Skip to main content

Data Science MSc

Our Data Science MSc gives you the knowledge, experience, and expertise to solve real-world problems and realise data-driven insights for organisations.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
Join our webinars for a step-by-step guide to applying to PG study. Sign up now

Overview

Data science is revolutionising every area of science, engineering and commerce. It offers the potential for huge societal and economic benefits.

Data science extracts insights and knowledge from large and complex datasets. It uses a wide range of techniques and methods to do this.

We created the Data Science MSc with several high-profile industry leaders. It aims to address the skills shortage in data analytics.

Our Master's in Data Science brings together students and industry practitioners to develop and translate new technologies into industry practice.

You'll receive a comprehensive grounding in the theory and application of data science. You'll develop a multi-disciplinary combination of skills in statistics and computer science. You'll also be able to apply these skills to real problems in a given application area.

You'll learn to analyse data and uncover patterns, trends and correlations. Topics covered also include:

  • data visualisation
  • statistics
  • machine learning
  • data engineering

You'll benefit from our substantial expertise in data science. We focus on a wide range of application areas, including:

  • healthcare
  • transport
  • cybersecurity
  • smart cities
  • manufacturing

This data science course is part of the following suite:

READ MORE

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

What you'll learn

This Data Science MSc has three phases.

Phase one

We’ll introduce you to the core knowledge and skills in statistics and computer science.

These modules are taught as an intensive block, meaning you'll be taught two modules simultaneously.

Phase two

Phase two consists of more advanced technical modules, as well as a group project.

We'll introduce the aspects that govern all areas of data science practice, including:

  • professionalism
  • legislation
  • ethics

During the group project, you'll develop and evaluate a data science solution to a complex, real-world problem. You'll work in an industry organisation. They can be a regional, national or charitable organisation. You'll propose a data science project in that company, institute, or area of research.

Phase three

In your final phase, you'll work on an individual research project. It'll give you an opportunity to:

  • develop your knowledge and skills
  • work in a research or development team

You can develop your project:

  • at the University under an academic supervisor
  • by securing an industrial placement
  • working with your current employer

You'll have one-to-one supervision from an experienced staff member. If needed, you'll also get supervision from industry partners.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

Improve your research skills through an extended research project. The project can include:

  • a literature review
  • problem specifications
  • design
  • implementation
  • analysis

You'll also develop your practical skills, including solving computational problems at scale and demonstrating appropriate scalable computational workflows and solutions applied to large information-handling problems.

After completing the course, you'll be able to:

  • design and implement new software packages
  • apply computing, mathematical and statistical techniques to data storage and analysis
  • confidently use the latest programming languages and software tools
  • build and analyse predictive models from data

Your future

Careers

The course prepares you for a wide range of careers, including roles as:

  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Research Data Scientist
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • AI Specialist

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

  • Senior Software Engineer at Sage
  • Data Analyst at Vodafone
  • Data Engineer at Virgin Atlantic
  • Data Scientist at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

We have strong industry and business links with the following companies:

  • Sage
  • National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD)
  • Nissan
  • Northumbrian Water

These connections provide you with numerous benefits, including internship opportunities, guest lectures, industry-sponsored projects, and potential employment upon graduation.

Further study

This course provides a route into PhD level study, offering a robust foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of Data Science. As a graduate, you'll be prepared to pursue advanced research opportunities and contribute to the academic community through doctoral programs.

Data science careers support

Our dedicated careers support team offers specialised guidance tailored to Data Science students. This includes:

  • career planning
  • workshops on resume-building and interview techniques
  • networking events with industry leaders
  • job fairs focused on data science and analytics
  • access to an extensive alumni network for mentorship and job referrals
  • support for start-ups

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

National Innovation Centre for Data

The Newcastle Helix campus is home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). NICD runs projects with organisations to help them acquire new skills and innovate through data.

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

  • academia
  • the public sector
  • communities
  • business and industry

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

  • The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
  • Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
  • Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


Apply Online  

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events

Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

Data Science in Computing
Email: computing.datascience@ncl.ac.uk
School of Computing
ncl.ac.uk/computing

Online

For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.

Fill in our enquiry form

Live chat

Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.

You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

Keep updated

We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.

Social media

Get invloved with the School of Computing social media.