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Social Scientific Data Analysis - Master of Science programme

Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits

Strengthen your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods. At this programme you will learn how to develop, carry out, and analyse data for research projects.

Application dates
Group of student by a whiteboard.

Start

Autumn 2027

Duration

2 years

Level

Master's

Language

English

Place of study

Lund

Application dates

At the Master of Science in Social Scientific Data Analysis you prepare yourself to become a skilled data analyst and researcher. This programme focuses on social research methods, research design, and applied theory. You will receive extensive training in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, including the use of the programming language 'R'. The main goal is for you to develop, refine, and carry out social scientific research projects. Whether you’re a beginner or have more experience with quantitative research and statistics you will find a challenging and supportive home in the programme.

Become a professional researcher or analyst  

At the programme you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in quantitative and qualitative methods. These skills will help you conduct research, analyse data, and assess existing studies for policy and programme design. Ideal job markets include data science, market research, IT companies, consultancies, risk management firms, and intelligence analysis. The programme is also a good foundation for doctoral studies. 

Coursework includes extensive training in social research, research design, methodology, qualitative and quantitative methods, and applied theory. You will gain programming skills in the programme ’R’, a flexible, powerful, and open-source statistics-oriented programming language. You will also learn how to publish research.  

This is an international programme and all lectures and seminars will be given in English. This also means that you will complete examinations and the master's thesis in English. 

Internship or elective courses 

The third semester consists of an elective period that you may use in a range of ways, including an academic internship, a non-academic internship, or elective courses. You will be given ample opportunities for developing your intellectual capacities, expanding your skills and competences, building your network, as well as preparing for your life after your master's. The courses are chosen with the approval of the programme coordinator and enables you to tailor the programme to suit your particular interests. 

Degree 

After completing the programme, you will acquire a degree of Master of Science in Social Scientific Data Analysis (120 credits).
The main field of study is Social Scientific Data Analysis.

Career

The programme will prepare you for postgraduate studies. It is also well suited for research and research management in a variety of fields linking data science with social scientific training. This could for example be conducting data analysis or market research for research organisations, IT companies, consultancies, risk management firms, intelligence analysis, or other private companies. 

Autumn Semester 2027

Apply by 15 January.

Apply now

Start

27 August 2027

27 Aug 2027

End

3 June 2029

3 Jun 2029

Form

Normal learning

Pace

Full time

Language

English

City

Lund

Apply now

When and how to apply

There are different application rounds depending on the type of studies you are applying to, and whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen. Before applying, make sure to carefully review the entry requirements and read the how to apply guide, including document instructions.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the programme, the student must hold a bachelor’s degree, including at least 90 credits in a Social Science discipline. English course 6/English level 2 (advanced proficiency).

Selection criteria

The applicant’s estimated capacity to complete the programme is the primary criterion for selection. Students are selected on the basis of their previous study results (grades on courses and bachelor’s degree essay), proficiency in English, statement of purpose which shall also include a brief statement on previous experience/knowledge in methods and methodology. Of these selection criteria, previous academic performance carries the most weight.

Specific documents

When and how to apply

There are different application rounds depending on the type of studies you are applying to, and whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or non-EU/EEA citizen. Before applying, make sure to carefully review the entry requirements and read the how to apply guide, including document instructions.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

  • The European Union (EU)
  • The European Economic Area (EEA) and
  • Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

Convert currency – xe.com

Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

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

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

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 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 Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships

Discover the Paradis area

The Paradis neighbourhood is a green oasis right in the heart of Lund. It features a library, cafés and several study areas.

People are sitting on the stairs in front of the building Gamla köket. Photo.

Contact us

Administration

Graduate school

Email: master@sam.lu.se