Postgraduate Course
Data Science MSc
Discover the fundamentals of data science and learn how to apply the latest principles, theories, practices and applied analytics.
On this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to enter the evolving world of data science and analytics, specialisms that are becoming essential for an increasing number of industries. You will develop expertise in analytical project requirements, data acquisition and visualisation, and business communication and presentation.
London campus
- Duration – 1 year full time, 2 years full time with professional experience year 2 years part time, 3 years part time with professional experience year
- Start date – February 2025, September 2025, September 2026
- School – London
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
Tuition fees
UK 2024-25 £9,300 full time
International 2024-25 £11,300 full time
Course overview
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.
Course structure
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
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will develop your in-depth knowledge and practical skills of statistical concepts, methods, and programming. These skills can be applied to help tackle programming problems in professional settings. You will analyse data using Python programming language. Furthermore, you will learn to relate extracted information to strategic, and operation decision-making. As a result of studying this module, you will be able to use the information you extract from data to decision making for a number of business operations.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Data manipulation and management is vital to data science and artificial intelligence. On this module you will develop the necessary skills to design and implement appropriate database systems. These skills will allow you to manipulate data and keep it secure. You will apply and test these techniques across different types of database systems and applications.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an exciting and fast developing field of computer science that simulates human intelligence through the creation and application of algorithms. Machine learning is a subset of AI, focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate humans learning, gradually improving its accuracy. Develop practical skills in AI problem solving and to understand the legal and ethical implications for business and society. Learn recent applications of machine learning and evaluate their performance using real world examples.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Data Visualisation is the representation of information and data by using visual elements. Visualisation tools provide an accessible way to visualise and understand the trends, outliers and patterns in data. Gain knowledge about the theoretical concepts, design processes, and presentation tools and techniques involved in data visualisation. Reveal the structure of data and learn to convert data source to visual plot. By the end of this course you will be able to design a narrative around data and use it to describe a story.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Businesses are overwhelmed with vast amounts of structured and unstructured data every day. The large volume makes it hard for humans to identify patterns. Cloud computing has emerged to manage and process the data, providing endless opportunities for storing data. Develop the knowledge and skills to collect, structure, process and analyse big data to tackle a realistic problem. On this module you will learn how to implement your solution using Cloud Computing together with a distributed processing environment.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Blockchain technology is rapidly changing the finance industry. Cryptocurrencies, one of the most popular uses of blockchain, are looked at in detail. Learn what a blockchain is and how to create one using Python code. Explore practical programming and technical aspects of decentralised applications built on blockchains. This module will provide the fundamentals essential for entry into research in related fields as well as for related industry positions.
Credits: 60
Compulsory module
Investigate, select, analyse, refine, and develop creative solutions in order to reach evidence-based conclusions, pertinent to contemporary issues within the field of digital marketing. This module has been constructed to draw on diverse, academically rigorous resources, as well as authentic, vocationally driven materials. Learner-driven in nature, this module will be personalised to your interests and career aspirations. Teaching will cover research methodology, data analysis, employability informed research and professional principles. You will undertake your own research to build on this, under a tutor's supervision.
If you are studying this course with a Professional Experience year, it will be assessed during this module.
Teaching and assessment
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.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
2:2 honours degree in a related subject
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.
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.
Fees and funding
UK 2024 - 2025 entry
The tuition fee for February 2025 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:
- £9,300 for 1 year of full time study
The tuition fee for February 2025 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:
- £9,300 for your first year, and £1,395 for your Professional Experience 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.
International 2024 - 2025 entry
The tuition fee for February 2025 entry to this postgraduate course without Professional Experience is:
- £11,300 for 1 year of full time study
The tuition fee for February 2025 entry to this postgraduate course with Professional Experience is:
- £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.
Tuition fees
UK 2024-25 £9,300 full time
International 2024-25 £11,300 full time
Alumni Scholarships
If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.
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.
Career outcomes
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.