Quantitative & Computational Social Science - Research

This programme is built around quantitative and computational social science methods and tools applied to substantive and methodological research questions in the social sciences. The programme brings together the perspectives and research methods of various disciplines such as Economics, Politics, Sociology and Statistics. The QCSS programme provides students with rigorous training in quantitative research and methods, including quantitative text analysis, machine learning, computer vision techniques, agent-based modelling, network analysis, and causal inference. Students will apply these methods in their PhD thesis to answer substantive research questions in Social Sciences.



Successful candidates are invited to join the Connected_Politics Lab, an interdisciplinary hub for researchers using computational methods to study politics and society, the UCD Geary Institute for Public Policy, and/or the (opens in a new window)UCD Behavioural Science and Policy group, a centre for research and collaboration on integrating behaviourally-informed ideas into public policy.



Students with a quantitative background in any area can undertake the programme. They 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. They may also choose modules that are relevant to their own research interest in other UCD Schools.



The PhD QCSS programme is a thematic, structured programme. Doctoral studies at UCD comprise two stages:



Stage 1 is a period when you define your research plan, develop your research skills and initiate original research work for your doctorate.



Stage 2 is primarily dedicated to continuing your original doctoral research but may also include some advanced education and training.

PhD Quantitative & Computational Social Science W542 Graduate Research PhD On Campus FT 4 Years