Course Information
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Undergraduate Full Time
CAO Code: DN700
CAO Points Range 2019: 389
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 500
O6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics and three other recognised subjects
If you obtain less than H4 in Leaving Certificate mathematics, you must pass a “Level 0” UCD mathematics module in semester 1
Why is this course for me?
Do you want to work for companies like Google or Facebook or a Public-Sector organisation that deals with big data about individuals, social networks or social groups?
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
This degree is designed to prepare students for employment in companies such as Google or Facebook, but also for work in traditional sectors where the analysis of social data is becoming more and more important. Over the next few years, there will be an increasing demand for graduates who can combine social sciences training with analytical and programming skills. It also leads to a range of graduate study opportunities in social sciences, social data analytics, statistics or computer science.
What Will I Study
Our social world is dramatically changing. We are all connected and leave digital footprints behind. Computational Social Science is about leveraging the power of big data, computer simulations and social networks to understand social phenomena and individual behaviour. The new BSc degree in Computational Social Science is at the forefront of this development in Europe. It provides a unique combination of training in social sciences subjects. You learn how to understand human social behaviour through data analysis, social simulation and mathematical modelling, providing crucial skills for a competitive job market.
First Year
The first year includes core modules in:
- Computational Social Science
- Programming
- Statistical Modeling and Linear Alegbra
In addition, students choose two social sciences subjects from:
- Sociology
- Politics
- Economics
- Geography
- Plus an Elective module.
Second Year
The second year includes further courses in:
- Probability Theory
- Programming
- Calculus
and modules in your two social sciences subjects, as well as options from a range of other subjects.
Third Year
The third year provides the opportunity for a semester abroad at another leading university in Computational Social Science and internship with an industry partner.
Fourth Year
The fourth year includes an interdisciplinary workshop and an individual capstone project with industry partners, in addition to modules that will strengthen and consolidate learning in key areas of Computational Social Science.
Assessment
Students usually attend lectures and participate in seminar discussions and lab tutorials. Assessment is based on assignments throughout the semester, small group work, individual reports, traditional exams and other forms of assessment.
International Study Opportunities
During the third year, semester-long study opportunities will be offered in a number of international partner universities.
Testimonial
“Computational Social Science allows me to study areas I’m interested in, ranging from political and sociological studies to the mathematical aspects of research. I feel computational social science is an important, emerging field which combines social sciences and computer science by creating a link between the two and thereby providing an understanding of how to interpret social data. This degree will provide me with the skills and competencies to understand the ever-increasing world of big data, and how to accurately analyse vast amounts of information that is being driven by a more connected digital space. I know that this will provide me with many interesting and unique opportunities and pave the way for a rewarding career.”
Saoirse McKenna, Student
