Data Science MSc

As the complexity and volume of data grows, there is a significant demand for data science skills across many sectors. This course is designed for those with computing and numeracy backgrounds looking to pursue a career in data science.

You will learn about the fundamentals and cutting-edge theories, principles and practices in data sciences, including:

• Big Data (BD) acquisition and management
• Predictive modelling (PM) using machine learning and statistical methods
• Model validation and evaluation
• Artificial intelligence
• Database systems and security

Address and access the latest research and IT trends. You will have opportunities to gain practical experience in data science, business intelligence and analytics using industry standard tools. This course is designed in an accessible and inclusive manner to support widening application in software and IT industry.

The knowledge and skills you will gain will enable you to support with data visualisation and analysis in a range of sectors, such as:

• IT
• Business
• Government
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Marketing

You have the option to undertake 12 months of study or 24 months with Professional Experience to enhance your career prospects. Our London Student Opportunities team will support you in applying for opportunities with a range of tailored services available. You can also gain valuable experience with our Venture Creation Lab (VCL). The VCL provides you with the opportunity to gain valuable experience by designing and developing a technology business.

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments. You can also include a Professional Experience year.

If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete or 24 months with Professional Experience. You will study:

• 6 compulsory modules
• 1 course long research project (dissertation) module

If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

All of your modules will be delivered using a variety of different teaching sessions. This includes:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Debates
• Discussion forums
• Tutorials

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

We use a wide variety of assessment types, which help you to develop skills relevant to the workplace. This includes:

• Portfolios
• Presentations
• Project-based research
• Practical and written reports

You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module. This will help you to improve your work for your graded assessments. This will advise how you can develop your research skills, subject knowledge and professional practice.

Qualifications

If your degree is in an unrelated subject, but you can provide evidence of relevant professional experience, your application may still be considered.

Whilst we look to maintain the London ethos of inclusion and equity, MSc Data Science requires applicants to have a numerate science, computer science, data science or engineering background. This can be it via the undergraduate route, or via substantial industrial/practical experience. 

International Students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:

• £9,300 for full time study
• £5,150 per year for part time study (£9,300 in total)

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:

• £10,695 for full time study
• £9,300 per year for the first year full time, and £1,395 for your professional experience year (£10,695 in total)
• £5,150 per year part time, and £1,395 for your professional placement year (£10,695 in total)

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2024 - 2025 entry

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:

• £11,300 for 1 year of full time study

The tuition fee for September 2024 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:

• £14,900 for full time study
• £11,300 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£14,900 in total)

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to consider the cost of accommodation in London. There are many student accommodation options throughout the city. More guidance on finding accommodation in London is available on our dedicated Study in London page.

Where could Data Science MSc take you?

After studying this course, you will be able to confidently pursue a data science career. Modules in topics like Artificial Intelligence and statistical programming will help you develop industry-ready skills. Your ability to use appropriate processes to specify, design, deploy, verify, and maintain data science and undertake the appropriate risk assessments will give you a competitive edge in the marketplace. You will have an advantage when applying for roles in a range of sectors, including:

• IT
• Business
• Government
• Healthcare
• Finance
• Marketing

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022)

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.