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Sociotechnical Futures & Digital Methods at University of Bath - UCAS

University of Bath

Degree level: Postgraduate

Sociotechnical Futures & Digital Methods (Research)

Course options

2024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Research societal transformations coming from the AI revolution, along with its policy implications. You'll benefit from insights from a number of disciplines and research groups, including social and policy sciences, economics, psychology and health. This programme is only available through the Southwest Doctoral Training Partnership. Applications open from October each year and close around January. More information is available to Study as a South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) student at Bath. If you are interested in a PhD on this topic but not through the DTP, then please apply for a PhD in the Politics, Languages & International Studies. Programme content Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team
Research content This course is well-suited to those interested in analysing the challenges posed by AI and its diverse societal impacts. You'll examine the fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge covering a range of specialized themes surrounding sociotechnical futures such as cybersecurity and the political implications of digitalization; the use of AI and algorithms across various domains; technology, automation and climate change. The course includes new and interdisciplinary academic approaches, innovative qualitative and quantitative methods, policy agendas, creative thinking and rigorous data. This programme includes a significant piece of research aimed at enabling you to contribute to the academic community through a large written thesis (typically up to 90,000 words). For interdisciplinary pathways the Lead Supervisor will be from the applicant’s home institution and the second supervisor must be from a different discipline (a different sub-discipline is not sufficient; however, the second could still be from the same institution but a different discipline). The Lead and Second Supervisors must be employed at one of the SWDTP’s partner institutions – Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth or UWE Bristol. Professional Development Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Modules

Please check the University of Bath website for the most recently published course detail.

Assessment method

  • Dissertation
  • End point assessment
  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce
Assessment description If you wish to study for both the MRes and the PhD (the 1 + 3) you should apply for the PhD but indicate on the Application Form, that you also wish to study for the MRes. Progression from the MRes to the PhD stage is dependent on achievement of a current average grade Masters (at the point of application) normally of at least Merit (60%) grade. Successful applicants must ultimately achieve both an overall average of at least 60% across the taught units/modules, and at least 60% for the dissertation component as a condition of their funding. Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the programme of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination. Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

- At least a 2:1 degree in a social science subject (or) - An equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience Underlying these conditions is a belief that students must bring a minimum combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the programme. Marginal cases are often dealt with at interview, and it is not uncommon for relatively inexperienced students to be asked to defer entry. English Language requirements You will normally need one of the following: - IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components - The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element - TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course. If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For the most up-to-date information on tuition fees, please visit: http://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/
Sociotechnical Futures & Digital Methods at University of Bath - UCAS