International relations

Data Analysis for Global Challenges

Module code: 038IRS
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Project
Assessment modes: Coursework, Project

This module is for you if you don’t have a background in data or statistical analysis.

The ability to work with large datasets is becoming a core skill in social science training and related career pathways. Focusing on key socio-environmental challenges, this module offers a hands-on introduction to basic data analysis for students averse to numbers and statistics. You’ll learn:

where to access and how to use data on key social and environmental dynamics
to examine the relation between different socio-environmental trends
to analyse large textual data
to read tables that report statistical results
to communicate/visualise the findings of your research.

While working with socio-environmental data, you’ll deepen your understanding of the interaction between economic and environmental crises in the context of sustainability transition.

Module learning outcomes

Access, download and use large datasets to support or develop research ideas, projects and findings
Work with and analyse large textual data
Analyse key challenges to sustainability transition by utilizing different types of data (qualitative, quantitative, visual)
Use data visualisations (a) to identify patterns in, and draw insights from, complex data and (b) to communicate effectively research findings to different audiences