Frequently Asked Questions
Thinking about applying to the MSc in Applied Social Data Science? Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions from prospective and incoming students - from eligibility and application details to what to expect once you’ve been accepted.
Before Applying
Applications for both the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma pathways are made through the Trinity Direct Application Portals. We recommend reviewing the Admissions Requirements page before beginning your application.
No. The MSc in Applied Social Data Science is offered on a full-time basis only, with compulsory daytime teaching. Students must be available for lectures, tutorials, and other activities between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, during term time.
No. The programme is intensive and requires a full-time commitment. It is not compatible with ongoing employment or other time-demanding commitments during term time.
No. Students must be resident in Dublin for the duration of the one-year programme and attend all taught classes and related activities in person.
Applicants should normally hold an upper second-class (2.1) honours degree or equivalent from an established university. A background in social sciences, computer science, or statistics is advantageous but not required. Some prior basic knowledge of statistics is expected, typically through an Introduction to Statistics or Research Methods module.
International applicants should hold a GPA of at least 3.3 out of 4 (or equivalent). Applicants who do not meet these standards may still apply, but the Department cannot assess individual eligibility before a formal application is submitted.
Places are limited and competition is high. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.
Applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through English must meet Trinity’s postgraduate English language requirements. There is no flexibility on this requirement. In exceptional cases, English test results may be submitted after the initial application.
Information on visa requirements can be found on the Citizens Information website. Specific guidance for international students is also available on the Trinity website. Non-EU graduates may be eligible to remain in Ireland to work under the Stamp 1G visa scheme; see the Trinity Careers Service and the Department of Justice and Equality websites for details.
The Department is not in a position to offer scholarships or fee waivers. Applicants are encouraged to explore funding options such as the Student Grant Scheme, Trinity Postgraduate Scholarships, and scholarships available in their home countries. Tax relief on tuition fees may also be available through the Revenue website.
Details about the cost of living in Dublin are available on the Trinity Global Relations website. Actual costs will vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
Application Process
Your writing sample may be a paper written for a previous course or a chapter from an undergraduate thesis. It should typically be 12–20 pages in length. Academic or research-related writing (e.g. an essay or term paper) is preferred, though professional or technical writing samples are also accepted.
Your letter should be concise - one page is sufficient - outlining your motivation for applying, relevant skills or experience, and plans after graduation.
Technical issues with the Trinity Direct Application portal should be emailed to Academic Registry: academic.registry@tcd.ie
Academic references are preferred, but professional references are also accepted when academic referees are unavailable.
After Applying
Ensure your application is complete and contact the Course Directors, Dr Tom Paskhalis (tom.paskhalis@tcd.ie)and Dr Jeffrey Ziegler (zieglerj@tcd.ie), with details of your other offer.
Congratulations! You will have three weeks to accept your offer and pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 to secure your place on the programme.
You must submit any missing documents (for example, your final degree transcript) as soon as they become available. Academic Registry will then issue an unconditional offer once all materials are received.
Please contact the Course Directors - Dr Tom Paskhalis (tom.paskhalis@tcd.ie)and Dr Jeffrey Ziegler (zieglerj@tcd.ie)- as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Applications are assessed only after all required materials (including references and writing samples) have been received. Once complete, applications are reviewed in batches and then processed by Academic Registry.
Unfortunately, the Department is not able to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.
Incoming Students
The Department hosts a course orientation in mid-September, which all new students must attend. University-wide postgraduate orientation events are also held earlier in September. Classes begin shortly after orientation.
Students must bring their own laptop (Mac/Windows/Linux) for seminars and tutorials. Tablets are not suitable.
The Applied Social Data Science orientation takes place in September. Details will be communicated directly to incoming students closer to the start of term.
Modules include computer programming, applied statistical analysis, research design, machine learning, and other advanced topics in quantitative research methods. See the Module Outlines page for full details.
Yes. Postgraduate students may apply for Teaching Assistant roles within the Department of Political Science. Please note your interest in your cover letter when applying.
Graduates are equipped for careers across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, where data-driven decision-making is increasingly essential. There is particularly strong demand for social scientists who can apply computational and statistical methods to real-world problems - from analysing political communication to forecasting social and economic trends.