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Data science brings together computational and statistical skills for data-driven problem solving, which is in increasing demand in fields such as finance, medicine and management. This MSc will equip students with the analytical tools to design sophisticated technical solutions using modern computational methods and with an emphasis on rigorous statistical thinking.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Studying on a part-time basis involves spreading the taught modules over two years, but with the same teaching times as for full-time students (i.e. Mon-Fri during the daytime).
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
The Data Science MSc has been accredited by the RSS. The current period of accreditation covers students who first enrol between September 2017 and September 2022. Students will be eligible for e-Student membership of the RSS, with the potential to progress along the professional pathway of RSS membership to Graduate Statistician and Chartered Statistician status.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Knowledge of mathematical methods and linear algebra at university level is expected, along with evidence of familiarity with introductory probability, statistics and computer programming. Prior experience in a high-level programming language (e.g. R/matlab/python) is a requirement. Relevant professional experience will also be taken into consideration.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
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. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
The programme combines training in core statistical and machine learning methodology, beginning at an introductory level, with a range of optional modules covering more specialised knowledge in statistical computing and modelling. Students will take one compulsory module and up to two additional modules in computer science, with the remaining modules (including the research project) taken mainly from within UCL Statistical Science.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation/report (60 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Data Science.
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Introduction to Statistical Data Science
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Statistical Design of Investigations
- Statistical Computing
Optional modules
- At least two from a choice of Statistical Science modules including:
- Applied Bayesian Methods
- Decision & Risk
- Forecasting
- Quantitative Modelling of Operational Risk and Insurance Analytics
- Selected Topics in Statistics
- Stochastic Methods in Finance I
- Stochastic Methods in Finance II
- Stochastic Systems
- Up to two from a choice of Computer Science modules including:
- Affective Computing and Human-Robot Interaction
- Graphical Models
- Statistical Natural Language Processing
- Information Retrieval & Data Mining
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation usually of 10,000-12,000 words. Workshops running during the teaching terms provide preparation for this project and cover the communication of statistics.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and classes, some of which are dedicated to practical work. Assessment is through written examination and coursework. The research project is assessed through the dissertation and a 15-minute presentation.
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Graduates from UCL Statistical Science typically enter professional employment across a broad range of industry sectors or pursue further academic study.
Employability
Data science professionals are likely to be increasingly sought after as the integration of statistical and computational analytical tools becomes essential in all kinds of organisations and enterprises. A thorough understanding of the fundamentals is to be expected from the best practitioners. For instance, in applications in marketing, the healthcare industry and banking, computational skills should be accompanied by statistical expertise at graduate level. Data scientists need a broad background knowledge so that they will be able to adapt to rapidly evolving challenges. Recent graduates from the related Statistics MSc have been offered positions as research analysts or consultants, and job opportunities in these areas are increasing.
Why study this degree at UCL?
UCL Statistical Science has a broad range of research interests, but has particular strengths in the area of computational statistics and in the interface between statistics and computer science.
UCL's Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, in which many members of the department are active, has a programme of seminars, masterclasses and other events.
UCL is one of the founding members of the Alan Turing Institute, and both UCL Statistical Science and UCL Computer Science will be playing major roles in this exciting new development which will make London a major focus for big data research.
Accreditation:
The Data Science MSc has been accredited by the RSS. The current period of accreditation covers students who first enrol between September 2017 and September 2022. Students will be eligible for e-Student membership of the RSS, with the potential to progress along the professional pathway of RSS membership to Graduate Statistician and Chartered Statistician status.
Department: Statistical Science
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
This programme only requires one reference in support of your application. Your reference should be academic unless you have been out of university education for more than four years. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The programme is accessible to students with first-degrees in a quantitative discipline (such as mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering or economics), who wish to gain advanced training in statistical analysis and computation to enable them to enter specialist employment or academic research.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 12 March 2021
Please note that the admissions process is expected to be highly competitive - in the previous cycle we received over 25 applications per available place. Reaching the standard entry requirements therefore provides no guarantee that any offer will be made.
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we access your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Data Science at graduate level
- why you want to study Data Science at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally with 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.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 28 August 2021
