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Graduate Programmes

The London School of Economics and Political Science runs a wide range of graduate degree programmes delivered by departments across the school that focus on data science and work to equip students with the skills they need to tackle business, science and social questions from a data perspective.

MSc in Data Science 

The MSc in Data Science offers training in data science methods, with a focus on statistical perspectives. The programme offers students a solid theoretical foundation of statistical methods, as well as machine learning and data mining methods, and enables them to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in using modern computational tools and platforms that process small and large scale data. Students can choose to specialise in advanced topics in statistics and computing, and acquire analytical and quantitative skills in special application domains, such as finance and risk management. Capstone projects provide the opportunity of working on a real-world data science problem in collaboration with a corporate partner. 

This programme is delivered by the Department of Statistics.

Visit the MSc in Data Science page for more information and details of how to apply.


MSc in Applied Social Data Science 

The MSc in Applied Social Data Science offers students with a background in social sciences the chance to use data to answer social, economic or political questions using the tools of data analysis, data science and computation. The programme offers a series of courses in project-based programming, applied quantitative methods, and research principles in data science, designed for students without a formal computing or statistical background. Students will also have the opportunity to choose electives from other departments, reflecting their interests and backgrounds in a substantive research area. Capstone projects provide students with the opportunity to apply the technical skills they have learned to a project of their own design.

This programme is delivered by the Department of Methodology.

Visit the MSc in Applied Social Data Science page for more information and details of how to apply.


MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)

The MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society) is a social science programme which offers a critical, year-long exploration of the significance of data and information within contemporary societies and communications. At a time when intensive data-gathering about online activity is central to both business models and to governments’ strategies for understanding their citizens, the programme’s theoretical perspective on datafication is highly relevant, allowing students to understand, evaluate and respond to the social and political contexts of data production and analytics. You will also consider the cultural aspects of the role of data within everyday life.

This programme is delivered by the Department of Media and Communications.

Visit the MSc Media and Communications (Data and Society)page for more information and details of how to apply.


MSc in Operations Research and Analytics

The MSc in Operations Research and Analytics provides mathematically oriented students with the skills needed to apply mathematical methods to real-world problems faced by companies, governments and other institutions. The programme delivers practical training in modelling, along with the theory of mathematical optimisation, statistics, dynamic programming and other fundamental techniques, with specialised options including combinatorial optimisation, integer programming, and algorithmic data mining. Capstone projects offer students the opportunity to undertake a consultancy role in a host organisation, and provide a solution with tangible benefits to a problem faced by the organisation.

This programme is delivered by the Department of Mathematics.

Visit the MSc in Operations Research and Analytics page for more information and details of how to apply.


MSc in Health Data Science

The MSc in Health Data Science is a programme designed to equip future health data analysts with the skills they need to interpret, analyse, assess, and evaluate health interventions, services, programmes, and policies. Students will be taught to use a range of statistical methods relevant to the context of health, including machine learning, data mining, artificial intelligence, and deep learning techniques. The specialised courses in the programme will also enable students to apply advanced methods of data science and statistics to investigate real world health policy questions.

This programme is delivered by the Department of Health Policy and the Department of Statistics.

Visit the MSc in Health Data Science page for more information and details of how to apply.


MSc in Geographic Data Science

The MSc in Geographic Data Science is aimed at those who wish to develop their skills in the analysis of quantitative data to answer research questions on spatial and geographic social science topics. The programme will suit those interested in research for academic or policy purposes, have a background in economics or other quantitative social science and are interested in developing technical skills in analysis of spatial data. Skills in obtaining, managing, visualising and analysing data (data science) are in high demand and the programme combines a training in the application of these methods and the use of geographical information systems (GIS), with the chance to study topics in urban economics, economic geography, environmental economics or planning. The culmination of the programme is a dissertation in which you investigate your own research topic using the data science and GIS methods you have studied on the course.

This programme is delivered by the Department of Geography and Environment.

Visit the MSc in Geographic Data Science page for more information and details of how to apply.


MPA - Data Science for Public Policy 

The MPA - Data Science for Public Policy fosters a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to public policy that tackles policy challenges with the tools and frameworks of political science, economics, econometrics and data science.   

In a world of big data and rapid technological change, computer programming and quantitative skills play a key role in the programme designed to equip professionals with the core quantitative, technical and analytical tools to address modern policy challenges.

Students will hone their quantitative and analytical skills, positioning them for a variety of technical, policy, strategy and leadership roles across Government, NGOs, IFIs and the private sector. 

This programme is delivered by the School of Public Policy.

Visit the MPA - Data Science for Public Policy page for more information and details of how to apply.