Data, Inequality and Society

Overview

Inequality and exclusion lie at the heart of the ‘wicked problems’ that societies face today. You will learn to identify and address them through a collaborative approach that offers a critical and empirical exploration of the causes and consequences of inequalities in societies around the world. The programme offers you flexibility and choice in the way you study, supporting you to develop advanced knowledge of the ways in which data practices can exacerbate inequalities but also support projects and policies of inclusion.

You will develop your own understanding and ability to lead in building future inclusive societies by working with leading-edge knowledge, applying insights to a project you care about, and developing essential creative and practical skills to support your work. You will have access to sector experts and leading researchers addressing how we build and sustain more equitable societies. By supporting you to engage critically, this programme will help you develop your ability to lead positive change.

Postgraduate Study at the Edinburgh Futures Institute

This Data, Inequality and Society  programme from The University of Edinburgh  is part of an interconnected portfolio of postgraduate study in the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI). EFI supports interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research that is focussed on complex global and social challenges. Our programmes are all taught by academic experts from many different subject areas, and as an EFI student you will develop creative, critical and data-informed thinking that cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will have the space to think deeply about questions linked to your own passions and professional goals, and will develop a project based on an issue that you care about.

As well as knowledge specific to your area of study, studying at EFI will give you the skills and understanding you need to become a creative, confident and critical citizen in a fast-changing world. These will include core data skills, data ethics, the ability to interrogate issues of global scope, and the creative and analytic approaches to knowledge that are vital for building better futures. You can join us regardless of whether you already have skills in the use and application of digital data.

Career opportunities

All students will develop a solid understanding of data-driven decision-making in international and local development; they will possess the analytic, research, and creative skills to approach challenges in new, robust, and data-informed ways. Recent graduates will be well placed to enter the job market as ‘translators’ between data scientists and people operating at strategic or operational levels – likely roles include private, public, and third sector project, programme, and policy advisers, analysts, and coordinators.

For students with prior professional experience, the programme will support career development (and transition) as leaders in new or existing projects with a strong data and/or inclusion aspect.

The core elements of the programme address the data and higher-order skills we know are important for the future of work, confident and critical citizenship, and a thriving, just society.