edX Online

About the programme

  • Part-time programme:

    Earn your degree in 28 months and via a flexible, online format to complete coursework around your schedule.

  • Top-ranked university:

    Lancaster University is ranked among the top 10 academic institutions in the UK by the Complete University Guide.

  • Collaborative with industry:

    Leverage in-demand data science skills as you work alongside one of Lancaster’s industry partners during the programme.

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Curriculum

The online MSc Data Science programme delivers a career-centric curriculum that’s packed with practical, hands-on learning experiences. The programme is part of Lancaster’s renowned Data Science Institute, a leading research institute driving data science and AI innovations across industries in the UK and abroad. 

You will graduate with specialised skills in various facets of data science, including AI, NLP, data modelling and machine learning. As part of the programme, you will independently design and conduct an original data analysis project to illustrate your mastery of industry-relevant AI skills.

  • Learn in a holistic curriculum:

    Academics from the Data Science Institute, School of Computing and Communications, School of Mathematical Sciences and the Security Lancaster institute collaborate to deliver coursework that reflects the interconnected nature of data science.

  • Build a supportive learning community:

    A live, one-hour online class each week empowers you to connect with teaching staff and peers in real time to discuss coursework and develop lasting relationships.

  • Go from introductory to advanced data science knowledge:

    The online MSc Data Science consists of six 20-credit modules that cover programming, natural language processing, AI ethics and large-scale platforms, culminating in one 60-credit project dissertation.

Ready to advance your career?

Admissions

The MSc Data Science online programme seeks applicants who are looking to build a career in data science. To meet the entry requirements, you must have a 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline, provided that you have had exposure to quantitative methods such as statistics or mathematical modelling. International applicants can review qualifying entry requirements. 

The programme offers three start dates per year (September, January and May). No standardised test scores or application fees are required to apply. 

The following are required for admission: 

  • 2:2 Honours degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline, provided that you have had exposure to quantitative methods such as statistics or mathematical modelling;

  • online application (no fee);

  • transcripts from previous academic institutions;

  • one letter of recommendation;

  • personal statement (with a recommended length of 1-2 pages) outlining why you are interested in applying for this programme;

  • CV/résumé.

You may be asked to provide a recognised English language qualification depending on your nationality and where you have studied previously.

If English is not your first language, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, with a score of 6.5 or higher from IELTS, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. Other English language qualifications may be considered.

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Academics

The teaching staff at Lancaster aren’t just lecturers – they are continually at the forefront of trending topics in data science. They actively participate in cutting-edge research through the Data Science Institute, bringing their insights and learnings directly to the classroom. They are eager to share their findings and expertise in the classroom, and are committed to inspiring the next generation of data scientists.

Professional data scientists routinely serve as guest lecturers, sharing their experiences in the field and presenting examples of current or past projects they’ve completed in their various organisations.