Learning Hub

Best practice and training for researchers new to accessing and using data in our collection. Includes advice and tools to correctly cite data; student-specific information on our Dissertation Award for undergraduates; and more.

There is a wealth of data available for reuse in research and reports. These free, interactive tutorials are designed for anyone who wants to start using secondary data. They show you how to get started with finding good quality data, understanding it and starting your analyses.

Students can access most of the UK Data Service’s collection of social, economic and population data. Find resources to help you find and use our data during your studies including the UK Data Service dissertation resources.

Survey data, including data from long-running surveys, series and longitudinal studies, are a major part of social science research. Learn how to use survey and longitudinal data through training resources including videos, on-demand webinars and written guides.

Our international macrodata contain socio-economic time series data aggregated to a country or regional level for a range of countries over a substantial time period.

Qualitative research gives a voice to the lived experience, offering researchers a deeper insight into a topic or individuals’ experiences. Qualitative data can be combined with quantitative to enhance understanding around a policy or topic in a way that quantitative data by itself often cannot.

New technologies, resources and methods are constantly changing how researchers interact with and use data. This section provides the latest insights, learning materials and practical advice on rapidly developing techniques including modelling, simulation, big data, web-scraping, social media and more.

Home for census data from all parts of the UK from 1961 through to 2011, and some data from 2021. Plus access to census data from 1851-1911 through Integrated Census Microdata (I-CeM). Statistics from the UK censuses help paint a picture of the nation and how we live.

Today social scientists use software in the majority of their research. Learn more about the most commonly used software tools and start using them. Includes guidance and links to Nesstar, QualiBank, UKDS.Stat, R, Stata, SPSS, Python and more.

Use real research data to bring teaching and learning to life. Use our extensive teaching data collections and resources to support your teaching and learning.

As pioneering research data management experts, this section provides best practice guidance, as well as more resources, to data managers and those looking to learn more about how to manage their research data.

Learn how to use updateable subnational population information to assess the impact of policies and tackle area-based issues, such as neighbourhood deprivation and poor health. Guidance on generating local survey estimates and mapping data from key data such as the Census and UK Household Longitudinal Study.