MSc in Social Science of the Internet

The OII offers a ten-month residential Masters programme, the MSc in Social Science of the Internet (this will be offered for the first time in October 2009). This programme enables students from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds to take Internet-related courses in law, policy and other social sciences in the context of this dynamic and supportive multi-disciplinary department.

The MSc is a full-time intensively taught Masters course, with a core syllabus designed to ensure that all students attain an in-depth understanding of the social science concepts, theories and methods (including Internet-specific research methods) required to undertake and assess rigorous empirical research or policy analysis of Internet-related issues.

Students will take a combination of core and option papers, and produce a 10,000 word thesis on a research topic in areas of the OII's expertise. By the end of the degree, students will be expected to have gained an in-depth understanding of the main disciplinary, theoretical and methodological debates on key Internet issues.

Why choose the OII?

We are a world-leading centre for research and study of the Internet and its social implications, and we pride ourselves on providing a stimulating and friendly environment in which students can flourish. In addition to a busy calendar of seminars, conferences and social events, regular brownbag seminars engage faculty and students in discussion of ongoing research.

Understanding the societal implications of the Internet and related information and communication technologies requires the joining of disciplinary perspectives. As a multi-disciplinary department, the OII offers MSc students the opportunity to study pressing academic and policy-related issues which can only be understood by drawing on contributions from across different disciplines.

The intellectual life of the department is marked by a willingness to discuss and collaborate across disciplines, and students intending to study at the department are expected to embrace this ideal. We provide dedicated student working space in open plan offices with PCs available as needed. A common room is available for use by staff and students, as is our library collection of Internet-focused texts and journals.

About our students

The OII will admit up to 20 students for entry in 2010. The degree is designed for:

Many of our students return to academic study after time spent in employment, and we welcome the insight and experience that mature students bring to the department.

Last updated on: 4 February 2010