Data Science MSc

Overview

Begin your journey into data science and build a career with real impact. This Master's equips you with the skills and knowledge to turn raw data into valuable insights.

We have designed this degree as a conversion course for students from non-computing backgrounds. It will guide you through the core tools and techniques of data science. You'll develop the expertise employers want in a rapidly evolving field, and prepare for impactful roles in sectors such as health, government, business, and technology.

You’ll build a solid foundation in the latest computational and mathematical techniques which are highly valued by industry. You’ll develop programming skills in Python and R, which are vital as a basis in this field. You'll then advance onto cutting-edge machine learning and AI methods to unlock insights from complex data.

This hands-on, practical course gives you experience working with large, complex data sets. You'll learn from leading academics and industry professionals tackling real-world data challenges.

Aspects of this course are delivered by expert data scientists from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). You’ll immerse yourself in their leading-edge techniques and practical applications of data science through data bootcamps and learning by experience.

You’ll also gain a broader understanding of the societal and ethical responsibilities around data use. You'll benefit from practical exposure to business processes, and learn how data science experts apply their skills in real-world settings.

Important information

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

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

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 2025-26.

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.

 

Additional information

This Data Science Master's degree is part of a suite of Data Science conversion degrees. You may also be interested in:

• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MSc
• Data Science and Digital Humanities MSc
• Data Science and Finance MSc
• Data Science and Industrial Biotechnology MSc
• Data Science and Sport MSc

What you'll learn

Semester 1

In Semester 1, you’ll build a solid foundation in programming, statistics, machine learning, and data handling and visualisation. You will develop confidence in using tools such as R, Python, and Jupyter.

Semester 2

Once you’ve mastered these core skills, you’ll explore the theory and applications of data science in greater depth. A skills-based module delivered by the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) will give you the opportunity to work on solutions to real challenges drawn from NICD’s client projects.

You’ll also develop your legal skills, ensuring you’re up to date with:

• legal frameworks
• data protection, privacy and security
• equality and non-discrimination

You’ll select one optional module that explores the application of data science in one of the following areas:

• sport
• artificial intelligence
• digital humanities

Semester 3

In your final phase, you’ll complete an independent project that applies data science to a real-world challenge in research or industry. This is your opportunity to explore a topic that interests you or supports your career goals.

You’ll investigate a complex data science or applied statistical problem through either:

• a consultancy-style, industry-informed group project
• a significant individual research project or consultancy-style project (subject to availability)

 

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.

Course content changes

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.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

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

 

Data Science MSc modules

You take the following compulsory modules:

Compulsory modules	Credits
Data Visualisation and Data Handling	20
Programming and Machine Learning	20
Foundations of Data Science	20
Data Science Skills	20
Computational Statistical Modelling	20

You also take one of the following modules:

Optional modules	Credits
Case Study Project in Applied Data Science	60
Individual Project in Applied Data Science	60

You also take one of the following optional modules.

Optional modules	Credits
Deep Learning and Computer Vision	20
Geospatial Technologies for the Humanities	20
Data-informed decision-making in Sport	20

 

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You'll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Small group tutorials
• Computer labs
• Workshops
• Data ‘bootcamps’
• Flipped learning
• Practical sessions
• Drop-in surgeries
• Supervisor meetings
• Guided independent study

Assessment methods

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

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• PC examination
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Report
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

Some assessments will be completed on our specialist software, Numbas, which tests your mathematical knowledge.

As part of the module delivered by NICD, you’ll collaborate with a group to complete an assignment and deliver an oral presentation, which will contribute to your assessment.

Assessment methods may vary depending on the optional module you choos

Support

Data Science resources

Before the course begins, you’ll receive a set of resources designed to support your transition into data science. These materials provide a fast-paced refresher on key mathematical concepts, helping bridge the gap between what you learned at school and what you'll encounter on the course. You’ll start your course with confidence and be able to refer to the resources as your learning progresses.

Numbas learning software

You'll have access to specialist learning software called Numbas. Developed at Newcastle University, it's now used by mathematicians and statisticians worldwide. This innovative software allows you to work on interactive code worksheets, enabling you to test and refine the mathematics skills you’ll need for data science.

Maths-Aid

All students on our Data Science conversion degrees can make use of Maths-Aid, a team of experts who provide support and advice on all aspects of maths and statistics.

Statistics and Data Science clinic

During your capstone project, you’ll be supported by our Statistics and Data Science Clinic, where you can book one-to-one sessions with our expert data scientists. Whether you need support with a technical issue or refining your analysis, tailored support is available to help your project progress.

Our staff

This course is delivered by:

• School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
• School of Computing

You'll be taught by experts working at the frontier of data science. You'll work alongside academics from the following research areas:

• Centre for Data Science and AI: Driving the development and application of new methods for extracting the value from data
• Statistics and Data Science: World-class research in modern statistics and data science.
• Scalable Computing: Internationally renowned for tackling research challenges in high performance systems, data science, machine learning and data visualization.

We're home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). This gives you unique opportunities to collaborate with industry partners across multiple sectors.

Your development

Professional skills

Through a module delivered by the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), you’ll develop key professional skills by working through real innovation processes. You’ll take a problem from initial formulation through to a practical, client-focused solution. You’ll also strengthen your teamwork and communication skills by working on a group project and learning how to present your findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Research skills

You will learn to design, implement, and report on data-driven research projects. This includes formulating hypotheses, selecting appropriate analytical methods, evaluating models, and interpreting findings.

Practical skills

You’ll learn how to collect, validate and prepare data for analysis. You’ll develop your programming skills in Python and R to solve real data science problems. You’ll apply statistical methods and software to model, classify, and interpret data. You'll create clear visualisations and interactive dashboards for different audiences.

Work experience opportunities

While this course does not include a formal placement, you will gain practical experience through working with our industry partners on projects. There are a number of opportunities to secure work experience and placements with support from our Careers Service.

Your future

Your career

Graduates of our Data Science MSc are well-prepared to pursue roles in a variety of sectors, including:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Statistician
• Research Analyst
• Data Consultant
• Insights Manager
• Programming Business Consultant

You'll graduate with a broad set of data skills, enabling you to work in a range of fields, including:

• financial services
• technology
• scientific research
• research and development
• retail
• consultancy

Further study

This degree provides an excellent foundation for PhD-level research in applied data science and related areas. You’ll develop advanced analytical, computational, and research skills that are highly valued in academia.

Benefit from strong industry links

You'll benefit from industry links from the School of Computing and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics. The Schools have a dedicated employability facilitator and careers consultant. They'll organise industry talks, visits and opportunities to network throughout the programme, as well as offering one-to-one career advice and support.

This course is delivered with support from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). NICD collaborates with organisations in a variety of sectors, including:

• Red Hat Inc
• Proctor and Gamble
• Sage
• AkzoNobel
• Newcastle Building Society
• Equinor
• Engie
• Kinewell Energy
• SMD
• National Health Service (NHS)
• West End Food Bank

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

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.

Facilities

The School of Computing has a state-of-the-art data visualization lab which may be used for project work. It includes:

• £250,000 stereoscopic wall display
• large touchscreen display
• eye trackers
• hand-tracking devices

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. Newcastle Helix brings together:

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

The USB is a living laboratory and has over 4,000 sensors that record detailed research data, which can be used in student projects.

As a student, you'll have access to facilities including:

• 300+ PCs with a Raspberry Pi3 on every desk
• large, flexible computer clusters
• collaborative spaces for study or group projects
• dedicated practical space for postgraduate students
• Urban Café

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

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. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

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. 

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:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

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.

Funding deadlines

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.

Search for funding

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Select your country

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  

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