Data Science MSc

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Level of study:
Masters
Entry Requirements:
More information
Start date:
September 2026
Duration:
One year full-time / Two years full-time with a placement / Two years part-time
Attendance:
Full-time, Part-time, Placement year
Course delivery:
On-campus (Clifton Campus)

About this course

This course covers the fundamentals of Data Science including Big Data infrastructure, AI and statistical analysis and the mining of data. Development of your understanding of deriving value from the data analytics functions is also a focus of this course.

You will learn how to support organisations in improving their data capture, management and analysis processes with a focus on efficiency and profit, whilst adhering to the current highest ethical standards.

Why study this course at NTU?

This course builds on NTU’s experience of upskilling major employers in the region in the areas of data analytics and data science. Our previous experience in work-based learning prepared graduates to take innovative roles in the rapidly changing Data Science industry.

Studying takes place in our purpose-built ISTeC building, where you will have access to our dedicated Data Science teaching facility is equipped with high-performance workstations to support advanced machine learning and data analytics.

As there is a growing need in the UK for data science experts we’ve secured funding of £498,245 from the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Office for Students to support the development of this course.

Conversion course

This is a conversion course intended for those who wish to retrain or gain skills and knowledge in the area of Data Science. If you already hold an undergraduate degree or extensive knowledge of data science, you may be better suited to our MSc Artificial Intelligence or MSc Cyber Security courses, which build on prior learning in this area.

Gain Industry Experience

Take a one-year work placement to gain industry experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.
World-Leading Research

In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Learn from the experts

at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
A university campus experience

within one of Europe’s top 25 student cities, and home to over 75,000 learners.

On this MSc Data Science you’ll develop your expertise through six core modules (120 credit points) that build your technical and professional skills. You’ll then apply this knowledge in a 60-credit research project, giving you the opportunity to investigate a real-world challenge in depth.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of software implementation, emerging technologies and large-scale computer applications. You will develop the knowledge and skills to analyse and plan a wide range of computer systems projects and carry out research in a range of advanced computing applications.

The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Masters project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.

You will be taught through a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and workshops alongside independent study.

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

On this course, you’ll engage with AI in a practical, informed way, reflecting its use across science and technology today. You’ll explore how AI supports analysis, problem solving and innovation, while developing the skills to understand its limitations and ethical implications.

AI won’t replace scientific knowledge or professional judgement. Instead, you’ll learn how it complements your expertise and enhances professional practice in industry and research.

We’ll help you build confidence, adaptability and informed judgement, preparing you for a changing workplace where human expertise remains essential.

Apply your theory

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.

Research-informed teaching

Throughout your course you will be supported by your course leader and personal tutor, who will work with you individually. A comprehensive induction programme will provide you with essential information about the course, including access to the library and virtual learning portal.

Learning methods

Lectures
Guided reading supported by the University's virtual learning portal
Workshops and laboratories
Seminars
Case studies and project work

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

How you're assessed

Research project
Written assignment
Case studies
Oral presentations
Coursework reports

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Taha Osman

Principal Lecturer

Taha is a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science. He is also the Postgraduate Courses Manager for the Department.
Visit Taha Osman's staff profile
Neil Sculthorpe

Senior Lecturer

Dr Neil Sculthorpe is the course leader for MSc Software Engineering. He teaches Software Engineering modules for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Visit Neil Sculthorpe's staff profile
Golnaz Shahtahmassebi

Associate Professor

Golnaz Shahtahmassebi
Visit Golnaz Shahtahmassebi's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics and information systems. Other subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Other qualifications and experience

We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

Full-time - £10,300
Full-time with placement year - £10,300 + £1,905 for placement year
Part-time - £5,150

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

Full-time - £19,900
Full-time with placement year - £19,900 + £1,905 for placement year

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Scholarships

Alumni discount

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

The course is designed to meet industry standards, with active input from commercial and industry partners, ensuring you stand out in job applications and are well-prepared for a successful career. This conversion course enables students from diverse backgrounds to master how organisations capture, analyse, and profit from data, preparing them for employment across a variety of data-driven sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail.

Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our students are perceived as having a competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.

Placement opportunities

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.

If you take the sandwich route, you will take a one-year work placement after the first three terms before returning to NTU the following year to start your research project.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Prism UK, Gedling Borough Council and ENSEK. They secured varied roles such as Systems Integration Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer and Software Engineer.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:
- Experian
- NHS
- Office for National Statistics
- Department for Education
- Blueprint Gaming Ltd
Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:
- Optimisation Consultant
- Research Data Analyst
- Business Information Analyst
- Growth and Strategy Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Online Game Fraud Analyst
- Statistical Officer
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Apply now

International students

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.