About

Q-Step is Edinburgh’s undergraduate gateway to quantitative and computational social science.

We help students combine social and political questions with practical skills in statistics, coding, visualisation, research design and computational methods.

Based in the School of Social and Political Science, Q-Step connects undergraduate teaching with Edinburgh’s wider strengths in data, AI and computational social science.

Our History

Edinburgh’s Q-Step Centre was established as part of the national Q-Step programme, launched in 2013 to strengthen quantitative social science training in UK universities. The initiative was funded by the Nuffield Foundation, ESRC and HEFCE and supported a network of university centres across the UK.

Data visualisation showing quantitative social-science analysis

What we do

Q-Step combines substantive social science with quantitative methods, and creates opportunities for students to apply those skills through projects, workshops, events and research.

Connected across Edinburgh

Q-Step connects students with Edinburgh’s wider ecosystem in data, AI and computational social science through talks, visits, projects and links with researchers and organisations.

Student presenting research findings to an audience

Where Q-Step can take you

Build skills for careers in government, policy, research, data and technology — or take them further through postgraduate study.