Best Data Science Master’s Courses in the UK that You Wish You’d Known Sooner

Data Science, in layman's terms, is a field of study that uses scientific techniques, processes and algorithms, to extract valuable information from unorganised and cluttered data and use that data across a wide range of applications and knowledge fields.

With the combined wisdom of mathematics, statistics, information science, programming and artificial intelligence, studying data science will teach you the science behind converting data into reliable and accurate information.

One of the most technologically advanced and highly-relevant fields of study, several data science courses have been formulated, making it one of the hottest careers in the world for aspiring students to pursue and excel in. 

The Harvard Business Review places Data Science as one of the most in-demand courses in recent times, pushing the demand for skilled professionals worldwide. Here are our top five reasons why data science would be the perfect choice for you if you're someone with strong analytical abilities.

Finance may be the lifeblood of business, but it's data that holds the reins. From strategy to control, data is key to an organisation's functioning. In this digital age, information is wealth and courses like master's in data science give you the treasure map to help you learn and understand the intricacies of data science.

The US Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts that by 2026, there will be 11.5 million jobs in data science and analytics worldwide. For a course as futuristic yet elementary as data science, the supply of skilled professionals is still low, thus hiking the demand for data scientists across all industries.

Data science is how you interpret the data - which means no matter the industry or domain, your data interpretation skills would indisputably be valuable. From healthcare and finance to marketing and education - where there are consumers, there's always a need for reliable information to analyse and predict trends and consumer patterns.

The average salary for data scientists in the UK has increased significantly in recent years, and presently a data scientist employed in the UK with decent experience has an earning capacity of up to £120,000 per annum.

Also, the UK is home to several reputed Big Data and AI firms, including Benevolent AI, DeepMind, and FiveAI, which have a constant demand for data scientists and machine learning specialists. 

One of the top reasons to study master's in data science in the UK is the government initiatives that have helped the sector flourish over the last decade. With investments of £45 million for higher education courses in AI, data science, and related disciplines, these government initiatives have given rise to multiple career opportunities across the globe, especially in the UK.

Here are some of the most-preferred data science master's courses in the UK that offer great scope for international students to study abroad and meet their career aspirations.

Also Read: Why to Study in the UK

Let's look at some of the best universities in the UK for data science and why you should apply to them to meet your academic objectives.

One of the best colleges for data science in London, Imperial College is also considered as one of the best universities for studying data science and related courses. But that's not the best part.

The university has partnered with popular ed-tech firms like Le Wagon to conduct workshops and data science boot camps for the students' benefit.

Core Modules:

• Data Science
• Machine Learning
• Big Data
• Deep Learning
• Applied and Computational Statistics

Eligibility Criteria 

Fees:

The tuition fee for international students is £35,900 per academic year, and the admission process includes an online application followed by an interview.

Ranked Top #30 in the World for International Students according to the QS World University Rankings, 2021, Coventry University London is one of the best UK universities for data science, statistical thinking, and machine learning.

But why Coventry, right?

Specializing in blended learning by ensuring a balance between hands-on, technology-dependent practical skills using modern software, and knowledge of specialist methods and algorithms, to understand the nuances of futuristic concepts like data ethics, data protection and communication.

Core Modules:

• Programming and software development in Python and R
• Data analytics, statistical modelling and programming
• Data management systems for structured and unstructured data
• Big data management and data visualization
• Machine learning algorithms

Eligibility Criteria for Indonesian Students

​Fees and Admission Process

The tuition fee for international students is £18,250 per academic year and the admission process includes an online application followed by an interview. 

This university is one of the top recommendations for those who want to pursue Msc Data Science in a UK university, because of the multidisciplinary course objectives that cater to a varied range of industries, including financial technology, marketing, health, sport, social statistics and research.

Here's more on why you should choose the University of Stirling for master's in data science:

Stirling has designed their data sciences with one core objective - to gear the students up for the best and top-notch career opportunities in the field, across a range of different sectors from robotics and healthcare to automotive and cyber security.

Core Modules

• Business Analytics
• Statistics with R
• Representing and Manipulating Data
• Machine Learning
• Business Consulting

Eligibility Criteria for Indonesian Students

Fees and Admission Process

The tuition fee for international students is £21,845 per academic year, and the admission process includes an online application followed by an interview.

​Also Read: Scholarships in the UK

Fun fact: Vanessa Kirby graduated from Exeter y'all! Here's why you should apply to Exeter if you want to pursue MSc Data Science in a UK university.

• One of the top 15 UK universities, 89% of its graduates start employment or further study post-graduation
• Ranked 9th in the world for Ecology according to the Shanghai Rankings Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
• The university focuses on interdisciplinary solutions to better understand and integrate data science in environmental sustainability to address and create solutions for global issues like climate change, political instability, poverty and unemployment.

Core Modules

• Foundational Concepts and Transdisciplinary Methods of Sustainability Science
• Trends in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models

Eligibility Criteria for Indonesian Students

• A-level or equivalent in Mathematics and/or quantitative skills training as part of their undergraduate programme.
• Relevant professional experience.
• IELTS - Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
• TOEFL - Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

Fees and Admission Process

The tuition fee for international students is £23,000 for full-time per academic year, and the admission process includes an online application followed by an interview. 

​A part of the Russell Group of leading universities, the University of Leeds is one of the largest educational institutions in the UK with a diverse student population, from different backgrounds and ethnicities.

But why choose Leeds for pursuing a data Science course? Here's why:

• With a world-leading on-campus research centre, Leeds is the perfect place for you to learn the latest developments in probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.
• With a variety of optional modules like machine learning, programming, and GIS to choose from, you can tailor the course to your interests.
• With blended learning methods, the university enables you to apply your acquired knowledge in real-world situations, thereby helping you gain practical exposure.

Core Modules

• Data Science
• Learning Skills through Case Studies
• Dissertation in Data Science and Analytics
• A range of optional modules from Information Visualization, Programming for Data Science, Data Mining and Text Analytics, Geographic Data Visualization & Analysis, Big Data and Consumer Analytics, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for Indonesian Students

Fees and Admission Process:

The tuition fee for international students is £28,750 full-time and the application is to be made online.

With a global presence in over 12 countries, we at AECC provide end-to-end education services for international students to help them study and explore career opportunities in the most lucrative study-abroad destinations.

From data science to food science, we help you discover your interests, find your niche and ensure you meet your academic and career objectives. Get in touch with our counsellors at AECC if you feel that Data Science is your calling!