MSc Data Science
- MSc
Overview
If you want to improve the world through the responsible use of data, the MSc in Data Science will give you the skills to do so. You will learn how to understand, in depth, the computational and statistical principles of modern data science and be skilled at the rigorous and ethical application of these techniques to real-world challenges.
Whether you have a background in numerate sciences, engineering, or computer science, the programme will provide you with the skills to succeed in this exciting and fast-moving discipline. It will equip you with excellent employment prospects to pursue roles in industry as either a data scientist or data engineer as well as for research and development roles.
This MSc aims to:
- Equip you with the ability to work across disciplinary boundaries in the effective application and deployment of data-intensive solutions in a variety of contexts.
- Give you a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in computational, machine learning, and statistical principles and the capability for insightful large-scale data analysis, so you will be able to specify and implement analytical pipelines for real-world data at scale.
- Provide you with a good understanding of the ethical issues in the application of contemporary data science techniques to real-world challenges, including arguments about the risks, benefits and disadvantages arising from the deployment of these technologies.
- Enable you to independently initiate data science projects specified at a high-level perspective, leading them from scoping onward to completion, while exercising appropriate project management methods and maintaining stakeholder engagement.
The MSc in Data Science has been co-designed with industrial partners and is highly relevant to rewarding employment opportunities. There is a strong emphasis on responsible innovation and ethics to encourage you to use your knowledge and skills for societal good in the workplace or through further research. The course is closely associated with excellent research in the University, ensuring leading-edge teaching.
Teaching for this postgraduate programme will be delivered at our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, opening 2026. Home to our pioneering research groups and designed to enhance links with industry in collaborative spaces, students will gain the networks, skills and knowledge to succeed once you graduate. Depending on your choice of optional units, you may also be taught on the Clifton Campus.
Programme structure
You will take either a unit in Software Development: Programming and Algorithms, or, if you already have software development skills, a unit in Statistical Computing.
The remainder of the MSc consists of the following units:
- Large-Scale Data Engineering
- Technology, Innovation, Business, and Society
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Text analytics
- Visual Analytics
- Data Science Methods and Practice.
To complete your studies, an individual or group project can be chosen from a selection. These units provide experience in planning, running, documenting, and presenting a substantial piece of original work. They provide a substantial opportunity to integrate material from all taught units and demonstrate the breadth and depth of your learning on the MSc.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Data Science.
Entry requirements
You will typically need a strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or an international equivalent in a Numerate Science, Computer Science, or Engineering. Other acceptable subjects include, but are not limited to:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Astrophysics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Econometrics
- Economics
- Finance
- Genetics
- Geology / Earth Sciences
- Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Operations Research
- Physics
- Psychology.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé ) when you apply, showing:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £18,900 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £36,500 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
MyWorld Scholarships: UK offer holders for this programme may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £5,000 towards their tuition fees. Information about eligibility and the application process can be found on the MyWorld website.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduates from this MSc will be keenly sought after in roles such as lead data scientists or lead data engineers, capable of critically evaluating and synthesising research literature, developing and deploying scalable data-processing systems, and communicating with others in their field and in other disciplines. Top graduates from this degree will be able to proactively advance the development of data science and related technologies.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk