Data Science and Public Policy (Political Science) MSc

The size and complexity of digital information now available has the potential to improve how we understand, design, implement and evaluate effective public policy. Co-taught by UCL Economics and Political Science, this course will equip you as a policymaker to translate this wealth of information into useful insight, using cutting-edge data-science methods, rich technical skills, and detailed knowledge about economic and political processes. The rapid expansion and increased availability of quantitative data in recent years presents 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 about economic and political processes. The Data Science and Public Policy MSc is defined by two routes: one for Economics, and one for Political Science. You’ll receive expert insight and training in applied data-science methods and economic and political processes in both routes, via three compulsory modules shared by both pathways. The Political Science route delves deeper into public policy formation and implementation, while the Economics route (see the separate Graduate Prospectus entry) further explores modern quantitative economic analysis. Each route has its own set of entry requirements to reflect the emphasis of that route. You can apply for a place on either the Economics or Political Science route of this programme, according to your experience and career direction. Taught by experts in quantitative social science, this programme 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.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university; or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. All applicants must provide evidence of successfully completing at least one advanced module in quantitative methods, statistics, data science or econometrics during their Bachelor's degree. Applicants are asked to upload the syllabus of their advanced module(s) in quantitative methods with their application. Relevant practical or work experience in a related field may also be taken into account. For example, this might include: i) at least two years of experience working in a public sector organisation, a think tank, an international-governmental organisation, or in a public-policy consultancy role; or ii) at least two years of experience working in a data-science role.