The rapid expansion and increased availability of quantitative data in recent years present policymakers with great challenges and opportunities alike. The vast complexity of digital information at our fingertips can provide us with the means to understand, design, implement, and evaluate effective public policy. However, translating this wealth of information into useful insight requires a deep understanding of cutting-edge data-science methods, rich technical skills, and detailed knowledge of political processes.
The Data Science and Public Policy MSc provides expert insight and training in applied data-science methods and public policy through a combination of core and specialist modules. The programme develops advanced quantitative and analytical skills while exploring how public policy is formed, implemented, and evaluated. Students will gain the technical expertise needed to work with complex datasets alongside a strong understanding of contemporary policy challenges, preparing them for careers in government, public sector organisations, research, consulting, and related fields. Entry requirements reflect the quantitative and analytical focus of the course.
Taught by experts in quantitative social science, this degree is custom-built for people who are passionate about studying public policy, and who want to develop the skills required to lead on economic quantitative analysis and policy-making for the future.
The course is designed to teach you the knowledge and skills required to provide insight into important questions in public policy using advanced statistical methods. A series of in-depth substantive modules, delivered by economists and political scientists, will provide you with the analytical tools to think deeply about important questions in policymaking. The methodological training will enable you to understand and, crucially, apply cutting-edge quantitative methods to real-world problems. Our research-based curriculum promotes a variety of research skills, which will enable you to understand, and contribute to, quantitative analyses of public policy.
Alumni from current MSc programmes* in UCL’s Political Science and Economics departments have gone on to attain employment in diverse areas such as:
The UK civil service: HM Treasury, local government.
International institutions: the European Commission, the UN. Central banks: Bank of England and European Central Bank.
Research: policy and economics-related institutes akin to the Institute of Fiscal Studies, the Institute of Government etc.
Consultancy: within the Big Five (McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Deloitte, and Accenture), and throughout the financial sector.
Graduate Outcomes survey 2022–2024
This degree will provide you with intensive training in applied data-science methods, computer programming, statistics, and machine learning, with a focus on applying these tools to questions in public policy.