MSc Data, Inequality and Society

Overview

About the degree programme

What makes societies inclusive? How do data practices describe, amplify or confront problems of marginalisation and inequality?

This innovative MSc programme from Edinburgh Futures Institute brings advanced, cross-disciplinary knowledge together with insights from sector leaders and experts who are committed to building inclusive and equitable global societies.

Through a combination of critical analysis, creative thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, you will build the skills to investigate the roots of inequality, evaluate their impacts, and design data-informed strategies for positive social change.

What you will study

Inequality and exclusion lie at the heart of the ‘wicked problems’ that societies face today.

Through this programme, you will examine the social, political, and economic forces that generate and maintain inequalities and investigate the effects of inequalities on people and communities across the globe.

You will explore the role of data in creating and exacerbating inequality and exclusion, and will analyse how the rapidly changing data landscape is interacting with existing inequalities along multiple dimensions, including those of class, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, geography, and citizenship.

Crucially, this programme goes beyond critique to consider how inequalities can be addressed. You will learn about inclusive practices that aim to create more just societies, meeting and interacting with professionals who are leading their own projects of inclusion.

You will evaluate the possibilities for data systems and practices to contribute to efforts to address inequalities and will conduct your own project to dive deeper into a particular inequality issue or inclusive practice.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any discipline.

We will also consider your application if you have other professional qualifications or experience; please contact us to check before you apply. In particular, we welcome applications from professionals with experience (e.g. working in companies, government, or third sector organisations) designing or implementing projects, programmes, or policies that aim to diminish inequalities.