Applied Data Science Master of Science - MSc (UG)

Our MSc Applied Data Science is a conversion course specifically designed for students without prior experience of university-level mathematics or statistics, who want to be part of our fast-growing digital economy (students with some mathematical experience may consider our MSc Data Science and its Applications). The course builds upon your undergraduate degree in the humanities, social or life sciences, or business studies, giving you postgraduate-level skills in essential data science methods with various applications, covering case studies and applications of AI and data using a balance of methods and practical application.

The course introduces you to programming with the R language and as well as text analytics. Relational databases and SQL are developed and used for relevant applications from humanities, life sciences, linguistics, marketing and social science. The course encourages statistical thinking by data visualisations and guides you to develop your creativity within a scientific framework.

You cover topics such as:


- using R for statistical modelling and decision-making


- linear and generalised linear models are used for experimental and observational data


- artificial intelligence


- deep and statistical learning


- applied statistics


- information retrieval


- digital economy


- survey sampling


The leading department on this course, our School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering are working together with other departments across the University to deliver optional modules and summer projects with Essex Business School, the Department of Language and Linguistics, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Department of Psychology. Our course also benefits from many Knowledge Transfer Partnerships which support students through placements and an interdisciplinary outreach culture.

The University of Essex is committed to transformational education and inclusion, focused on learning opportunities for every student, responsive to our students' needs and aspirations. Our MSc Applied Data Science reflects this by supporting every student, from every background, and removing the barriers to their education.

This course is developed in collaboration with industry partners and public sector organisations, which include BT, Profusion, Essex County Council, Essex Police, and Suffolk County Council. Our active links with industry can broaden your employment potential and offer placement opportunities.