into graphical representations for describing and exploring data, analysing hypotheses and relationships and presenting evidence. We will provide you with the essential mathematical and programming skills needed to acquire and analyse data.
You will gain the technical understanding of a range of social data science techniques and the practical software and programming skills to implement these methods to address your research questions, allowing you to pursue other professional research activities.
You can further enhance your employability skills by undertaking either a work placement or industry-based research consultancy project. Previous students are now working for organisations such as the ONS Data Science camp, YouGov, the FCA and Defra.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 compulsory credits and 60 optional credits.
In addition to the 120 credits of compulsory modules, you must take 60 credits of optional modules from Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology (SPA) and Politics. Suggested relevant modules are listed below, or you may take any postgraduate optional modules from the department of Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology. View option modules for SPA and for Politics .
Compulsory modules
Code
Module
Credits
Compulsory 1
Computational Social Science 1
15
Computational Social Science 2
15
Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project
60
Statistical Modelling
15
Data Visualisation
15
SPAM003: Computational Social Science 1
Technological advancements have not only driven the digitisation of society and the emergence of novel socio-political issues, but have also resulted in significant developments in algorithms, computational power, and increasingly large datasets. This practical-based module will provide you with both the technical programming skills and understanding of data science techniques that you will need to research pre-existing and novel social-political and economic issues. Specifically, it will introduce you to the Python programming language, assuming zero prior-experience, and give you the skills necessary to use it for data analysis.
This module has two main aims. The first is to introduce you to the Python programming language and to the fundamental concepts underlying programming in general. This includes, but is not limited to, variables, coding architecture, iteration operations, file input/output, data structures, plotting data, numerical and statistical techniques, and importable packages. The second aim of the module is to build upon the first and train you in how to use Python for data analysis.
SPAM004: Computational Social Science 2
Technological advancements have not only driven the digitisation of society and the emergence of novel socio-political issues, but have also resulted in significant developments in algorithms, computational power, and increasingly large datasets. This practical-based module will provide you with both the knowledge and skills necessary to research pre-existing and novel social-political and economic issues. Specifically, it will build upon the content covered in the Computational Social Science 1 module in developing your skills and understanding in several contemporary computational research methods, such as natural language processing, computer simulation, and social network analysis, and other machine learning/artificial intelligence approaches.
The aim of this module is to build upon the content of the Computational Social Science 1 module, which introduced you to the Python programming language and to the fundamental concepts underlying programming in general and how to use Python for data analysis, by introducing you to several computational social science research methods that are currently frequently used to investigate various social-political and economic issues.
SSIM907: Policy Analytics: Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project
In consultation with a supervisor, you will undertake an extended piece of original research related to policy analytics and/or evidence-based decision-making in a subject area related to your interests. If you choose to complete a dissertation based on a research consultancy project, this will involve a placement working with a non-academic partner. The decision of which route to take is left entirely up to the individual student (i.e., undertaking a placement is not compulsory). Each year we try to offer a number of pre-arranged placements, but students are welcome to reach out to other organisations for opportunities, with the guidance of the module convenor.
This module aims to:
provide you with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work in the area of policy analytics related to an area in which to pursue further research or your career
develop your ability to apply originality and data analysis skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be consultancy- or workplace-based.
enhance your awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of social science and data driven research.
SSIM915: Statistical Modelling
Statistical models help us deal with the messy complexity of the social world. In this module, you will learn how to select and estimate models which are appropriate for social science data. Using these models is a core data science skill. Taking this course will help you to understand the overall framework of generalised linear models and to fit regression models suitable for continuous or categorical outcomes using the statistical software R. You will also understand better how to work with data. The course is suitable for students with some prior experience of quantitative methods.
The aims of this module are to enable students to be able to:
Develop skills in working with social science data using R
Estimate regression models for continuous or categorical outcomes
Understand the appropriate model for the data
Interpret and compare the outputs of statistical models
Explain the findings from their analyses
SSIM918: Data Visualisation
This course will introduce you to the field of data visualisation. You will learn basic principles of data and model visualisation. The focus will be on the principles of turning data into graphical representations for describing and exploring data, analysing hypotheses and relationships and presenting evidence. Particular attention will be paid to visualising data for policy audiences. You will learn techniques for visualising different types and formats of data utilising industry standard, open source software.
The main aims of the module are:
To understand and apply principles of data visualisation
To develop skills in capturing and managing data for visualisation
To analyse subject relevant data sets using data visualisation techniques
To learn to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate existing visualisations
To further develop skills in using the ggplot2 package for R and related packages for data visualisation.
