bmis-members : Message: New MSc Programme at the Oxford Internet Institute

Begin forwarded message:

From: OII Newsletter <newsletter@...>

Date: 16 July 2008 12:45:57 BDT

Subject: OII News [2008.07.16]: New MSc Programme at the OII

Dear friends and colleagues,

We are delighted to announce that the Oxford Internet Institute (University of Oxford) will be launching a new MSc programme this autumn, for entry in 2009. The 10-month intensively taught MSc in Social Science of the Internet will provide a unique opportunity for multi-disciplinary study of the Internet and its social implications, offering both students and professionals a solid grounding in the core concepts, theories and methods required for rigorous research and analysis in this field.

The recruitment process will begin next term with an official launch at the Houses of Parliament on October 27th: more details will follow.

The establishment of this MSc follows on from the success of our DPhil in Information, Communication and the Social Sciences. It has always been a goal of the OII to develop a world-leading teaching programme, and we are delighted to now offer a complete package of graduate training in this important field.

If you have any queries, or would like to receive further information as it is confirmed, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Dr Victoria Nash

Director of Graduate Studies

Email: mailto:teaching@...

Masters (MSc) course:

http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/teaching/msc/

1. MSc: introduction

2. Who should apply?

3. Brief course outline

4. Admissions

5. Contact

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1. MSc: introduction

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Since its inception in 2001, it has been a core principle of the OII that understanding the societal implications of the Internet and related information and communication technologies requires the joining of multi-disciplinary perspectives. This ten-month MSc course at the OII enables students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds to take courses in law, policy and social sciences that are focused on the Internet and Web.

Working with excellent faculty within the department and across the University of Oxford, students will attain an in-depth understanding of the social science methods required to undertake and assess rigorous empirical research or policy analysis of Internet-related issues, as well as an understanding of the main disciplinary, theoretical and methodological debates.

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2. Who should apply?

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Students with a basic background in law and policy, the social sciences, or computer and engineering sciences can all apply. The degree is aimed at:

1. Students who wish to focus on Internet studies in the further pursuit of a doctoral degree in information, communication, or any of the social sciences, or to move into professional careers in these fields.

2. Professionals who have done original, policy-relevant work relating to the Internet, and who wish to gain a broader understanding of the societal aspects of its design or use.

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3. Brief course outline

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Students will take a combination of core and option papers from across a variety of disciplines, as well as producing a 10,000 word thesis.

The Research Methods element of the course provides students with the basic quantitative and qualitative methods required in order to undertake, analyse or apply Internet research, including a fundamental understanding of the required statistical measurement techniques.

Other core papers aim to provide an overview of the major findings to date regarding the social implications of the Internet (drawing material from several social science disciplines, including communication studies, sociology, and political science) and provide students from across a range of disciplines with a basic understanding of the interplay between the social and technological shaping of the Internet, and the associated policy implications.

Option papers will enable students to pursue issues of particular interest in greater depth. These courses have yet to be confirmed, but may include the following: e-Government; Internet and Everyday Life; Internet Economics; Learning, the Internet and Society; World Wide Web of Research; Media Strategies in a Networked World.

We will be providing more information about the course over the coming months.

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4. Admissions

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The application process for entry in 2009/10 will begin in the autumn, with up to 10 students being accepted for entry in 2009, rising to 20 in the second year of the course. Please do not send an application at this stage: more information on the application procedure and timetable will be provided on the website over the coming months.

The following formal qualifications will be required:

1. Not less than a 2.1 (or its equivalent) at first degree level and, if applicable, high scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5. In exceptional circumstances, applicants with a distinguished record of workplace achievement since graduation may be accepted with lower grades at first degree level.

2. Applicants whose first language is not English must have met the higher level of Oxford University's English language requirements.

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5. Contact

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Laura Taylor

Academic and Student Affairs Officer

Email: mailto:teaching@...

Masters (MSc) course:

http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/teaching/msc/

Doctoral (DPhil) course:

http://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/teaching/dphil/

Note: 2009/10 DPhil admissions will open in the autumn: