MSc Data Science and Public Policy Student testimonials

The cohort has a great range of experiences with others coming straight from undergraduates like myself, those who are taking a career break after a few years, and those who have been working for close to ten years. This diversity of experiences has led to many interesting conversations about the different motivations people have for taking this programme.

My aspiration is to build on the analytical skills I have gained on this course and in my career to rejoin industry after this master’s - currently I am open to roles that allow me to create impact as an experienced analyst - whether in the private sector, public sector or in a collaborative role between both.

Participating in the MSc Data Science and Public Policy (Economics) programme has been an incredibly fulfilling experience that has significantly shaped my professional journey. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme provided a unique combination of analytical and technical skills, combining data science techniques with an understanding of economic principles.

During the programme, I gained cutting-edge skills in data science, computer programming, statistics, and machine learning, with a strong emphasis on applying these tools to policy-relevant political and economic questions. The public policy modules complemented the technical training by adopting an applied, problem-based approach that blended theory and practice. These modules fostered critical thinking and featured dynamic seminars that included real-world case studies and student-led presentations. This format allowed us to explore policies tailored to our research interests, which often informed dissertation topics and potential career paths.

Being part of DSPP (Economics pathway) cohort at UCL really provided me with an outstanding foundation to launch my career. Going straight from my undergraduate to master’s I was able to build in on my skills to a deeper level. The part I enjoyed the most on the course was the opportunity to blend rigorous econometrics theory with cutting-edge data science techniques. The curriculum’s unique combination of economics, statistics and programming allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set that has been directly applicable to my current role.

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. 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.