New data experts graduate from the University of Exeter

The group is trained to apply numerical evidence and use statistical software in their social research and have worked with organisations such as Devon and Cornwall Police and polling company ComRes as part of their course.

The training is carried out in a new centre at the University set up to increase the number of social scientists in the South West adept at using quantitative methods in their work. The Exeter Q-Step Centre is one of 15 funded across the UK through the Q-Step initiative, funded by Nuffield Foundation, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Higher Education Funding Council for England, to foster social science students’ ability to handle data and develop quantitative skills.

The Centre offers three programmes for undergraduates that provide data analysis and research skills training as part of degrees in Criminology, Politics and International Relations, and Sociology. Undergraduates studying other degrees can also take the Proficiency in Applied Data Analysis (PADA) at the centre.

The Q-Step courses are designed to prepare students for employment or further research degrees. The current cohort has undertaken work placements at social and market research agencies as Kantar Public UK (formerly TNS BRMB) and non-profit organisations as the Royal Voluntary Service, amongst others.

Many of the first graduates will go on to further study at the University of Exeter’s recently launched MSc Policy Analytics programme starting this September.

Jakob Zeitler, who has graduated with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics with Applied Data Analysis said: “Doing these courses, I found an interest in data analysis for the social sciences. I have become passionate about data research in social sciences and the staff at the Q-Step Centre have supported me in every way they could. Having completed the PADA proficiency now, I am happy to say that I will be starting a PhD this year which would have been impossible without the support of Q-Step and its amazing staff.”

Emily Sewell, 21, who studied Politics and International Relations, is also going on to study for a PhD in quantitative methods at the University of Exeter. She was given the award for Outstanding Dissertation for her project examining if celebrity endorsements had an impact on political attitudes.

Daniel Norcott, 21, who also studies Politics and International Relations, will now work as a Business Insight Analyst at a publishing company. He will use applied data analysis to examine the sales trends of magazines.

The first of a new generation of social science students trained how to analyse vast amounts of data while completing degrees in politics or sociology have graduated from the University of Exeter.