Online MSc in Data Literacy for Social and Environmental Justice

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.

MSc

Students studying towards an MSc must take two compulsory modules and at least six optional modules.

Compulsory modules

• Theoretical Foundations of Social and Environmental Justice: introduces theories and contemporary debates in the areas of social and environmental justice
• Science Communication and Public Engagement: builds a range of skills for translating science into action, ranging from finding and evaluating sources of information to using social media to communicate the science and engage different audiences.

Optional modules

Two to five modules must be taken from the following options.

• Welcome to Data: Rubbish in; Rubbish out: This module encourages reflection on data collection principles, and sources, as well as how data can be used and abused. It also introduces exploratory quantitative data analysis via an open-source platform (for example, R)
• Statistical Foundations: introduces basic statistical concepts, methods to explore patterns in data, and skills in interpreting statistical results. The module is structured around the use of statistics to understand social or environmental processes, using real datasets and surveys
• Quantitative Methods: focuses on analytical techniques and approaches, the rationale behind data models, and the underlying assumptions of those models, as well as the pros and cons of their use
• Advanced-Data Visualisation: elaborates on principles of communicating large and complex data using publication-quality scientific figures and maps
• Introduction to Spatial Data Science: introduces Spatial Data Science (SDS), including why we need SDS
• Advanced Spatial Data Science: builds on knowledge and skills covered in Introduction to SDS, for example, Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR).

One to four modules must be taken from the following options.

• The Politics of Numbers: addresses both social and physical/environmental data, theoretical topics such as the ethics of “big data” and artificial intelligence, and applied topics like who and what tends to be missing from quantitative data sources and issues of spatial bias
• Advanced Science Communication and Public Engagement: the module will look at how to consider and incorporate issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including accessibility, into science communication for public engagement endeavors. Covering topics from stop-motion animation to planning a successful social media campaign, and organizing more traditional community outreach and engagement
• Tools for Evaluating Impact: The module will provide familiarity with the basics of theories of social change; understanding of impact research design; engaging stakeholders; participatory approaches; and critically reading Impact Assessment Reports
• Visuals for Policies and Publics: This module covers the core principles of evaluating and creating content, understanding copyright law, and designing data visualizations and infographics.

Finally, MSc students must submit a three-part individual research project (worth 60 credits) developed in dialogue with their supervisor and the module convener, consisting of 1) a literature review (5,000-word limit) (40%), 2) an appropriately applied piece, such as a policy brief, in which case 3000 words maximum (40%), and 3) a 1000-word reflection on the student's experience of translating academic research into practice (20%).

Please note that at the MSc level, you may need to take certain optional modules in combination with each other.

Learning outcomes

• Independent, flexible, and critical thinking
• Ability to summarise complex material
• A critical appreciation of the epistemological and theoretical foundations of quantitative research design, methodology, techniques, and data ethics
• Ability to critically evaluate claims based on quantitative research in the social or environmental sciences
• Ability to grasp and communicate material drawn from a broad range of academic disciplines
• Ability to convey knowledge effectively within a community of social or environmental scientists, various publics, and other stakeholders through oral presentations, written text, and graphics.

The program is ideal for:

• Professionals seeking to enhance their data literacy and science communication skills, who currently work in the public or private sector on issues of social justice or environmental degradation
• Those looking to move into a career in social justice or environmental advocacy, policy, or education
• Recent graduates seeking additional training before entering or re-entering the workforce.

The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The program provides subject knowledge and applied skills relevant to a range of career paths in government and public bodies, non-governmental organizations and charities, and the private sector.

Examples include:

• Non-governmental organizations, such as Oxfam, WWF, Amnesty International, Norwegian Refugee Council, Norad, Red Cross Climate Center, Wildlife Conservation Society, The Nature Conservancy
• the public sector, such as the Centre for Climate and Health Security, Public Health Scotland, UK MET Office
• government, such as UK Government Departments like DEFRA
• international organizations, such as UNOCHA, UNHRC, UNEP, and WHO.

In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and inquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including:

• Critical thinking and creativity
• Analysis and appraisal
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Personal leadership and project management
• Interpersonal communication and teamwork.

Further study

St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of a St Andrews research degree is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.

Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed through a substantial thesis of original research.