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Unlock the power of data. Develop the technical, statistical and analytical skills to mine complex data for the insights that transform business, government and scientific discovery.
Data can provide insights to shape decision-making, power scientific innovation, improve business operations and inform government policy. But it takes cutting-edge statistical and computational methods to unlock that power. Our MSc Data Science course lets you master those methods.
On this masters, we’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills to acquire, curate, manage and analyse data for solving real-world problems. You'll gain essential, transferable computational and statistical thinking skills to create and deploy data-driven products and knowledge. You’ll also look at ways to solve challenges in a range of potential, data-rich, application domains such as health, climate, transportation and sales.
You'll have the flexibility to set the direction ...
1 year full-time
2 years full-time with industrial placement
2 years part-time
Anand"I have gained skills using programming languages such as Python and SAS, as well as skills in data cleaning, hypothesis testing, data analysis and data manipulation. Python is the core language used in data science and lots of jobs in this field require you to be experienced in using it, so it has been invaluable for my future career. "
MSc Data Science alumnus
Our MSc Data Science degree is made up of nine core modules covering topics from the principles of data science, computational mathematics and statistics to fundamental algorithms and machine learning concepts. You can choose to study the course full-time over one year, or part-time, where you’ll complete the modules over two years. You may also choose to take an additional one-year optional industry placement on the full-time route.
You’ll start by learning key processes of data science from an applied perspective, gaining the required skills for operating fluently within a data science environment. From there, you’ll explore aspects and tasks relating to the life cycle of data in organisations and the wider issues relating to data handling, along with algorithms and data structures used to solve several computational challenges.
You’ll cover fundamental machine learning concepts, mainly from a practical, problem-solving perspective – including the foundations of predictive tasks and contemporary techniques for predictive modelling. You’ll then build on your knowledge with an Advanced Machine Learning module and a Deep Learning module. This provides you with the necessary skills to work within a deep learning ecosystem.
In another module, you’ll gain an understanding of industry-relevant tools and techniques for solving large-scale problems through exploring practical aspects of scalable data processing and efficient problem solving for ‘big data’.
Finally, you will complete an in-depth, independent research project. With the support of our academic and technical team, you’ll undertake a piece of research on a topic of your choice related to your studies. This will involve designing, implementing and evaluating a substantial piece of software and documenting the research through writing a dissertation.
Studying as part of the Department of Computing and Mathematics, you’ll have guidance from an expert team with leading knowledge in the area. Your studies will be rooted in the kind of cutting-edge research that’s addressing societal challenges, making an impact on areas like healthcare, future cities and security.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Institute of Coding
Chartered Institute of Information Security
Oracle Academy
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
You'll need a UK honours degree in a STEM subject – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent. We might also consider applications with relevant lower-level qualifications, together with substantial professional experience in a related field.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
Full-time fee: £10,250 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £1709 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £3334 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £1,850
Following the completion of the academic credits for your MSc award, this course is available with an optional one-year placement in your second year. The industry placement allows you to gain additional practice credits by working in an industry setting, relevant to your studies.
If you choose to do a placement year, you'll be required to pay a placement fee of £1,850.
Optional estimate: £20 - £30
Students can choose to join the British Computer Society (BCS) at any point in their study. It is not required but is useful. The charge is £20 for one year and £30 for four years. More information can be found on the membership page of their website.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Skilled data scientist professionals are in high demand across a diverse range of industries. You'll be able to apply your skills in a multitude of sectors – whether it be developing solutions that support the government to improve public services, driving operational efficiencies in the manufacturing industry, or working in e-commerce to enhance supply chain systems.
With the expertise you’ll develop with us, you’ll be well placed to apply for roles such as:
Whatever route you decide to go down, your ability to harness the power of data and technologies will have far-reaching impacts, not only on the companies and industries you work in, but on society as a whole.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.