MSc in Scientific and Data Intensive Computing
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time - 180 credits
The Scientific Computing program aims to produce highly computationally skilled scientists and engineers capable of applying numerical methods and critical evaluation of their results to their field of science or engineering. It brings together best practices in computing with cutting-edge science and fills in the computing gap in traditional science, engineering and mathematics programs.
This program has been designed to balance professional software development and high-performance computing skills with a comprehensive selection of numerical mathematics and scientific subjects, culminating in a scientific computing dissertation project. The dual aspect of science and computing degree will enable the students to tackle real-life problems in a structured and rigorous way and produce professional software for their efficient solutions.
The program aims to develop a comprehensive set of skills that are in high demand both in industry and academia: professional software development skills including state of the art scripting and compiled languages, knowledge of techniques used in high-performance computing, understanding, and ability to apply a wide range of numerical methods and numerical optimization, deepen your knowledge in science subject of your choice, presentation skills both oral and in writing.
Course Structure
The programme is made up of modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of a research essay (30 credits), 5 optional core modules (75 credits) and 1 elective module (15 credits) or a dissertation/report (60 credits), plus either 6 optional core modules (90 credits) and 2 elective modules (30 credits).
Core Modules (75/90 credits)
All students take a selection of 5 or 6 of the following core modules:
- Computational and Simulation Methods
- Machine Learning with Big Data
- Numerical Methods
- Numerical Optimisation
- Techniques of High-Performance Computing
- Research Software Engineering with Python
- Research Computing with C++
- Standard Data Analysis
Optional Modules (up to 30 credits)
Options include a wide selection of modules across UCL Engineering and UCL Mathematical & Physical Sciences.
Project/Dissertation (60 credits)
The MSc programme culminates in the scientific computing dissertation project. The projects are built around cutting-edge research across the faculties of MAPS and Engineering. The supervisor will provide a topic that will enable the student to make a contribution to research in the field. Furthermore, the project provides a taste of what to expect as a postgraduate researcher or while working in an advanced industry. As part of the dissertation, students may submit documented code, including some unit testing, through a public repository.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is this a programming course?
A. While your programming will undoubtedly improve as a result of taking the MSc, the aim is to provide a fully rounded training in scientific computing including numerical methods, software engineering, use of high-performance facilities.
Q. What background in programming do I need for the course?
A. It is assumed that all students will have undertaken some programming in a high-level language. In the first term, you will take a course in Research Software Engineering with Python. This is not a first course on programming: it is assumed that you have prior knowledge of at least one programming language, and are comfortable with all the basic concepts of computer programming variables, control flow, and functions. We do not mind what language you already know – we will teach our research software engineering course using Python, but will introduce the language at the beginning of the course. But you must have programmed in something before!
If you are not confident that you could, for example, write a function to load a data file, with the filename as an input function, and then print out only the mean of the numbers in the second column, but including only those lines with an even number in the third column, then you need to prepare by studying some programming before you join us. To practice Python, you can try: Intro to Python.
Similarly in the second term, there is a course Research Computing with C++. This course will assume that you have some familiarity with C++. You do not need to learn the basics of C++ before starting the course but if needed you should do this during the first term of the Christmas vacation.
Q. What project can I choose?
A. The project can be in a very wide ranging choice of topics in physical science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. It must contain an element of programming either in the form of a new program or as a significant addition to an existing code. It can be done using any computer language. A list of projects is provided but many students arrange their own projects by directly approaching academics in whose research they are interested.
Q. I have not done maths since school. Is this a problem?
A. This is a fairly formal course in scientific computing and includes masters levels modules in numerical methods, computation, and simulation. This course requires a background in university level mathematics so students should have continued their studies of mathematics with courses as part of their first degree which covers calculus, linear algebra, and analysis.
Q. Is this a course for physicists?
A. No. The course is run jointly between the Department of Physics and Astronomy (which acts as the admitting department) and the Department of Computer Science. We accept students with numerate degrees in physical science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
Q. I am interested in an MSc in Financial Mathematics or Computing, is this an MSc for me?
A. No. UCL offers specialist MSc courses in these topics and applicants interested in Finance should take these courses. This MSc is based on the use of computational methods to solve problems in science or engineering.
