The rapid rise of AI and big data are reshaping our world. This programme will equip you with cutting edge data science skills that are in demand across a variety of careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.
You’ll acquire technical skills in applied data science, computation, programming, and quantitative methods, and learn how to use data to answer interesting and important social science questions.
The programme has a strong practical focus. You’ll take project-based programming courses specifically designed for students without a formal computing or statistical background. Nevertheless, a typical student will have taken at least two prior courses in quantitative methods or applied statistics at a basic or intermediate level.
You’ll master highly demanded programming languages including R and Python, learn how to construct and manipulate large databases, and creatively deploy newly acquired analytical skills on project-based tasks.
You can tailor the programme to suit your specific interests through a wide range of optional choices. A Capstone project gives you the chance to apply your new skills to an original social science problem of your choosing.
Discover more about our students and department.
The department is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in social science research methodology.
We offer postgraduate programmes in social research methods, applied social data science and demography, welcoming around 80 students each year.
As a department, we also provide training for thousands of students and staff across LSE on research design, qualitative, quantitative and computational methods. From our regular courses and seminars through to our advanced short courses, we want to ensure that students and staff have the expertise to maintain the School’s excellence in social scientific research.
The department has a vibrant and collaborative ethos. We’re proud to have won the 2023 LSE SU Teaching Award for Departmental Excellence – based on student nominations.
Our teaching team include leading researchers in sociology, political science, international relations, anthropology, economics, psychology, criminology, and statistics. We also work closely with colleagues in the departments of Statistics and Mathematics on interdisciplinary topics, such as the social applications of data science.
Our aim is to make the School the pre-eminent centre for methodological training in the social sciences.
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in social science with evidence of quantitative training. Work experience is advantageous but not required.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
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The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't 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.