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Computational Content Analysis for the Social Sciences

Course · 7.5 credits

Description

This course is aimed towards students who have some prior knowledge of quantitative research methods and wish to further develop their understanding of content analysis, and ability to independently apply computational methods of extracting content features from digital texts and images.

The course focuses on content analysis as a method to gain knowledge about current and historical social issues by analyzing observations of communication and media messages. Some of the computational content analysis techniques most commonly used within the social sciences, such as natural language processing and computer vision, are presented and practiced, and their connection to the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning is discussed. The focus lies on applying these methods and techniques and presenting the results through data visualizations.

Teaching includes lectures and teacher assisted exercises in practical computational content analysis and data visualization (computer lab work). 

Assessment is based on content analysis techniques for texts and images that are examined separately in two “data visualization reports” presented at seminars. The research reports should also include some contextual information, e.g. reflections on ethical aspects of the analysis techniques employed. Each report is examined individually and is worth 50% of the course grade.

For more information please contact: master [at] sam [dot] lu [dot] se 

Closed for applications

Application opportunities

Contact

Graduate School

Requirements and selection

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the course students must have a Bachelor’s degree with a major (i.e. at least 90 ECTS credits) in Development Studies, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Political Science, Social Anthropology, Social Work, Sociology or Sociology of Law, or the equivalent.

To be admitted to the course, students must have completed the course SIMM61 Quantitative Data Analysis in R, 15 credits, or otherwise demonstrated basic working knowledge of relevant programming language. A further requirement is that students have taken at least 7.5 credits of quantitative methods at the advanced level, e.g. SIMM16 Introduction to Quantitative Methods, 7.5 credits, or equivalent.

Oral and written proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B (advanced) from Swedish upper secondary school is a requirement. International qualifications will be assessed in accordance with national guidelines.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

English language requirements

Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.

How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements

Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:

Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se

Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se

Apply

Start Autumn Semester 2024

Day-time Lund, full time 100%

In English

Study period

4 December 2024 - 19 January 2025

Application

You can only apply for this course in the 'Swedish student' application round. Find out more: Applying for studies – when to apply

How to apply

Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.

When to apply for studies

Step 1: Apply online

  • Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
  • Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
    Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website
  • Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.

Step 2: Submit documents

  • Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
    Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
    Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
     
  • Get all your documents ready:
    - official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
    - official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
    - passport/ID (all applicants) and
    - proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
     
  • Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
  • Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
  • Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.

* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below. 
Svensk student? 
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se

Tuition fees

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 15 625

First payment: SEK 15 625

Convert currency – xe.com

Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Application fee

If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.


*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.

Scholarships & funding

Lund University Global Scholarship programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarships

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

Information about scholarships from external organisations