Overview | Summary of Courses

Offered By:	ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Academic Contact:	Robert James Ackland and Dr Robert Ackland

The Internet has transformed the way we work, collaborate, engage in commerce, participate in the political process and interact socially.  Researchers and analysts in both the academy and industry are increasingly using Internet data for empirical research into social, economic and political behaviour.  By undertaking the Social Science of the Internet specialisation in the Master of Social Research degree, students will gain a thorough understanding of the relevant theory and methods for conducting social science Internet research. 

Students will: (1) gain an understanding of the fundamental changes to society, politics and the economy that have resulted from the introduction of new information and communication technologies such as the Web; (2) learn how core social science concepts and methodological approaches can facilitate an understanding of life in the Internet Age; (3) learn about relevant online research methods that can be used for collecting and analysing data from the Internet.

This specialisation emphasises empirical social science research and thus complements the other specialisations in the Master of Social Research degree.  The role of new ICTs such as the Web in development and social protection are a major theme in the Social Science of the Internet specialisation, thus making this an attractive second specialisation or elective for students undertaking the "Social Development and Policy" specialisation.  Given the focus on empirical online research methods, students undertaking the "Social Research Methods" specialisation may also wish to take Social Science of the Internet as a second specialisation.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.