Department of Economics

MSc Data Science (launching soon)

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Key information

Duration: 1 year
Start of programme: September
Location: On campus
Fees: Home: £12,965
International: £25,320
Entry requirements: We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in any discipline that does not incorporate a strong data science component. In addition to degree classification, we take into account other elements of the application such as your supporting statement. References are optional but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

Course overview

The MSc Data Science is designed for students seeking to develop the expertise required to analyse economic, political, social and developmental processes using data science approaches.

Drawing on SOAS’s world-leading research, the curriculum is shaped by a Global South perspective, emphasising context-sensitive data practices grounded in diverse epistemologies, ethical approaches and developmental priorities.

Through hands-on training with real-world datasets and applications, students develop skills that allow them to apply machine learning and other data science methods and to critically evaluate the role of data science approaches in analysing and addressing socio-economic challenges and shaping power relations.

Why study MSc Data Science at SOAS?

We are ranked top 30 in the UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2025)
You will have access to the Centre for Sustainable Finance, the Centre for Sustainable Structural Transformation and the Centre for AI Futures
You will obtain transferable analytical skills that are essential for careers in businesses, financial institutions, international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations, in particular in positions that require coding skills and a critical understanding of the use and implications of data science techniques.

Global partnerships

Programme participants are eligible to apply for a co-supervised dissertation, collaborating with members of the Economics department and leading experts from international organisations. Such organisations include the World Bank, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Structure

Coming soon

Teaching and learning

The MSc degrees are taught over a period of twelve months of full-time study within a structured programme. In the case of part-time study, the degrees will be taught over two or three years. Four modules are studied each year, with the dissertation normally being completed in the second year.

Contact hours

All Masters programmes consist of 180 credits, made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others.

More information is on the page for each module.

SOAS Library

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.

Pre-entry reading

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Employment

The MSc Data Science is ideal for students who wish to obtain coding skills, apply data science techniques and develop a social science expertise on critically analysing the role of data in contemporary societies and economies. The programme provides a gateway to job opportunities in private companies, the government sector and international organisations. The advanced nature of the programme also serves as an excellent foundation for PhD studies.