Sociology with Data Science

What is BSc Sociology with Data Science?

BSc Sociology with Data Science is a three-year degree, or four years with an optional placement or study abroad year.

You’ll explore how data science methods can help answer social science questions, combining sociological insight with programming and analytical skills. This course prepares you to understand and shape the growing world of data-driven society.

Why this course
How can data science methods help answer social science questions? How can we combine a deep understanding of the social world with the latest tools and data sources to analyse it? This degree helps you develop the skills to ask the right questions and find meaningful answers using data.

By combining sociology with programming and computational methods, you’ll develop the ability to understand and shape the big data revolution from a social science perspective.

At Essex, we explore what connects people and what divides them, offering a lively and informal learning environment where you can engage with a wide variety of contemporary topics.

You’ll study within a programme that recognises the importance of digital methods in modern sociology, as large-scale data increasingly shapes how society is studied and understood.

Who should apply
Students interested in sociology, data science, and programming
Those curious about how technology and data shape modern society
Learners who enjoy combining analytical thinking with social understanding
Future data analysts, social researchers, or professionals working with large-scale data

What you’ll learn
Programming for social science: Learn Python and Java to analyse social data
Digital society: Explore the role of software and technology in everyday life
Ethics and digital culture: Examine ethical and social issues in data-driven societies
Data visualisation: Develop skills in presenting and interpreting complex data
Sociological theory: Study social stratification, race, class, gender, and inequality
Research methods: Learn sociological and computational research techniques
Natural language processing: Explore computational approaches to analysing text and communication

Your learning experience
Interdisciplinary teaching: Study across Sociology and Computer Science disciplines
Research-led learning: Learn from experts working at the intersection of society and technology
Practical coding skills: Gain hands-on experience in programming and data analysis
Applied sociology: Connect sociological theory with real-world data challenges
Collaborative expertise: Benefit from teaching across the Department of Sociology and Criminology and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

Careers and outcomes
A BSc Sociology with Data Science degree can prepare you for careers in:

Data analysis and research: Roles working with large-scale social, commercial, or public datasets
Technology and digital industries: Positions in software, analytics, and digital product development
Public policy and government: Data-informed policy analysis and social research roles
Consultancy and business intelligence: Using data to inform organisational strategy and decision-making
Further study: Postgraduate study in data science, sociology, computational social science, or related fields

Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.