Computational social science

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

Computational Social Science research targets the enhancement of critical societal issues through the use of Artificial Intelligence solutions. This research aligns to the core values of The Open University, and has contributed to urgent and vital topics, such as misinformation detection, online radicalisation and extremism, crisis management, and climate change.

In the last few years, our research on Computational Social Science has attracted funding for five European projects (HERoS, Co-Inform, Trivalent, DecarboNet and COMRADES), and has led to the publication of more than 100 scientific articles. Among the technologies developed, CREES (Crisis Event Extraction Service), an advanced Artificial Intelligent method that identifies crisis events in social media streams, is being used by various humanitarian organisations.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

  • Artificial Intelligence and the impact of the gender data gap
  • Bias in financial AI models
  • Online harm
  • Online misinformation
  • Role of social media in disaster situations

Current/recent research projects

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £15,456 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £7,584 per year

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Abstract image
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Ms Ortenz Rose (KMI Senior Services Assistant)
Email: KMI PHD enquiries
Phone: +44 (0)1908 654774

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.