Computational Social Science

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

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Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Computational Social Science

About

The world is changing rapidly due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), large language models (LLMs), and digital technologies. These developments are reshaping how we interact, communicate, and make decisions. We are more interconnected than ever, generating vast digital footprints that provide unprecedented opportunities for understanding human behaviour.

The BSc in Computational Social Science equips you with the skills to analyse and interpret these digital traces using AI-driven techniques, big data analytics, computer simulations, and social network analysis. You will explore how LLMs, machine learning, and predictive modelling can uncover patterns in online interactions, political movements, and economic trends. If you are excited about using cutting-edge AI tools to study and influence the future of our digital society, this course is for you.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Recommendation:
In order to study this degree we strongly recommend that you have the equivalent of A Level C or IB HL 5 in mathematics.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

This course is designed to prepare students for employment opportunities in the growing field of social data science. You will develop expertise in curating and analysing social big data and applying computational methods such as simulation, machine learning, and Large Language Models to real-world social challenges. These skills are increasingly essential for policy testing, development, and decision-making in public and private sectors.

Graduates of this course can pursue careers in a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, insurance, healthcare, media, telecommunications, consulting, and e-commerce. Opportunities also exist in sectors such as transport, logistics, urban planning, environmental science, cybersecurity, defence, and education. The public sector, NGOs, and international organisations are seeking professionals who can harness and critically evaluate AI and data-driven insights to address social and economic issues.

Graduates may also choose to continue their studies in areas such as Social Data Science, Social Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Informatics, and other interdisciplinary programmes.