Master of Data Science (Social Analytics),MDS

From personalised medicine to smart cities and sustainable solutions, data science is building a better world. At the same time, developments in technology have made the field of data science more accessible than ever, creating new opportunities to gain insight into the interactions between people and their social environment. With companies and organisations of all types harnessing this technology to advance knowledge and aid policy and business decisions, there has been a significant increase in demand for skilled data scientists.

Drawing on this, we have created the Master of Data Science (Social Analytics), a conversion course that opens up a future in data science even if your first degree is in a non-quantitative subject (including the social sciences, the arts and humanities). The course equips you with the skills to process and analyse data, communicate your findings to a wide audience whilst applying this knowledge to practical situations.

The MDS provides training in contemporary data science, learning from practicing researchers who are making a difference across a range of industries. Shared core modules across the suite of MDS courses build wider skills in statistical and machine learning, while subject-specific modules integrate data science with social science, equipping you with the skills to design and carry out social data science research and communicate it to optimise impact across a variety of settings.

The course begins with a range of introductory modules before progressing to more advanced contemporary techniques such as statistical modelling (in R), computer programming (in Python), machine learning, AI and neural networks. Social analytics modules provide insight into the specialised methods needed for social data as well as the theoretical foundations to understand how to use them effectively.

The MDS culminates in the research project, an in-depth investigation into an area of specific interest in which you apply the skills learned during the course to a research problem in a social science domain of your choice. The Durham Research Methods Centre can help with the allocation of project topics through local authorities, NHS Trusts and the wider health and social care sector.

Gain advanced data science and AI skills that can be used to inform policy and business decisions. This course will equip you with social data knowledge and skills that can be used to change people’s lives for the better.

A UK first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in ANY degree that doesn’t include a strong data science component including those in social sciences, the arts and humanities, business, and sciences. Candidates with a degree in Social and Behavioural Sciences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Evidence of competence in written and spoken English if the applicant’s first language is not English:

• minimum TOEFL requirement is 92 IBT (no element under 23)
• minimum IELTS score is 6.5 with no component under 6.0

English language requirements

The skills and knowledge that constitute a Masters qualification in Data Science are widely sought by employers around the globe. In today’s data-driven society, the ability to capture, analyse and communicate information and trends from the data generated by business, governments and their agencies, communities and organisations is highly prized.

It follows that Data Science is a rapidly expanding career sector with opportunities for stimulating and rewarding work in many sectors including the areas of science, humanities, health, environmental and social where understanding and expertise in data is leading to transformations in the way people live and work.