Data Science (MSc)

You’ll need an upper 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:

• computer science
• computer engineering
• software engineering
• mathematics/statistics

You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following modules:

• a programming module (e.g. MATLAB, Python, Java, C, C++, C#)
• an advanced maths module, ideally statistics and probability

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll take exams at the end of both semesters.

You’ll also begin preparing for your final project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

We teach most modules through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical work.

We’ll work with you to improve your general knowledge of data science and develop your skills in:

• using high-performance computing clusters
• working with cloud-based infrastructure
• devising and applying Big Data analytics techniques
• analysing data with machine learning tools
• creating data visualizations to communicate information

You’ll also be able to choose between several diverse topics to suit your interests.

Assessment

Depending on the modules that you take, we’ll assess your progress through a mixture of:

• exams
• lab reports
• problem solving exercises
• design and programming exercises
• individual and group projects
• your compulsory dissertation

Dissertation

This is an opportunity to show your understanding of data science techniques and methods of enquiry. You will carry out a research project lasting 3 to 4 months, assessed by a 15,000-word dissertation

Academic Support

Your personal tutor is there to offer advice, help you choose modules, and provide general support if you need it. You can talk to your module tutors about any subject-specific questions. You’ll also be able to access the Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) Student Advisory Team for pastoral support.

Our graduates are sought after by:

• companies looking for trends in sales, marketing or operational data
• start-ups pursuing new opportunities in big data
• government departments using linked open data to inform policy
• research/consultancy companies analysing data on behalf of their clients
• academic organisations with opportunities for doctoral study

We run a dedicated careers hub connected to over 100 organisations including:

• IBM
• Arm
• Microsoft
• Samsung
• Google

We also support aspiring entrepreneurs through a blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus start-up incubator. Find out more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

We receive a high volume of applications for this programme. So that we can guarantee a good quality of service and select the most able students, we operate admissions in stages. 

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant. 

If we are able to make enough offers to fill all places on the programme in any stage, we may not open the programme in later stages.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll usually make one of 4 decisions:

1. Offer you a place on this course
2. Offer you a place on a different course which we think suits you better
3. Tell you that we'll consider your application a second time in the next stage
4. Tell you that your application has been unsuccessful

If we decide to consider your application a second time in the next stage, this will only happen once.

If we offer you a place, you'll need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we'll offer your place to another applicant.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000