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Data Science at UEA
Find out more about studying Data Science at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Data Science for Public Policy and Politics
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Why MSc Data Science for Public Policy and Politics at UEA?
Data and AI are transforming politics and governance, and this degree puts you at the centre of this revolution.
You'll combine cutting-edge technical training with critical political insight, gaining skills no single discipline can offer alone.
Why Choose UEA
- Navigate the revolution: Understand how generative AI and data science are reshaping political decision-making, governance, and democratic institutions
- Master the technology: Build hands-on proficiency in Python, R, and machine learning in a dedicated AI and Data Science lab
- Embedded in two disciplines: Learn from experts in both computing science and politics, policy, and governance in an integrated programme
What is MSc Data Science for Public Policy and Politics?
This MSc will engage you directly with the most important technological revolution shaping politics and society today. You'll learn to build AI systems and understand their political, social, and ethical implications from the ground up.
This degree uniquely combines hands-on technical training with rigorous critical examination of technology's impact on governance. You'll develop skills you won't find in a computer science degree or a traditional politics programme.
Taught jointly by two leading schools at UEA, you'll move confidently between programming labs and policy seminars throughout your studies. Upon graduation, you'll be a data scientist who deeply understands the political world.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a MSc Data Science for Public Policy and Politics degree, you could launch a career as:
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Data analysis: Turn raw data into actionable insights that drive decisions in government, NGOs, and private sector
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Policy/political advising: Shape political strategy and policy decisions using evidence-based analysis and data-driven recommendations
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Civil service: Work in government with technical expertise. Analyse policy, forecasting trends, and inform decisions across ministries worldwide s
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Digital policy analysis: Guide AI regulation, algorithmic accountability, and tech governance at the intersection of innovation and democracy
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Programme evaluation: Measure what works by assessing policy impact through rigorous data analysis and evidence synthesis
Career Support
Work closely with staff from both schools as you develop the technical and analytical skills that today's employers seek. Identify and shape your career ambitions with personalised guidance from UEA's dedicated careers experts at Career Central(opens in a new window). Through one-to-one appointments, employer events, and professional development workshops, you'll build strong, competitive applications. Collaborations with organisations such as the European Institute for Asian Studies offer additional opportunities to gain published research and policy experience.
After the Course
Your MSc is a gateway to careers where data fluency and political understanding are an increasingly rare and valuable combination. Many graduates go on to roles in government departments, international organisations, think tanks, and NGOs across the globe. You'll also be well-positioned to pursue doctoral research in data science, political science, or a related field. Our graduates have built successful careers in diplomatic services, policy advisory roles, and strategic consulting worldwide.
Study and Modules
Structure
This one-year MSc is designed to give you an integrated command of data science and political analysis, combining technical rigour with a critical understanding of governance and policy.
In your first semester, you'll build essential programming and data analysis skills, developing proficiency in Python and R alongside statistical modelling and professional data science workflows. You'll also begin exploring the political and policy contexts in which these tools are applied, grounded in expertise from both contributing schools.
In your second semester, you'll tackle core policy and political challenges using machine learning and computational methods. You'll learn to build forecasting models, work with algorithms, and examine how AI is reshaping political decision-making, power structures, and democratic institutions. Policy seminars and technical workshops run in parallel, ensuring your skills develop in both dimensions simultaneously.
Your independent research project brings the two strands together, giving you the opportunity to conduct original work at the intersection of data, AI, and politics under close expert supervision. By graduation, you'll be proficient in Python, R, and Power BI, confident in ethical and regulatory questions around data governance, and equipped to communicate complex findings compellingly to non-technical audiences.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
This interdisciplinary programme combines expertise from the School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies, and the School of Computing Science. You'll develop critical analytical skills through expert-led seminars alongside hands-on technical training in a dedicated AI and Data Science lab. Carefully designed teaching across both schools ensures technical and policy learning reinforce each other throughout the programme. Regular academic support and close supervision help you connect your growing skills to real-world applications.
In semester one, structured teaching supports your transition into both programming and political analysis at postgraduate level. In semester two, teaching becomes more applied and independent, with workshops and seminars connecting technical methods to live policy challenges.
Your dissertation project is developed one-to-one with an expert supervisor, serving as a professional portfolio piece for your career.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to develop both the technical and communicative skills that employers in data science and policy value most. You'll complete programming assignments, data analysis tasks, policy briefs, and presentations across the programme. Collaborative assessments feature prominently developing the teamwork skills essential in today's interconnected policy environments. Formative feedback you recieve throughout ensures you’re well-prepared for summative work.
In semester one, assessments build your confidence in programming and evidence-based political analysis simultaneously. In semester two, you'll tackle more applied tasks including machine learning exercises, policy briefs, and stakeholder presentations. Your dissertation is a professional-grade independent research project that applies data science methods to a policy question of your choosing.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Humanities, Social Sciences, or Sciences.
Students without experience of quantitative approaches should take PPLX7023A: Data, Society and Politics in Optional Modules Range A.
- Additional Entry Requirements
This course is aimed at any students who is considering using statistics or data science to address political, public policy, or social issues. If you would like more information on meeting the entry requirements, please contact admissions for advice.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Humanities, Social Sciences, or Sciences.
Students without experience of quantitative approaches should take PPLX7023A: Data, Society and Politics in Optional Modules Range A.
- Additional Entry Requirements
This course is aimed at any students who is considering using statistics or data science to address political, public policy, or social issues. If you would like more information on meeting the entry requirements, please contact admissions for advice.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £12,350
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International Students: £25,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Data and AI are transforming politics and governance, and this degree puts you at the centre of this revolution. You'll combine cutting-edge technical training with critical political insight, gaining skills no single discipline can offer alone.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.