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Data Science and Machine Learning MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Become a changemaker in the world of data science and machine learning through one of the most established Master’s programmes in this field. Our one-year Data Science and Machine Learning MSc offers modules spanning artificial intelligence and deep learning to digital finance and probabilistic modelling, enabling you to craft a future career in a range of fields.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a highly quantitative subject such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, physicals, or statistics. Additionally, applicants must have knowledge of mathematical methods including linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics at least at the level taught in the first year of a UK university undergraduate programme in the mathematical sciences. Relevant work experience may also be considered. Depending on the optional modules selected, students undertake assignments that contain programming elements and prior experience in a high-level programming language (e.g., Python) is useful.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

As machine learning transforms industrial and societal processes, data science plays a crucial role in enhancing these technologies. This programme equips you with a deep skillset in both fields, positioning you for a successful career or further research.

Offered in collaboration with UCL Statistical Science, the programme leverages world-class research and teaching in computer science and statistics. 

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of machine learning, computer science, and data science. The curriculum includes optional modules, including one taught in collaboration with Google DeepMind, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Additionally, you will undertake a summer project, either in industry or academic research. Upon completion, you'll join the next generation of machine learning and data science experts, ready to apply your knowledge across a range of sectors.

Who this course is for

This MSc programme is ideal for those aspiring to excel in machine learning and data science, whether in industry or research. 

It offers you a solid foundation wherever machine learning is currently or will soon be applied, including finance, banking, insurance, retail, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, computer security, and web search.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities. 

Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. UCL was named The Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.

High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). 

Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.

Industry connections: The programme team takes an experimental approach to our subject, enjoys the challenge and opportunity of entrepreneurial partnerships, and places a high value on our extensive range of industrial collaborations, such as Google DeepMind.

Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL's strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in machine learning.

Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Case study: Artificial Intelligence in court

We trained an artificial intelligence system that predicted court case verdicts to 79% accuracy.

The foundation of your career

Alumni from the department’s machine learning programmes have been employed at major tech and finance companies, including Google DeepMind, Microsoft Research, Dunnhumby, Index Ventures, Cisco, Deutsche Bank, IBM, and Morgan Stanley. Others have gone on to pursue further study or a career in academia.

Employability

This MSc programme is designed to equip you with essential skills in both fundamental and applied aspects of machine learning and data analysis. It will enable you to transition into analytical roles within AI-related industries or pursue further research through a doctoral programme.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.

  • As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to the UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes. 
  • UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals. 
  • Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company. 
  • London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes, and self-directed learning supported by online resources.

You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, projects, exams, and a final research project/dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 12-16 contact  hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.

Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.

Modules

The Data Science and Machine Learning MSc is a one-year programme.

In Term 1, you will study introductory machine learning to become familiar with the conceptual landscape of machine learning and develop practical skills to solve real-world problems using available software. You will also choose from a wide range of optional and elective topics.

In Term 2, you will study applied machine learning, covering some of the mathematics and techniques behind basic data analysis methods. You will choose further optional topics and deepen your understanding of core principles. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/dissertation.

In Term 3, you will primarily focus on your final research project/dissertation and any examinations that take place in the main examination period.

Compulsory modules





Optional modules













Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. However, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 0.5-1 TB SSD storage. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department, but you may nevertheless find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we access your application, we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Data Science and Machine Learning at graduate level
  • why you want to study Data Science and Machine Learning at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally on completion of your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Candidates are requested to begin their personal statement with a note on the formal (accredited) results that they have obtained in each of the following areas: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Probability and Statistics. Candidates should do this under four separate headings, one for each area, under which they note the modules/courses in which the content in that area was covered, the grade achieved on those modules/courses, and the key topics covered in those modules/courses.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Computer Science
Computer Science

cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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