Data Science and Digital Humanities MSc

Important application information

This course is still subject to full university approval and is due to start in September 2026. The information given below is intended for guidance purposes only and may change once the course is fully approved.

Please fill in our online form. We'll use this to let you know when:

• the course gets full university approval
• more in-depth course information becomes available
• we can start accepting applications

Overview

The field of digital humanities deals with rich, complex, and often unclear data that goes beyond simple categorisation, from historical texts, artworks and places, to cultural records and human narratives.

You’ll learn how to unlock patterns, connections, and insights in this uniquely detailed material, revealing new perspectives that traditional methods alone can’t provide.

You’ll gain the skills and expertise to collect, analyse and transform data from a range of areas in humanities, including:

• archaeology and history

• geography

• classics

• media studies and journalism

• literature and linguistics

• archives and exhibitions

• heritage

As part of the course, you’ll have access to Newcastle’s Special Collections & Archives and the Great North Museum. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real historical and cultural materials on campus.

In the specialist modules, you’ll work with data from our collections, innovative research and international partners, such as the Archaeological Data Service and the United Nations Satellite Centre. You’ll apply your data science skills to real-world challenges and projects that extend beyond the classroom.

You’ll be taught by leading researchers across humanities and social sciences. Our researchers use cutting-edge digital and data science techniques that are shaping the future of the field.

You’ll also build a solid foundation in innovative data science approaches, grounded in latest techniques. You’ll learn from renowned academics, as well as expert data scientists from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). You’ll immerse yourself in NICD’s leading-edge techniques, practical implementation, and ethical considerations of data science through data bootcamps and experiential learning.

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.

 

What you'll learn

Phase one: Core foundations in Data Science

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.

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 NICD will allow you 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

Phase two: Data Science in Digital Humanities

In phase two, you’ll apply your skills to real-world challenges in digital humanities through two specialist modules. You’ll investigate how place, people, past, and present are understood in the digital age, and discover how geospatial tools and machine learning can help solve complex questions.

You’ll learn to:

• design and manage digital humanities projects, from data acquisition through to interpretation
• apply emerging technologies to fields like archaeology, history, geography, heritage, and literature
• select and use geospatial tools and techniques to analyse human societies and their relationship with the environment

Phase 3: Capstone project

You’ll complete an independent project that applies data science to a real challenge in digital humanities. This is your opportunity to explore a topic that interests you or supports your career goals.

You’ll be able to explore how data science and digital methods apply to the different aspects of humanities, by applying your expertise to real-world data. You’ll be supported by specialists from your chosen area of digital humanities.

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.

 

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
• fieldwork
• 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
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Oral presentation
• PC examination
• Practical lab report
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written examination

Additional assessment information

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

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, so you can test and refine your skills.

Maths-Aid

Data Science students can make use of Maths-Aid, a team of experts who can 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 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
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

You’ll be taught by experts at the frontier of data science, artificial intelligence and digital humanities. 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 visualisation
• Humanities Research Institute: Bringing together humanities researchers to tackle real-world challenges, collaborate across disciplines, and shape the future of research
• Spatial Humanities: Innovative research into the development and application of geospatial technologies in the field of the humanities
• McCord Centre for Landscape: An interdisciplinary research centre exploring people and places of the past and how this impacts the present

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

You’ll develop skills in critically assessing and working with complex humanities data, understanding its value, reliability, and the right tools to use. This will help you to bridge the gap between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Humanities. You'll solve problems independently, and support others in applying data-driven approaches.

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

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
• interpreting findings in the context of the humanities

Practical skills

You’ll develop your programming skills, using languages such as Python and R.

You’ll learn how to digitise and interpret archival materials. You'll be able to design digital projects that address both technical and ethical considerations for a range of audiences.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with geospatial data and tools, including:

• spatial analysis
• image processing
• visualisation
• machine learning

Using industry-standard software like QGIS and Google Earth Engine, you’ll create practical solutions to challenges.

Site visits

You’ll attend local historical and heritage sites to collect data in the field. On campus, you’ll explore our world-class Special Collections & Archives and the Great North Museum. You'll gain first-hand access to rare materials and unique cultural artefacts.

Your future

Your career

Graduates of our Data Science and Digital Humanities MSc are well-prepared to pursue a range of roles, such as:

• Digital Humanities Researcher
• Data Analyst
• Digital Archivist or Collections Specialist
• Cultural Data Scientist
• Digital Project Manager
• Historic Environment Records Officer
• Geospatial Analyst
• Remote Sensing Specialist

You could work in a variety of sectors, including:

• museums, archives, and cultural heritage
• publishing and media
• libraries and information management
• public sector and government
• non-profit and NGOs
• technology and digital innovation
• creative industries

Further study

This Master’s degree provides a strong foundation for further academic research, including PhD study in areas such as:

• digital humanities
• data science
• heritage studies
• historical studies and archaeology
• cultural analytics
• remote sensing and GIS

Industry links

We are closely connected to industry, thanks to active partnerships and collaborations. This includes the Archaeological Data Service and the United Nations Satellite Centre, as well as organisations working in the creative sector.

This course is delivered with support from the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). NICD collaborates with organisations working in a variety of market sectors, from start-ups to global enterprises, including:

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

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 participate in employability events and workshops These are designed to help you develop your skills, connect with employers, and expand 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

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 have access to a range of facilities, equipment and resources, including:

• Special Collections & Archives
• Great North Museum
• a high-performance computer
• a range of software licences
• high-specification computers with access to software
• well-equipped labs including the Wolfson Archaeology Laboratories
• laser scanner and 3D printer, as well as access to the University’s Makerspace

Find out more about our facilities

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