Student testimonial - Data Science and Public Policy MSc student Henrietta

Learn about the experience of Data Science and Public Policy MSc student Henrietta

'What I enjoyed most about the Data Science and Public Policy (DSPP) programme was the opportunity to conduct my own dissertation research. My project explored the intersection of financial scarcity and political science, focusing on the effects of welfare policy changes.

To analyse this, I worked with a large survey dataset and applied causal inference methods I learned during the course to measure the impact of a specific policy change. I used statistical models from the Statistical Learning module and extended one of these techniques independently for my research. This experience allowed me to not only deepen my technical skills but also integrate everything I had learned throughout the year—from scoping a literature review to designing research and implementing data analysis. 

A highlight of my time since the course has been presenting my findings to the UK National Audit Office, one of the organisations that was a source during my research. This was especially meaningful as I will soon begin a new role in Value for Money within the NAO, where I can continue applying the skills gained during the DSPP programme in practice. 

Beyond the dissertation, the course has been specifically useful in expanding my skills in R, equipping me to apply a wide range of statistical methods. Currently, I work in a behavioural science consultancy that uses controlled experiments and data science, where I have been able to directly apply a lot of the techniques studied during the course, for example using principal component analysis and factor analysis on large participant survey datasets.'