MSc Politics & Data Science
The MSc Politics and Data Science programme from University College Dublin is specifically tailored to address the transformative impact of generative AI, large language models, and machine learning on political processes and their ethical implications.
Quick Facts
| Duration | 1 year full-time 2 years part-time |
| Start Date | September |
| Tuition Fee | €22,600 per year full-time €11,300 per year part-time (The fees are subject to change) |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
This cutting-edge degree is an ideal choice for applicants from diverse backgrounds, aiming to explore the intersection of politics and advanced data science in the digital era.
The curriculum delves deeply into the ways generative AI and large language models are revolutionising our understanding of political discourse, public opinion, and policy-making. With a focus on the ethical and societal implications of these technologies, the programme equips students with a critical perspective on how data science shapes political narratives and decisions in both democratic and non-democratic regimes.Structured in two streams, the programme caters to students from varying academic backgrounds.
The first stream introduces students from social sciences, including political science, to advanced data science methods, emphasising the use of large language models and machine learning in political analysis. The second stream, tailored for those with a technical background, focuses on political science research design and theories, integrating these with data science applications.
Core modules for the Social Science Background stream provide a foundational understanding of data science methods, while optional modules allow exploration into specialised areas like machine learning, quantitative text analysis, and the ethical use of AI in politics. Similarly, the Technical Background stream includes core and elective modules that blend technical skills with an understanding of political science theories and applications.
This Politics and Data Science programme from University College Dublin not only offers comprehensive training in political science and its sub-disciplines but also equips students with empirical skills to navigate and analyse the complex interplay between politics and technology in the modern world. It prepares graduates to critically assess and contribute to the evolving landscape of politics in the age of data science and AI.
Courses include:
- Statistics
- Programming for Social Scientists
- Connected Politics
- Platform Governance
- Quantitative Text Analysis
- Sociological Thinking in the Digital Age
Testimonial
“I entered the program with nothing more than an enthusiasm for quantitative research, and I left with a skill set that includes data wrangling, machine learning, and quantitative text analysis. The faculty at UCD is very passionate about education and research, encouraging my peers and me to take the initiative in our learning processes and collaborative projects.
At UCD, I found a supportive network and developed a deep appreciation for data and how its study and nuanced interpretation promotes informed policies and decisions. The MSc in Politics and Data Science offers a much-needed bridge across disciplines and expertise.“
Jeanette Garcia, Graduate
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme will be ideally equipped for careers in a large and varied set of employment sectors.
The combination of a solid understanding of social science theory and the technical ability to apply cutting-edge data-science and AI approaches to answer questions of political and societal relevance, makes our graduates a unique addition to any data science team.
Furthermore, graduates will be well-positioned to apply for quantitative social science PhD programmes with the aim of pursuing an academic career.
Potential future employers include:
- Government
- Tech industry
- Corporate Sector
- International Organisations (EU, UN, WTO, World Bank)
- Non-Government Organisations
- Not-for-profit sector
- Public opinion institutes
- Think tanks
Potential roles include
- Political Advisor
- Social Data Specialist
- Data Scientist
- Chief Information Officer
- Social Science PhD candid
Why study with us?
UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.
The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus.