Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Data Science
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2027
TUITION FEES
EUR 21,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
About: Manchester Metropolitan University’s MSc in Data Science gives technical skills to acquire, curate, manage and analyze data. You'll learn statistical and computational methods, machine learning, big-data techniques, ethics and data governance. The course is British Computer Society accredited and part of Institute of Coding. You’ll complete a self-directed masters project and apply skills across healthcare, transport, climate science, marketing and sales.
Career Outcomes: You'll qualify for roles like Data scientist, Data architect, Database developer, Data engineer, Big data analyst, Decision sciences analyst. Employers include industry, public sector and research; you'll use analytics and engineering to inform policy and operations.
Data is transforming the world. With the right skills, you can help shape that change. From climate action and healthcare breakthroughs to smarter business and better policymaking, data science is at the heart of real-world progress.
On our MSc Data Science course, you’ll gain the technical expertise to acquire, curate, manage and analyse data. You’ll master advanced statistical and computational techniques, learning to apply them across industries like:
- Healthcare
- Transport
- Climate science
- Marketing
- Sales
We’ll help you apply your skills in real-world contexts, tackling industry challenges while learning to communicate insights effectively and navigate legal and ethical considerations.
You’ll also complete a self-directed masters project, where you’ll design and deliver your own research with expert guidance – building autonomy, confidence and workplace-ready skills.
Whether you’re aiming to become a data scientist, data analyst or data architect, or continue onto PhD research, this course offers a powerful platform for your next step.
Features and Benefits
- British Computer Society accredited
This means you'll benefit from teaching of the highest quality, meeting the rigorous standards set out by the profession. - Study in world-class facilities
With cutting-edge computing labs and research spaces, our £115 million Dalton building helps you build the skills employers value most. - We're part of the Institute of Coding
Giving you access to their cutting-edge computer lab to hone your coding skills and ensure you're ready to meet industry demands. - Learn alongside world-leading researchers
Our academics are transforming industries like healthcare, energy, agriculture, and more – bringing real-world insight and expertise to your learning. - We're an Oracle Academy member
Access real-world software, sharpen your coding skills and enhance your employability with Oracle-recognised certifications. - Stand out with real-world experience
Build your professional network and boost your career prospects with an optional industry placement year.
Course information
Our MSc Data Science course equips you with the skills to extract, curate, engineer, and analyse data to solve real-world challenges. You’ll build predictive models and gain expertise in computational mathematics, machine learning, and big data processing. This degree focuses on five core modules covering everything from foundational principles and statistics to advanced algorithms and applied machine learning.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with robust procedures and tools for developing and deploying scalable and reproducible data and machine learning pipelines. You’ll be prepared to carry out work in areas like:
- Data science
- Machine learning
- Natural language processing
- Computer vision
- Generative AI
Beyond technical skills, you’ll also develop key employability skills such as teamwork, report writing, and communication. You’ll also consider the impact of data-informed artefacts on society, appreciating the legal and ethical implications of data use.
Your studies will conclude with an individual masters project, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests. You’ll be guided by a teaching team of active researchers, 86% of whose research outputs in computer science are rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), ensuring you benefit from cutting-edge, real-world insights.
Studying in Manchester – the UK’s largest tech hub outside of London – places you in the heart of a thriving tech community. Working closely with leading companies like Autotrader, our strong ties with the industry ensure your learning is enriched by practical insights and project-based learning, opening doors to engage with professionals and employers.
You can study our MSc Data Science full-time over one year or with an optional industry placement year, extending its duration to two years. Placements are a great way of standing out in a competitive job market. It is your responsibility to search and apply for advertised placement opportunities, but you’ll be supported by academic staff and the University’s Careers and Employability Service to find a placement that is suited to you and your career ambitions.
Year 1
You'll study five core modules, including your independent research project.
If you choose to apply to study full-time with an optional industry placement year, the MSc course will be two years, and you'll start your placement after completing all the core modules in year one.
Core modules
- Data Engineering and Analytics
- Machine Learning
- Computational Thinking and Practice
- Deep Learning and Generative AI
- Independent Research Project
Year 2 (Placement)
You may choose to apply to complete an optional industry placement year, extending the course duration to two years.
Option modules
- Postgraduate Industrial Placement Year
Skilled data science professionals are in high demand across a diverse range of industries.
You'll be able to apply your skills in a multitude of sectors – whether it be developing solutions that support the government to improve public services, driving operational efficiencies in the manufacturing industry, or working in e-commerce to enhance supply chain systems.
With the expertise you’ll develop with us, you’ll be well placed to apply for roles such as:
- Data scientist
- Data architect
- Database developer
- Data engineer
- Big data analyst
- Decision sciences analyst
Whatever route you decide to go down, your ability to harness the power of data and technologies will have a far-reaching impact, not only on the business and industry you work in, but across society.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 0% lectures, seminars or similar; 100% placement; 0% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination