Unlock the potential of big data with our MSc in Social Data Science.
It may sound cliché, but I couldn't have made a better decision.
It's true that data analysis can be a bit challenging, but the amount of support available is fantastic. There are drop-in sessions and extra workshops. All the data analysis modules have been, to my relief, at a steady enough pace for me to understand everything, but also fast enough to feel I'm learning something new.
If you're worried about how much maths you'd need to know, I can reassure you that you needn't worry: it's all basic algebra and following formulae (and you get to take a formulae card in the exam!)
Adina Pintilie, BSc Politics and International Relations
Study with us
The Exeter Q-Step Centre builds on the core disciplines of Politics and International Relations, Criminology and Sociology; our programmes aim to increase the number of students undertaking quantitative methods training in social science by embedding research skills into substantive degree programmes and modules.
The Centre provides the following training pathways:
Undergraduate degrees
(BSc) in Politics & International Relations, in Criminology, and in Sociology. These programmes give you the opportunity to choose from an impressive range of modules across the University, with a bursary-supported work placement at innovative companies and institutions in the UK and overseas.
Postgraduate degrees
- MSc Social Data Science - Advanced training in data analytics with a focus on addressing real-world challenges through the formation and evaluation of public policy, and the implementation of evidence-based decision making.
- MRes Advanced Quantitative Methods (AQM) in Social Sciences, as part of the South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC)
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Academic staff at the Exeter Q-Step Centre welcome PhD students interested in the following: social media, elections, social networks, public opinion, climate change politics, social inequalities, stratification and mobility, international terrorism, evidence-based policing and quantitative criminology, and related fields. More information on staff research interests.
See funding opportunities here.
Others
- Proficiency in Social Data Science (PSDS) courses: Open to all Exeter students interested in quantitative methods but not enrolled in a Q-Step BSc programme (20 places per academic year). This adds “with Proficiency in Social Data Science” to your degree title (for example, “BA in Politics with Proficiency inSocial Data Science”).
- Half-day workshops in Applied Data Analysis, open to all Exeter students (60 places per workshop).
As a Q-Step student you will have access to one-to-one expert support through our 'Stats Help Desk'. To find out more, read the Student resources page.
Hear from some of our Widening Participation students in this video.
If you have further questions, be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page or contact us.
Our members discuss their research and studying social data science with the Exeter Q-Step Centre.
Click on the icon in the left hand corner to view full playlist.