MSc

Data Science

Key Facts

Course Code G490

  • Qualification

    MSc

  • Course duration

    1 year

Available for September start 2025

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Data Science is a rapidly growing specialism, with applications in business, government and science. In a wide range of situations, from banking to shopping, and from governmental bodies to the NHS, our everyday activities are leaving digital footprints and the world of work is being transformed.

There is a high demand for Data Scientists, people skilled in extracting meaning from data and being comfortable working across the disciplines of Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, who are also able to integrate many streams of data to produce new, insightful syntheses.

Applications range from identifying customers’ buying patterns to tracking the spread of a disease, from monitoring expensive machinery to logging and improving an individual’s health.

Data Science is particularly appropriate as a focus for a generalist Masters degree in computing, providing opportunities for graduates of other disciplines to apply their new computing knowledge to their original field of study.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree, or equivalent, in any discipline.  Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Course Overview

Why study MSc Data Science at Aberystwyth University?

  • You'll benefit from the wealth of expertise and knowledge available from two departments: the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science.
  • You'll be studying in departments with links to many major companies and a strong research focus.
  • You'll be supported with your career planning throughout your degree.
  • Our taught Masters degrees are designed to meet the needs both of students intending a career in research, and those who want to accelerate an industrial career.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Advanced Data Analytics CSM6720 20
Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems CSM6420 20
Modelling, Managing and Securing Data CSM3120 20
Statistical Concepts, Methods and Tools MAM5120 20
Statistical Techniques for Computational Scientists MAM5220 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Fundamentals of Intelligent Systems CSM6120 20
Programming for Scientists CSM0120 20
Dissertation CSM9060 60

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

There is a huge demand for graduates with skills in ‘Big Data’. Our Data Science graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Google and MarkLogic, for investment banks as product managers, and have also set up their own companies.

There are many opportunities for Data Scientists in the jobs market, and whatever your intention post-MSc, you will be offered support with your career planning. 

Skills 

Throughout this course, you’ll develop skills, qualities, and expertise that will make you extremely marketable to employers. On this course you’ll: 

  • Develop specialised technical skills in the areas of data handling, data management, data analytics and data mining, relational modelling, cryptography, and system security 
  • Develop subject-specific expertise, including an awareness of the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in handling data, and knowledge of statistical techniques and methods for large data sets 
  • Develop study and research skills 
  • Enhance your problem solving and analytical abilities 
  • Enhance your communication skills through a diverse mixture of learning and assessment methods.

Teaching & Learning

This course can be taken as a full-time one-year course or two-years part-time. When taken full time, the course is divided over three semesters. 

During the first two semesters (September to May) you'll complete 120 taught credits. The third semester (June to September) is given over to the MSc project and dissertation (60 credits). Contact time for this course is approximately 12 hours a week in the first two semesters. 

During semester three, you'ill arrange your level of contact time with your assigned supervisor. The taught part of the course is delivered through lectures, student seminars and practical exercises. 

What will I learn? 

In the first two semesters you will undertake a number of modules, which may include: 

  •  Advanced Data Analytics
  • Machine Learning for Intelligent Systems
  • Modelling, Managing and Securing Data
  • Statistical Concepts, Methods and Tools
  • Statistical Techniques for Computational Scientists.

How will I be assessed? 

Assessment is a mix of written assignments, programming assignments, practical portfolios, practical examinations and written examinations. The successful submission of your research dissertation in semester three leads to the award of an MSc.