MSc Data Analytics
Belfast, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
30 Jun 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,600 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
Key Summary
Data Analytics is an exciting field of rapid developments. Data is everywhere and continuing to grow massively, creating huge growth in demand for qualified experts to be able to extract the real benefit from the data.
The role of a data scientist is highly diverse overlapping many areas from computer science, to the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, modelling and analytics while also requiring the right skills to be able to see the detail, solve the problem (having specified the problem!), and communicate effectively the findings to colleagues to empower them to make decisions.
The diversity of data analytics opens up many job opportunities from working in software companies, healthcare, banking, insurance, policing, tech companies to applying your knowledge to intelligent buildings and behaviour analytics of customers.
The programme provides a balanced route to learning through a blend of academic study and lab sessions, with a heavy focus on practical engagement with industry. In the first and second semesters, you will study 6 modules full-time which include opportunities for blended and collaborative learning. In the third semester you will undertake a significant industry based project.
Due to the popularity of this programme, applicants are advised to apply as early as possible, and ideally no later than 30th June for courses which commence in mid/late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on this course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Data Analytics highlights
Student Experience
This course is unique having been developed from engagement with industry rather than the traditional academic subject areas. The key core skills that a data scientist needs have been clearly defined and forms the basis for the course. As a result, there are no optional modules or choice as it is essential that in order to produce the “all rounded” data scientist that all these skills are packaged into each individual.
Industry Links
Special features of the course include the Analytics in Action module and the commitment of industry to provide real data for “Analytathons” and projects. The module offers real world examples of data analytics presented by the industry experts working alongside the academics who will provide the theory, and the unique provision of this course across many academic disciplines in the University.
World Class Facilities
The Frontiers in Analytics module shows off some of latest state-of-the-art techniques analytics in particular in Visual Analytics and Behavioural Analytics.
Industry forecasts indicate that Data Analytics is a growing field internationally, with job opportunities set to increase exponentially predicting growths of 160% between 2013 and 2020 (eSkills report, Big Data Analytics 2013-2020). There is a current shortage in qualified staff for these roles, which is also the case in Northern Ireland where there have been a number of recent investments and expansions in the Data Analytics sector.
The course is designed to meet the needs of Industry where graduates have the right combination of the skills and expertise in both computer science, mathematics and statistics along with the experience they gain in their individual industry based project to be highly sought after for employment.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Prizes and Awards
Energia Data Analytics Prize - The prize consisting of a monetary award and certificate, will be awarded to the MSc Data Analytics student with the best overall performance.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Course Structure
The course comprises six taught modules (120 CATS) plus a Summer Industry Based Placement project module (60 CATS).
- Data Analytics Fundamentals
- Database & Programming Fundamentals
- Data Mining
- Machine Learning
- Frontiers in Analytics
- Analytics in Action
- PLUS
- Individual Industry Based Project (Summer)
Full-Time/Part-Time Study Options:
The MSc in Data Analytics is available in a full-time or a part-time option.
- Full-time (1 year): Consists of the six core taught modules (120 CATS points) and an Industry Based Project module (60 CATS).
- Part-time (2+ years): Part-time students are normally enrolled for two years. The first year will normally comprise three taught modules (60 CATS) - Data Analytics Fundamentals, Data Mining and Frontiers in Analytics.
The second year normally comprises the remaining three taught modules (60 CATS) -
Database & Programming Fundamentals, Machine Learning, Analytics in Action PLUS the Industry Based Project module (60 units) which will take place during the Summer session (June-September).
Each module will consist of lectures/labs, helpdesk sessions and assessments and will include some background reading and preparation work.
Course Details
The aim of the programme is to offer a multi-disciplinary education in data analytics that prepares graduates with key knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for employment in analytics and data science positions. In particular, the programme aims to provide students with:
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of statistics and computer science that underpin analytics.
- Advanced knowledge and practical skills in the theory and practice of analytics.
- The necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers in data analytics and data science.
- Skills in a range of practices, processes, tools and methods applicable to analytics in commercial and research contexts.
- Timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current software packages and emerging new applications of analytics.
- Opportunities for the development of practical skills in a commercial context.
Modules
- Data Analytics Fundamentals
- Databases and Programming Fundamentals
- Data Mining
- Machine Learning
- Frontiers in Data Analytics
- Analytics in Action
- Individual Industry Based Project
Indicative number of modules per semester: 3
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.