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Programme Structure - Social Scientific Data Analysis

Programme structure

The Master of Science in Social Scientific Data Analysis comprises a total of 120 credits (2 years). The programme is full-time, and you should expect to put in at least 40 hours a week. This includes lectures and seminars.

The first term begins with a profile course on the topic of the overall research process and research design. In the second course of the programme, a quantitative methods course, the student is introduced to advanced quantitative methods software and will use it while learning a range of introductory and intermediate statistics and quantitative analysis, including regression analysis.

The second term begins with the second profile course, which focuses on understanding what theory is and how it is used: issues of applied theory, meta-theory, and theory building. This is followed by a continuation of their quantitative training, introducing the student to a range of appropriate quantitative methods beyond standard regression approaches. Following this, the student selects two qualitative methods of their choice from a list of alternatives. This 15 credit qualitative method foundation is complemented by the option to take additional qualitative and mixed-methods courses in the third term.

The third term consists of a 15 credit disciplinary elective period that may be used in a range of ways with an approved disciplinary focus, including an academic internship, a non-academic internship, or an elective course. After this, at the end of the third term, there is a Methods Elective and a Theory Elective. The methods elective will offer specialised options related to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. The theory elective will allow for further content specialisation close to the student’s own research interests. The courses are chosen after approval of the programme coordinator, and enable you to tailor the programme to suit your particular interests. Read more about the third term here

During the fourth and last term, you will complete the programme with a written thesis in your major social science discipline, which provides the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of theories, methods and argumentation. Read more about the thesis here.

The courses are studied in the following order:

  • The Research Process, 15 credits (first half of the first term)
  • Introduction to Quantitative Methods Using R, 15 credits (second half of the first term)
  • Using Social Theory, 7.5 credits (part one of the first half of the second term)
  • Intermediate Quantitative Methods Using R, 7.5 credits (part two of the first half of the second term)
  • Two Qualitative Elective Courses, 7.5 + 7.5 credits (second half of the second term)
  • Disciplinary Elective Period, 15 credits (first half of the third term)
  • Advanced Theory Elective, 7.5 credits (part one of the second half of the third term)
  • Advanced Methods Elective, 7.5 credits (part two of the second half of the third term)
  • Master’s Thesis in the student´s major social science discipline, 30 credits (the fourth semester)

About the programme

Programme period: 
August 2022 to June 2024

Syllabus:
Download

Programme Director:
Christopher Swader