Computational Social Science

Our everyday interactions are increasingly shaped by digitalisation, and we are more connected than ever before. This greater connectivity has created both new challenges and new opportunities: social problems have grown more complex and wider in scope, but we also have access to an unprecedented volume of data that can help us understand and change society.

Artificial Intelligence now touches many parts of our individual and social lives, placing us within an interconnected network of humans and machines. As we navigate this new landscape, we leave behind digital footprints that can be analysed through the lens of Computational Social Science – a field that draws on big data, computer simulations, machine learning, analysis of text, video, and audio, and social network analysis to understand social phenomena and individual behaviour.

By combining social science theories with cutting-edge computational methods and tools, you will learn to analyse the large amounts of information produced by people interacting with one another and with machines, both online and in the physical world.

The programme offers a unique combination of training in computational methods and social science subjects such as Sociology, Politics, Economics, and Geography, using those methods to answer pressing questions about society. As one of only a handful of undergraduate programmes of its kind worldwide, this degree offers a distinctive academic perspective. You will join a pioneering group of students equipped to lead social science in a digitalised world. If you want to pair a deep curiosity about human society with the technical skills of the future, this programme is for you.

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The BSc degree in Computational Social Science is leading the way in this field of study in Europe and beyond. This course offers a unique combination of training in both computational and social science subjects.

As a student, you will have the opportunity to study two social science subjects out of Sociology, Politics, Geography or Economics, as well as a range of modules which teach you how to analyze human social behavior using data science, machine learning, social simulation, and mathematical modeling techniques. These skills are highly valued in today’s competitive job market.

First Year

Introduction to Computational Social Science • Statistical Modelling • Introduction to Programming 1  •  Introduction to Programming 2 •  Information, Society, and Culture •  Digital Technology

Plus core modules in any two of the following subjects: Sociology, Geography, Economics, Politics

Second Year

Applied Computational Social Science • Probability Theory • Introduction to GIS for Social Sciences • Politics Critical Data Studies • Advanced Computational Social Science • Exploring Text with Python • 

Continue with core and option modules in your two subjects: Sociology, Geography, Economics, Politics 

Third Year

Statistical Data Mining • Machine Learning for Social Science • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence • Optional Study Abroad • Optional Internship

Continue with your two subjects: Sociology, Geography, Economics, Politics  

Fourth Year

Quantitative Research Project • Social Dynamics and Networks • Data Analytics for Social Sciences • Introduction to AI • Deep Tech
Technology and Human Rights

Continue with your subjects:Sociology, Geography, Economics, Politics  

Assessment

Students usually attend lectures and participate in seminar discussions and lab tutorials. Assessment is based on assignments throughout the trimester, small group work, individual reports, traditional exams and other forms of assessment.

Internship Opportunities

In Year 3, you can apply for an optional internship role in a range of organisations in the public and private sectors: Data Scientist | Data Policy Analyst | Digital Advisor | Social Networks Analyst | Machine Learning Engineer | Data Journalist | Public Opinion Researcher

In Year 3, trimester-long study abroad study opportunities will be offered in a number of destinations in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.

Graduates of this programme work across a wide range of sectors. Our students have gone on to work at organisations including Dell Technologies, Stripe, IBM, Salesforce, Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Citi, Allianz, the Central Bank of Ireland, the National Treasury Management Agency, and the Central Statistics Office, among many others. This reflects the broad demand for computational social science skills across technology, finance, the public sector, and beyond.

In Year 3, you can apply for an optional internship role in a range of organisations in the public and private sectors: Data Scientist | Data Policy Analyst | Digital Advisor | Social Networks Analyst | Machine Learning Engineer | Data Journalist | Public Opinion Researcher

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET


• Open Learning Entry Route


• Mature Entry Route


• DARE Entry Route


• HEAR Entry Route


• University Access

The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law is a broad and diverse, but connected community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We work together in a culture of collaboration to support each other to thrive and achieve our full potential, in service of broader societal goals. Through our undergraduate and graduate education, research and external engagement, we aim to ensure that our students, faculty and staff thrive and contribute to sustainable well-being on our campus, in Ireland and across the wider world. Our faculty are globally recognized experts in their fields, advancing knowledge through research, engaging with government, business and civil society to enhance our world, and using their knowledge to design and offer cutting-edge education within their disciplines and across the disciplines of Archaeology, Economics, Geography, Information & Communication Studies, Philosophy, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Social Policy Social Work & Social Justice, and Sociology. Our ambition is that our students will debate and engage with the greatest societal challenges of our time by becoming informed citizens who will play a leading role in shaping societies around the globe toward more sustainable futures.  

The Social Sciences degrees at UCD incorporate a diverse range of formal and informal learning opportunities for students, delivered by excellent researchers who are leading their fields globally, and embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDG’s) in their educational activities where appropriate.

BSc Computational Social Science

Computational Social Sciences students learn about a field that harnesses the power of big data, computer simulations, machine learning and social network analysis to gain insights into social phenomena and individual behaviour. The unique combination of computational skills and training in social sciences subjects such as Sociology, Politics, Economics and Geography help students to positively contribute to addressing many of today’s global challenges including reducing inequalities and decent work and economic growth. 

• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8)
• Industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

Recommendation:
In order to study this degree we strongly recommend that you have the equivalent of A Level C or IB HL 5 in mathematics.