Data Science (with specialisation in Visualization) MSc, PGDip, PGCert

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

A PGDip is awarded if you successfully complete all of the taught modules (120 credits).

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications

A PGCert is awarded if you successfully complete half of the taught modules (60 credits).

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

The School of Computing and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics deliver the course. The course starts in mid-September.

If you’re a part-time student, you have the flexibility to study over two years. The part-time version of the course encourages participation of practitioners from industry. As a part-time student you can:

• align your assessed work with the priorities of your job role
• carry out your individual project in your place of work (as long as the supervisory processes in place meet University standards)

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Report

Project work

We'll provide you with the opportunity to undertake a project with industry, working alongside organisations and collaborating with the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD).

Throughout the degree you'll undertake individual and group-based projects.

Your six-month individual project gives you an opportunity to:

• develop and deepen 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 member of staff, supported with supervision from industry partners as required.

You'll be assessed by a portfolio of practical work, accompanied by an oral interview. There will be no written examinations as part of the Data Science MSc.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

We're home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). We're also a partner of the Alan Turing Institute, the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. All our academic staff involved in teaching data science modules have international reputations for their contributions to the field. Many of them have extensive experience as practitioners in industry as well as work in academia.

Dr Matthew Forshaw is the Degree Programme Director for the Data Science suite of postgraduate programmes. He is also the National Skills Lead for The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and AI research.

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.