Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MSc

Overview

Together, data science and artificial intelligence (AI) transform data into knowledge that is changing the world. This course offers a conversion route for graduates ready for a career in these fast-growing and connected fields.

With AI reshaping industries worldwide, you'll build the core skills needed to make an impact. This course is grounded in the latest computational and mathematical approaches. You'll progress from the basics of programming to latest techniques in machine learning and deep learning including:

• Large Language Models
• Foundational Models
• Generative AI

You’ll learn from our leading AI academics, whose pioneering research keeps them at the forefront of the discipline. You'll develop the curiosity and self-learning mindset needed to stay ahead of future developments. You’ll graduate with relevant and up-to-date knowledge in data science and AI, as well as the confidence to keep building your expertise as technology evolves.

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 experiential learning.

Important information

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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.

 

What you'll learn

Phase one: Core foundations in Data Science

In phase one, you’ll learn to understand the data itself before processing it, so you can interpret results accurately and make informed decisions. You’ll build a solid foundation in:

• programming
• statistics
• machine learning
• data handling and visualisation

You'll develop confidence in using programming languages such as R and Python.

You’ll then 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 allow you to work on solutions to real challenges drawn from NICD’s client projects.

You’ll gain essential legal knowledge, covering data protection, privacy, security, and equality frameworks.

Phase two: Data Science and AI

In phase two, you’ll study AI fundamentals through topics including:

• deep learning and computer vision
• natural language processing (NLP)
• large language models (LLMs)
• generative AI

You’ll gain fluency in the core concepts, methods, and applications of these topics. You’ll be introduced to the tools and industry-standard software used in each area while understanding best practices, limitations, and ethical implications of data and AI.

Phase 3: Capstone project

You’ll complete a research or industry focused project that applies data science and AI to real challenges. This is your opportunity to explore a topic that interests you or supports your career goals.

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 and Artificial Intelligence 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
Deep Learning and Computer Vision	20
Natural Language Processing and Generative AI	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

 

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

This course is hands-on, giving you the chance to apply the methods and techniques you’ve learned, supported by academics. You’ll gain experience using industry-standard software in a learning environment where you can ask for extra help and support.

Assessment methods

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

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Research proposal
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

Some assessments will involve 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.

You’ll demonstrate your software coursework for the AI modules, giving you the chance to showcase your practical abilities and how you’ve applied your learning.

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’ve learned previously 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.

Practical sessions

The course is made up of a large number of practical sessions, allowing you to try out different skills and techniques with the support of academic staff and demonstrators.

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, so you can test and refine the mathematics skills you’ll need for data science.

Maths-Aid

Students 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. You can 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. This support is in addition to your project supervisor.

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.

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

Through a module delivered by the NICD, you’ll develop key professional skills by working through real innovation processes. You’ll take a problem from initial conception through to a practical, client-focused solution.

You’ll also strengthen your teamwork and communication skills by working on a group project. You'll learn how to present your findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.

Research skills

You'll 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 become confident in using industry-standard AI toolkits such as TensorFlow, NLTK and Hugging Face.

You’ll apply statistical methods and software to model, classify, and interpret data, and create clear visualisations and interactive dashboards for different audiences.

You’ll develop the skills to use computational resources efficiently, helping you save time, scale up your projects, and work sustainably in AI.

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

Graduates of our Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MSc are well-prepared to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, with potential roles including:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• AI Engineer/AI Developer
• Data Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Ethical AI Advisor
• Prompt Engineer

Further study

This Master's provides an excellent foundation for further study. Graduates will have the opportunity to pursue PhDs or research careers in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, and related disciplines.

Industry links

The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) provides strategic advice and industry insights to support the development of the programmes in the School of Computing. The IAB includes representatives from:

• Google
• Meta
• IBM
• The Alan Turing Institute
• Airbus
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
• JP Morgan
• Lloyds Bank
• PwC

These connections provide you with numerous benefits, potential employment upon graduation and industry-sponsored projects.

Careers Service

Alongside support from our central Careers Service, you’ll benefit from a dedicated Careers Consultant and Employability Facilitator for this course. You can book one-to-one appointments to plan your next steps, and take part in a full programme of employability events and workshops throughout the year.

These careers resources are designed to help you develop your skills, connect with employers, and grow your professional network.

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

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

Explore the Urban Sciences Building

Learn more about the Newcastle Helix

Newcastle University's Urban Sciences Building Tour

Herschel Building

You'll join the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics based in the Herschel Building.

A well-equipped learning environment will support your studies, and you'll have access to extensive IT facilities for teaching and self-study, including:

• computer-based exercises with instant review of model solutions
• problem-solving video tutorials
• recording system for video capture of lectures, which you can download and watch again to help with your revision

The Herschel Building also has dedicated study and social spaces, and a computing area.

You’ll also benefit from a range of facilities and resources which may be used for project work, including:

• a state-of-the-art data visualisation lab, featuring a £250,000 stereoscopic wall display, large touchscreen display, eye trackers, hand-tracking devices, and virtual reality kit and software
• a large collection of cutting-edge GPU computational resources within the School of Computing
• the University’s High Performance Computing system (Commet) with GPU resources

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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