Q. What are the Graduate Outcomes after completion of the Programme?
A. All alumni who completed the MSc in Scientific and Data Intensive Computing have successfully transitioned into full-time roles with respected international organisations. Our graduates hold influential positions such as Data Scientists, Software Developers, Engineers, Analysts, Qualitative Researchers, and Technologists.
A strong majority reported that earning this MSc qualification was instrumental in securing their current roles. Several have also chosen to pursue further academic study, either at top-tier universities worldwide or by continuing their research at UCL through PhD programmes. Those who progressed to doctoral study highlighted the SDIC programme as a key foundation for their academic success.
Importantly, many alumni have shared that they are actively applying the knowledge, tools, and techniques gained during the programme in their current work or research — a clear testament to the programme’s real-world impact. (Programme Graduate Outcome Survey, 2022)
Q. I’ve applied—when will I hear back?
A. All decisions are processed by UCL Central Admissions. You can track your application via the Applicant Portal. For queries regarding transcripts, exams, English language tests, visas, or ATAS-related concerns, please contact UCL Central Admissions.
Q. Who should I contact with questions about…
| Topic | Contact |
|---|---|
| Transcript, English test, visa, ATAS | UCL Central Admissions |
| Programme content, modules, research | Prof. Jonathan Tennyson - Email: j.tennyson@ucl.ac.uk |
| Application status | UCL Applicant Portal or Central Admissions |
| Fees and funding | UCL Fees and Funding |
| Accommodation | UCL Accommodation |
Graduate Testimonials and Achievements
In addition to our strong Graduate Outcomes (Programme Graduate Outcome Survey, 2022), we’re proud to share some of the inspiring stories, testimonials, and research outputs from recent MSc SDIC graduates. These successes reflect the programme’s ability to prepare students for both industry and academic excellence.
Student Testimonials
Zhijian Peng – Class of 2023
Data Scientist, Sensors Data (Shanghai) - “I’ve signed a contract with Sensors Data and would like to express my gratitude to the SDIC programme. I’ve learned so much from my time at UCL, and I’m especially thankful for the patient support from my supervisors and lecturers. I hope to return for graduation!”
Yintai Ding – Class of 2023
PhD Candidate, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University - “I’m excited to begin a PhD in machine learning and option pricing. Thank you for the valuable guidance and academic references – the SDIC experience was key to this achievement.”
Bin Liang – Class of 2022 - "NLP Researcher, EMNLP Author - "Our first paper has been accepted at EMNLP! It’s a big step in my academic journey, and I’m deeply grateful for the instruction I received during my MSc. UCL helped me build a strong foundation in both research and practice.”
Research Publications and Prizes
Our students continue to publish impactful work and receive recognition in academic and industry settings. Recent examples include:
Bin Liang - Accepted paper in EMNLP 2024 (Natural Language Processing)
Daniel Kornai - “AGM-TE: Approximate Generative Model Estimator of Transfer Entropy for Causal Discovery”
In Causal Learning and Reasoning (CLeaR), PMLR, 2025
You Zuo
Winner, UCL MAPS Postgraduate Innovation & Enterprise Prize 2023
Project: Transfer Learning for Short-Term Photovoltaic Generation Forecasting with Deep Neural Networks
Yutong Li
Winner, UCL MAPS Postgraduate Innovation & Enterprise Prize 2024
Project: Interpretable Deep Learning Models for Retinopathy Severity Classification
We regularly update this section as more students share their success stories and publications. If you're an alumnus of the MSc SDIC programme and have exciting news or achievements, please get in touch.
Entry Requirements
We are looking for motivated and inquisitive minds with backgrounds in science, engineering, or a related subject and with a strong interest in computing. Students should have taken some university levels mathematics courses as part of the undergraduate degree,
Academic Requirements
Normally, a first-class bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, physical sciences, or a closely related subject is required. Alternative overseas qualifications are accepted.
Further information
There is further information on UCL's information for prospective students page, MSc in Scientific and Data Intensive Computing, including:
- International equivalent qualifications by country
- English language requirements for international applicants
- Latest tuition fees
How to Apply
The department is now open for applications for entry in September 2025, and applicants should apply online.
Deadline for applications:
- For applicants requiring a visa: 14 October 2024 – 27 June 2025
- For applicants not requiring a visa: 14 October 2024 – 29 August 2025
Please note: Applications close at 5:00 pm (UK time) on the final day.
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to the competition for places.