MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MSc Social Network Analysis
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MSc Social Network Analysis program at the University of Manchester is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the methodologies and tools used to analyze social networks and complex relationships within various societal structures. This program focuses on the analysis of networks in a variety of domains, such as social media, communication, organizations, and biological systems. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, students are trained to apply advanced techniques in network analysis, including graph theory, statistical modeling, and data mining. Graduates are prepared to work in academic, corporate, and policy-making environments where understanding social interactions, group dynamics, and organizational behavior is crucial.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MSc Social Network Analysis at the University of Manchester is structured to provide a solid foundation in both the theoretical and technical aspects of network analysis. Core modules cover topics such as network theory, graph theory, computational methods, and data visualization. Students will also explore advanced topics like social influence, opinion dynamics, and the role of networks in organizational behavior. The program integrates hands-on training using software tools such as Gephi, R, and Python, allowing students to apply their learning to real-world data. In addition to core modules, students have the option to choose from a variety of electives that allow them to specialize in particular areas such as political networks, health networks, or social media analysis. The program concludes with a dissertation where students can explore a specific network-related research question in-depth.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MSc Social Network Analysis program is on the understanding of social networks and the ways in which they influence and are influenced by human behavior. The program emphasizes the application of network analysis techniques to explore complex systems, such as organizational networks, communication patterns, or health networks. Research within the program covers both empirical and theoretical approaches to studying social networks, with a focus on understanding how network structures impact outcomes such as collaboration, information flow, and social influence. Students also have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research that explores the implications of social networks in fields like online communities, disease spread, and political polarization.
Industry Engagement: The University of Manchester’s MSc Social Network Analysis program emphasizes industry engagement through partnerships with leading research organizations, governmental agencies, and private sector companies. Students are encouraged to apply their network analysis skills to practical problems through industry-sponsored projects, internships, and collaborations with external partners. The program’s close ties to industries such as technology, healthcare, social media, and policy-making ensure that students gain exposure to real-world network-related challenges and solutions. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for guest lectures from professionals in network analysis and related fields, providing students with valuable insights into the practical applications of their academic learning.
Global Perspective: The MSc Social Network Analysis program at the University of Manchester takes a global perspective by incorporating international research and case studies into its curriculum. Students learn how social networks operate across different cultural, geographical, and socio-economic contexts. The program’s global outlook is further enhanced by the diversity of its student body, which brings varied perspectives on social networks in different parts of the world. The program prepares students to analyze networks in a global context, helping them understand how network structures can affect global issues such as international cooperation, global health, and the spread of information. This international perspective equips graduates with the skills necessary to work in global organizations, research institutes, and NGOs where social network analysis is key to addressing international challenges.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MSc Social Network Analysis program at the University of Manchester are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career paths in industries that rely on understanding and analyzing complex networks. With their advanced knowledge of network theory, computational methods, and data analysis, they are equipped to work across a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, policy-making, social media, and research.
Social Network Analyst: Social network analysts work with organizations to study and interpret social networks, both online and offline. Using specialized tools and software, they analyze relationships, communication flows, and group dynamics within networks. They provide actionable insights that help organizations improve collaboration, information sharing, and decision-making.
Data Scientist: Graduates of the MSc program can become data scientists, utilizing their skills in data mining, statistics, and machine learning to analyze large datasets and uncover patterns in network behavior. In this role, they can work for technology companies, financial institutions, or research organizations, analyzing complex data from various social, economic, or organizational networks.
Researcher in Social Network Studies: For those interested in academia or research institutions, graduates can pursue careers as researchers in social network studies. They may focus on topics such as the evolution of online communities, the spread of information or diseases, or the role of networks in organizational effectiveness. These researchers contribute to the growing body of knowledge about the implications of social networks in society.
Policy Analyst: Graduates with expertise in social network analysis can work as policy analysts, particularly in areas like public health, political communication, or community development. They apply their understanding of social networks to assess the impact of policies and to inform the design of interventions that leverage networks to address social issues such as healthcare access or political engagement.
Organizational Network Consultant: With a strong understanding of organizational networks, graduates can work as consultants to help businesses and government organizations optimize their internal communication structures and workflows. They assess the flow of information, collaboration patterns, and knowledge sharing within organizations, offering strategies for improving organizational efficiency.
Digital Marketing and Social Media Analyst: The rise of social media and digital platforms has created demand for professionals who can analyze online networks and consumer behavior. Graduates can work as digital marketing analysts or social media analysts, using network analysis techniques to assess online interactions, brand sentiment, and the effectiveness of marketing campaigns on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Public Health Analyst: In public health, understanding social networks is key to addressing issues like disease spread, health behavior change, and community health initiatives. Graduates may work as public health analysts, studying the role of social networks in health outcomes and helping to design targeted interventions that improve public health, especially in times of crisis such as pandemics.
Epidemiologist or Disease Modeling Specialist: Social network analysis is increasingly being applied to epidemiology, where it can help model the spread of diseases within populations. Graduates with a focus on health networks can work as epidemiologists or disease modeling specialists, using their skills to track and predict the transmission of infectious diseases based on social interactions and network structures.
Corporate Intelligence Analyst: Corporations often rely on intelligence analysts to study the network structures of competitors, partners, and customers. Graduates can pursue careers in corporate intelligence, using network analysis to understand competitive dynamics, detect emerging trends, and assess the risks and opportunities within business networks.
Political Consultant/Analyst: Social network analysis has become an important tool in political campaigns and policy-making. Graduates can work as political consultants or analysts, using their network analysis skills to study voter behavior, communication patterns, and political influence across social networks. They may also help political parties or advocacy groups leverage social media networks to mobilize support.
Technology Specialist in Network Analysis: As technology continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for specialists in network analysis within tech companies. Graduates can work as technology specialists, developing software tools and algorithms that enable more efficient and accurate social network analysis. They may also contribute to the design of new platforms for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Academic or Lecturer in Network Analysis: Graduates interested in continuing their education and pursuing a career in academia can become lecturers or professors, teaching social network analysis at universities and research institutions. As academic professionals, they may also contribute to research on emerging network structures, new methodologies in network analysis, and applications in various disciplines.
Business Intelligence Specialist: Business intelligence specialists help organizations make data-driven decisions by analyzing networks within markets, suppliers, and customers. Graduates can apply their social network analysis expertise to enhance the ability of businesses to make strategic decisions based on a deep understanding of how networks affect business operations, customer behavior, and market trends.
Financial Analyst in Network Systems: Financial analysts with a background in social network analysis can work for banks, investment firms, or financial advisory companies, where they use network modeling to assess the financial impact of social trends, market behaviors, and the interconnectedness of financial institutions.
Non-profit or NGO Researcher: Graduates can also work for non-profit organizations and NGOs, analyzing social networks to understand the dynamics of social movements, humanitarian aid efforts, or community-building initiatives. They use network analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns and help these organizations optimize their outreach strategies.
