Applied Data Science (Online Learning) MSc

With advances like generative AI transforming industries, there is an increasing demand for skilled data specialists. Being proficient in data science is growing more important across fields as diverse as the social sciences, humanities, medicine and sciences.

This online MSc is designed to provide you with an introduction to the essential skills needed to begin a career using data. It allows you to take courses from multiple Schools, bringing together different academic communities across the University to create a modern, multidisciplinary degree programme. It combines elements from fields such as statistical analysis, data visualisation and data scraping to help inform strategic decision making, optimise processes and solve complex problems. It will introduce you to the use and management of data in the real world.

We go beyond teaching data science; we lead innovations in the field. Our programme will connect you with a high-profile network of research centres, institutes, and innovation centres across the University, empowering you to explore the cutting-edge of multidisciplinary data science.

This MSc assumes no prior knowledge of programming or mathematics beyond school-level and is designed to be accessible to everyone. You will receive a curated introduction to the relevant skills needed for a data-related career. We place a particular focus on preparing you for practical, impactful applications across the social sciences, business, humanities and medicine.

Study options

You can study this programme over 1 year full-time or 3 years part-time. 

If you study full-time, you will undertake your dissertation and project preparation course with the School of Social and Political Science. 

If you study part-time, you can choose to undertake your dissertation and the associated project preparation course with the School of Social and Political Science or EPCC (formally the UK national supercomputing centre). You will also have more option courses to choose from.

You can choose to exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), if you complete 120 or 60 credits respectively.

Programme benefits

* Gain hands-on experience with various real-world data science applications.

* Get the essential knowledge and research training needed for aspiring data science practitioners and managers.

* Understand the applications of data-intensive technologies, including generative AI.

* Develop critical and creative thinking skills to navigate the ethical, governance, and social dimensions associated with data science.

* Enjoy the flexibility of our online programme and balance your studies with personal and professional commitments.