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Degree: Digital Social Science (YtMDSS_EM)
Period: 2026-2027

Learning outcomes:

The growth in digital technologies, especially artificial intelligence, offers rich opportunities in accessing a wide array of data. Solving today’s and tomorrow’s problems is no longer a question of whether one has data. Rather it is a question of how best to use this exponential growth in data to make bold but evidence-based decisions.

Here at LUT University, the Master’s Programme in Digital Social Science provides you with the skills and competence to do so through a social science approach in the use of data. A social science approach entails a critical evaluation of a variety of data through different theoretical perspectives about society and with empirical rigour. This approach allows you to bridge the gap between raw data and real-world impact. Raw data can show patterns in how people act. Social science theories can help explain why there are patterns in how people act.

In the Master’s Programme in Digital Social Science, we offer you a curriculum that combines training in empirical methods with exposure to core social science theories to enable you to skilfully use different types of data, credibly interpret empirical results, and confidently translate them into decisions and insights.

Students who have completed their M.Soc.Sc. degree in Digital Social Science are able to:

  • use different methods to collect, process and analyse various types of data;
  • understand contemporary economic, societal and political challenges from different social science theoretical perspectives;
  • apply social science theories to interpret empirical results from data analysis to make informed and evidence-based decisions and insights.

Content:

Facts

  • Degree Master of Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.), (Yhteiskuntatieteiden maisteri in Finnish)
  • Higher university degree, gives eligibility to apply for scientific doctoral studies
  • Extent 120 ECTS credits

The Master's degree (120 ECTS) consists of core studies, language studies, advanced specialisation studies and multidisciplinary studies in critical systems of the society. The Master's Thesis and Seminar is included in the advanced specialisation studies. Elective studies can be any courses offered by LUT if the required prerequisites are fulfilled. Studies in other universities/from abroad may be included upon application, too.


CourseMinMax
Core studies31,00
Language and communication studies4,00
Advanced specialisation studies60,00
Multidisciplinary studies, critical systems of the society25,00
Elective studies0,00