Optional modules
Code
Module
Credits
Optional 1
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
15
Qualitative Methods in Social Research
30
Data Governance and Ethics
15
Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
30
Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
15
Social Networks
15
Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
15
POLM063: Qualitative Methods in Social Research
This module engages with core issues in conducting qualitative research in social sciences and addresses the opportunities, challenges and prospects for designing sound qualitative research design. We engage with the logics of inquiry in qualitative research and their implications for validity and generalisability; we discuss what constitutes a case and what the role of context is; we identify the main types of data and what opportunities and limitations are for mixing methods and/or data: we address the core expectations regarding ethics, transparency and reproducibility and assess the opportunities and challenges in publishing qualitative research in social sciences. This module is designed for students who are engaging with empirical research in social sciences. You are expected to have familiarity with research methods in social sciences and to engage, over the course of this module, with one or several specific method(s) for qualitative research.
The aims of this module are to introduce you with core issues in qualitative research in social sciences; to enable you to gain a critical understanding of the opportunities, challenges and prospects for qualitative research in social sciences; and to provide you with the tools for designing a sound research design for qualitative inquiry in social research.
POLM140: Qualitative Methods in Social Research
This module engages with core issues in conducting qualitative research in social sciences and addresses the opportunities, challenges and prospects for designing sound qualitative research design. We discuss the logics of inquiry in qualitative research and their implications for validity and generalisability; we consider what constitutes a case and what the role of context is; we identify the main types of data and what opportunities and limitations are for mixing methods and/or data; we address the core expectations regarding ethics, transparency and reproducibility and assess the opportunities and challenges in publishing qualitative research in social sciences. This module is designed for students who are engaging with empirical research in social sciences. You are expected to have familiarity with research methods in social sciences and to engage, over the course of this module, with one or several specific method(s) for qualitative research.
The aims of this module are to introduce you with core issues in qualitative research in social sciences; to enable you to gain a critical understanding of the opportunities, challenges and prospects for qualitative research in social sciences; and to provide you with the tools for designing a sound research design for qualitative inquiry in social research.
SOCM033: Data Governance and Ethics
Data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence and 'big data' have become central to every aspect of social life. How can these complex and powerful technologies best be managed and governed for the benefit of society now and in the future? In this module you will: (1) identify some of the main risks and ethical/legal challenges involved in the widespread automation and digitalisation of services characterising 21st century life (for example, the clash between individual desire for privacy, frameworks for data ownership and the institutional commodification of personal data); (2) examine whether and how such concerns can be handled; and (3) discuss the responsibilities of data scientists and other producers of technologies for data analysis towards their proper use.
SPAM002: Security, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
Advancements in emerging technologies, including biotechnology, quantum computing, 3D printing, and particularly artificial intelligence (AI), pose new security concerns, such as aggravating social tensions and norms, creating new security vulnerabilities, and encouraging relative power shifts at both the inter-nation state and state versus sub-state actor levels. At the same time, these technologies have been employed in areas such as homeland security and crime prevention to protect individuals, assets, and sensitive data. This module will introduce you to AI and other emerging technologies, their impact on the security landscape, and provide you with the skills necessary to implement small-scale AI algorithms.
SPAM008: Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
This module introduces you to thinking spatially in the social sciences by providing an overview of spatial themes and techniques, drawing examples from criminology, political science, sociology, and other disciplines. It covers introductory and intermediate concepts and tools related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), using appropriate software. Emphasis is evenly split between learning how to make maps and a variety of spatial analyses. These spatial skills can be used in social science research, as well as in law enforcement, public policy, and other applications. Although familiarity with basic descriptive statistics is assumed, the module is hands-on and targeted to beginner students with an interest in maps, spatial analysis, or social geography. This module provides you with an applied introduction to spatial analysis using GIS in the social sciences. You will learn about spatial construction of place, basic mapping skills and spatial data creation and geoprocessing, and statistical methods to explore and model spatially referenced data using appropriate software. These spatial skills can be used in a variety of careers, including law enforcement, public policy analysis, and data-driven journalism.
SPAM031: Social Networks
Social relationships critically constrain and enable our lives. In this module we look at how to measure, describe, and analyse a variety of different types of social networks from communication, support, and conflict. We will explore this relational perspective and how it can change our approach to social theories. We will also look at collecting social network data both in online and offline settings. We will also introduce methods to describe and analysis social networks. No previous experience with any social network software or coding experience is expected.
You will learn about the theories of social networks and how these ideas impact our understanding of other social science topics like political engagement, social capital, and deviance. We also discuss motivations for using social network analysis and the strengths and weaknesses of this approach in a variety of social science contexts. Using a combination of lectures, practical demonstrations and assignments, you will also gain experience in describing and visualising social networks.
SSI3021: Mapping the Social World: Introduction to Spatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
This module introduces students to thinking spatially in the social sciences by providing an overview of spatial themes and techniques, drawing examples from criminology, political science, sociology, and other disciplines. It covers introductory and intermediate concepts and tools related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), using appropriate software. Emphasis is evenly split between learning how to make maps and a variety of spatial analyses. These spatial skills can be used in social science research, as well as in law enforcement, public policy, and other applications. Although familiarity with basic descriptive statistics is assumed, the module is hands-on and targeted to beginner students with an interest in maps, spatial analysis, or social geography.
