PhD Quantitative and Computational Social Science

Program Overview

The PhD in Quantitative and Computational Social Science at UCD combines perspectives from Economics, Politics, Sociology, and Statistics to train students in applying quantitative and computational methods to substantive research questions in the social sciences. The structured program features core modules in social science methodology, quantitative text analysis, and more, equipping graduates for careers in research, academia, government, and the private sector. Only students with external funding, such as the Honohan Doctoral scholarship or an IRC scholarship, are eligible for admission.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD program in Quantitative and Computational Social Science (QCSS) is a structured program that focuses on applying quantitative and computational methods to research questions in the social sciences. It combines perspectives and methods from disciplines like Economics, Politics, Sociology, and Statistics. The program provides rigorous training in quantitative research methods, including:

• Quantitative text analysis
• Machine learning
• Computer vision techniques
• Agent-based modeling
• Network analysis
• Causal inference
Students will apply these methods in their PhD thesis to answer substantive research questions in the social sciences.

Outline:

The program is structured in two stages:

Stage 1:

• Focuses on defining the research plan, developing research skills, and initiating original research work.
• Requires completion of a minimum of 35 credits of coursework.
• Includes core modules:
• POL50220 Social Science Methodology (Core)
• Students must take at least one of the following modules:
• SOC40640 Social Simulation: Methods and Models
• POL42050 Quantitative Text Analysis
• ECON50580 PhD Econometrics
• Students must take at least three additional modules from a list of offerings in computer science, mathematics, statistics, and social sciences, totaling at least 15 credits.
• Examples of modules include:
• ACM40290 Numerical Algorithms
• COMP40730 High Performance Computing
• POL42340 Programming for Soc Scientists
• SOC40640 Social Simulation: Methods and Models
• STAT40400 Monte Carlo Inference
• STAT40680 Stochastic Models
• COMP47670 Data Science in Python
• COMP41680 Data Science in Python
• COMP47470 Big Data Programming
• SOC40690 Demographic Analytics: T & A
• SOC41030 Sciences, Technologies & Societies
• STAT30270 Statistical Machine Learning
• STAT40150 Multivariate Analysis
• SOC41070 SocThinking in the Digital Age
• SOC41130 AI and Society
• SOC30380 Social Dynamics and Networks
• Students can register for other modules relevant to their research theme with permission from their supervisor and module coordinator.
• The College of Social Sciences and Law offers a range of modules available to graduate research students outside their school.

Stage 2:

• Primarily dedicated to continuing original doctoral research.
• May include advanced education and training.

Assessment:

• A formal Stage Transfer Assessment (STA) is required to progress from Stage 1 to Stage 2.
• The STA must be completed within 5 trimesters for full-time students or 7 for part-time students.
• Students must submit a body of written work to a review panel, undergo an interview on the submitted work, and complete a Research and Professional Development Planning (RPDP).
• The PhD can be completed as a traditional thesis or a collection of papers (including published papers or papers submitted or prepared for submission) describing a coherent program of research.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by faculty with expertise in quantitative and computational social science methods.
• The program includes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
• Students have access to the Connected_Politics Lab, an interdisciplinary hub for researchers using computational methods to study politics and society.
• Students can also join the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy and/or the UCD Behavioural Science and Policy group.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers in research, academia, government, and the private sector.
• Graduates can pursue careers as:
• Researchers
• Data analysts
• Policy analysts
• Consultants
• Educators

Other:

• The program collaborates with the Department of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
• Students can attend a Coding Camp for incoming students, offered by TCD, as a preparatory course for Quants I.
• The program is open to students with a quantitative background in any area.
• Students will undertake various quantitative social science modules offered by the UCD School of Politics and International Relations, the School of Sociology, and the School of Economics.
• Students may also choose modules relevant to their research interests in other UCD Schools.

Note:

The program only accepts students with a Honohan Doctoral scholarship, an IRC scholarship, or alternative external funding that includes full fee remission and appropriate living expenses. Self-funded applicants are not eligible.