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Data, Networks and Society,PhD

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

University Rank:#56

Go to Official Website

Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 32,813 / Year

Next IntakeSeptember 28, 2026

Data, Networks and Society,PhD

About

Introduction

From social media to AI and big data, we’ve seen the transformation of the media, communications and technological landscape over the past 10 years.

This interdisciplinary programme explores the social impact of the datafication and digitisation of our society. You’ll analyse how data and networks shape social structures, influence regulation and transform our lives. You’ll also look at the benefits and risks of data-driven and networked technologies in either addressing or exacerbating social, political and economic inequalities. Optional courses allow you to delve into topics such as digital platforms, governance, and technology and justice.

The programme includes rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative data analytics. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute original research to the field on the role of data and networks in society. Current PhD students are completing research on wide-ranging topics from utopian and dystopian discourses around Meta (aka Facebook) to gender inequalities in rural India driven by the digitisation of education.

You’ll begin on the MPhil and progress to the PhD (subject to meeting certain requirements).

We have a welcoming, supportive community of students, researchers and world-leading academics. Our department is rated top in the UK and second in the world for media and communications (QS World University Rankings 2024). In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 96% of our research was rated "world-leading" or "internationally excellent". This is partly achieved through our commitment to promoting diversity in our doctoral cohort as well as our faculty, we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and perspectives.

Our graduates pursue interesting and challenging careers in academia, government and industry, influencing policymaking and research.

Preliminary readings

Baym N. K. (2010) Personal Connections in the Digital Age. Polity
Boltanski l. and Chiapello E. (2001) The New Spirit of Capitalism. London: Verso
Carey J. W. (1989) Communication as Culture New York. NY: Routledge
Chadwick A. (2017) The Hybrid Media System: Politics and Power – 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Chesher C. Crawford K. and Dunne A. (2014) Understanding the Internet. Language, technology, Media, Power London: MacMillan. Palgrave
Chouliaraki L. (2013) The Ironic Spectator. Solidarity in the Age of Post-humanitarianism. Cambridge: Polity
Couldry N. (2012) Media, Society, World. Cambridge: Polity
Lievrow A. L. and Livingstone S. (eds.) (2006) The Handbook of New Media (updated edition). London: Sage
Mansell R. (2012) Imagining the Internet. Oxford: OUP
Papacharissi Z. (2014) Affective Publics. Oxford: OUP
Rogers R. (2013) Digital Methods. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press
Wacquant L. and Bourdieu P. (1992) Introduction to Reflexive Sociology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Silverstone R. (2006) Media and Morality. On the Rise of Mediapolis. Cambridge: Polity.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Graduate entry requirements for applicants from Saudi Arabia Taught master's programmes To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (upper second class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 80 per cent, 3.3/4, 4.0/5, or an overall B, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. To be considered for admission to a taught master's programme (first-class equivalent), we would normally require a bachelor's degree after at least four years of study with grades of 90 per cent, 3.75/4, 4.7/5, A or very good, if awarded since 2004. If awarded prior to 2004, we require the master's with similar grades. Research programmes (MPhil/MRes/PhD) To be considered for admission to a research programme, we would normally require a master’s degree if awarded after 2004 and expect grades of 85 per cent.

English Program Requirements

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Research. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Career

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

Fee Information

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification.

Tuition Fee

32,813 / year

Data, Networks and Society,PhD

London School of Economics and Political Science

United Kingdom, London

Go to Official Website