This module provides you with an applied introduction to spatial analysis using GIS in the social sciences. You will learn about spatial construction of place, basic mapping skills and spatial data creation and geoprocessing, and statistical methods to explore and model spatially referenced data using appropriate software. These spatial skills can be used in a variety of careers, including law enforcement, public policy analysis, and data-driven journalism.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,650full-time; £6,325 part-time
International fees per year:
£25,550full-time; £12,775 part-time
Scholarships
The 91天堂色情片 offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with ?7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
91天堂色情片 Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the 91天堂色情片 Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for 91天堂色情片 alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Each module typically delivered by lectures interspersed with seminar discussion, presentations, group work, reading and essay assignments
We bring in various subject experts, including alumni, to expose you to the latest thinking in the field
You will learn a range of social data science skills and their application to policy making and learn how to evaluate the suitability of these methods and the rationale for using them
We place a strong emphasis on the practical skills associated with working with data using a range of statistical software, including R, Stata and Python
Independent study
A large component of the MSc programme will include guided and independent study. The dissertation/research consultancy project is the main opportunity for you to apply the skills you have learnt to a policy-related topic of your own interest. You will also develop the communication of the findings of your work to a range of audiences using effective data visualisation tools.
Q-Step Centre
In addition to module based teaching we offer a variety of additional training including Applied Data Analysis workshops?which seek to provide additional support to students interested in Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences. These aspire to raise interest in Applied Data Analysis amongst both undergraduates and postgraduates, and embed quantitative literacy in wider University practice.
Lecturer in Quantitative Methods for Political Science
Dr Lorien Jasny
Lecturer
Dr Lizzie Simon
Programme Director / Lecturer in Politics
Lizzie's areas of expertise include electoral politics, voting behaviour and public opinion. Her key research interests are: political socialisation, attitudes and identity formation, aging, generations and life course trajectories (and how these link to political behaviour), the educational divide in politics, political geography and why 'place' matters in politics, and quantitative methods and causal inference techniques. While much of her research focusses on the British context, she has also undertaken some comparative work.
Dr Simge Andi
Lecturer in Quantitative Methods for Political Science
I am a Lecturer in Quantitative Methods for Political Science. My research focuses on misinformation. More specifically, I work on 1) why people consume, believe, and share misleading information and on 2) how behavioral interventions can help reduce people’s belief in and consumption of false or misleading information. I also work on electoral behaviour in authoritarian regimes.
Dr Lorien Jasny
Lecturer
I am a computational social scientist. My work focuses on questions of public involvement and engagement in environmental decision making. In my research I explore two related themes – how the structure and dynamics of inter-organizational networks affect policy change, and how the structure and dynamics of belief networks affect behavioral change. Substantively, I study how people try to bring about societal change in response to political and environmental concerns. Methodologically, the need to grapple with these often complex phenomena requires the use and development of techniques for handling large, dynamic, and relational datasets.
Careers
Policy making in all sectors has become more data driven. Advanced training in issues of data use, data sharing, transparency, and accountability are important for both the public and private sectors.
Unlocking the potential of collecting, sharing and analysing massive amounts of administrative and economic, social and political information to bring economic and social benefits requires individuals trained in both evidence-based decision-making and social data science.
Employer valued skills
You will develop a variety of skills that are valued in professional and managerial careers: the ability to research and analyse information from a variety of sources along with written and verbal skills needed to present and discuss your opinions. The understanding you will gain of complex political and cultural issues, often in continually changing environments, can also be relevant to both business and public sector appointments.
Graduate careers
91天堂色情片 Politics postgraduates have been highly successful in securing interesting career opportunities and progressing to?PhD level study. Previous students are now working for organisations such as The World Bank, The Bank of England, Department of Health and Social Care, Department of Work and Pensions, HMRC, Office for National Statistics, Youth Endowment Fund, Accenture, PWC, and a range of data science companies in the private sector. The course is also ideal if you are thinking of doing a PhD.
Employment and professional development
Our excellent Career Zone service provides invaluable support, advice and access to graduate employers. Visit the?website for more information, including podcasts and profiles,?about the range of support available.
Work placement
A?work placement?enables you to get hands-on analysis experience for a period of typically three to six weeks. There are a wide variety of placements to choose from locally, nationally and in Europe working in public sector organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and industry.
Industry-based research consultancy project
Industry-based research consultancy projects?are a variant to a more traditional style dissertation. These provide you with the opportunity to partner with an external organisation to examine a research question of mutual interest. This option is designed to integrate the applied nature of the course with direct workplace experience as you work on your project.
The majority of students are based at our Streatham Campus in Exeter. The campus is one of the most beautiful in the country and offers a unique environment in which to study, with lakes, parkland, woodland and gardens as well as modern and historical buildings.
Located on the eastern edge of the city centre, St Luke's is home to Sport and Health Sciences, the Medical School, the Academy of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health Professions, and PGCE students.
Our Penryn Campus is located near Falmouth in Cornwall. It is consistently ranked highly for satisfaction: students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.