Name of Programme
MSc Applied Data Science
MSc Applied Data Science [Part Time]
Final Award
MSc
Location
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ / Online
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
Teaching Institution
University Of º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
School of Study
School of Computing
Programme Code(s)
PMSF1PAD / Full Time / 1 Year / º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
PMSF3PDSC / Full Time / 1 Year / º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
PMSP6PDSC / Part Time / 2 Years / MSc Applied Data Science [Part Time] / Online
Professional Body Accreditation
N/A
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
Computing (2022)
Admission Criteria
2:1 BSc (Hons) Computing, Engineering, Physics or Mathematics
IELTS 6.5
Fundamental programming skills
Applicable Cohort(s)
September 2026
FHEQ Level
7
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
The MSc Applied Data Science equips aspiring data scientists with the advanced technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and practical competencies required to extract insight and value from complex data. It provides a rigorous, research-led immersion into the end-to-end data science lifecycle, strikes a balance between theory and practical skills, emphasising on technical know-how, leadership skills, innovation and application.

The programme is structured around four taught modules and a capstone project designed to build advanced mastery. It begins with the attainment of advanced scripting skills and a systematic understanding of mathematics, and machine learning alongside research methods, professional practices, and leadership to deliver data-driven transformation. This is followed by two specialised modules that deep dive into the data science lifecycle through the CRISP-DM framework and the advanced techniques in deep learning and Artificial Intelligence. The programme culminates in an individual capstone data science project addressing a real-world problem.
Educational Aims of the Programme
Data Science has emerged as a vital scientific discipline with transformative applications across sectors such as AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech, Iinsurance, and Transport. In the modern information age, the ability to manage the full data lifecycle, from capturing and storing to processing, analysing, and visualising insights, is critical for understanding complex human and system behaviours. There is an urgent societal and market need for a new generation of data scientists equipped with specialist skills in data mining, machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics.

This programme aims to bridge this gap by providing a systematic understanding of the theoretical concepts and practical methodologies of Data Science, informed by the forefront of academic research. The curriculum is designed to equip students with deep subject-specific practical skills in scripting, mathematical modelling, and machine learning, while fostering a critical awareness of emergent insights in Artificial intelligence. Beyond technical proficiency, the programme aims to develop high-level practical and transferable skills, including the ability to act autonomously in planning complex data science projects, demonstrate inclusive leadership in digital transformation, and communicate sophisticated conclusions clearly to a diverse range of stakeholders.

Ultimately, the programme seeks to foster originality in the application of knowledge, empowering graduates to critically evaluate methodologies and propose innovative hypotheses in complex, data-driven environments to deliver strategic value to organisations.
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme, students should be able to demonstrate:

1) The ability to apply advanced mathematical principles to solve machine learning problems, and critically evaluate models and algorithms, and to design and implement robust scripting solutions for analysis and automation.

2) A comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end data science lifecycle, encompassing data acquisition, exploration and visualisation, preparation, model development, selection and evaluation, and deployment.

3) A critical understanding of the state-of-the-art Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques, with a focus on their original application to complex real-world scenarios.

4) The ability to critically design, implement, and evaluate robust data science solutions to complex real-world problems, demonstrating informed judgement in the selection of methodologies and the ability to justify decisions in uncertain and dynamic contexts.

5) A critical awareness of the roles that data science plays in the modern society and in a business strategy context, the ethical and inclusive leadership in digital and professional contexts, applying responsible AI principles and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.

6) The Ability to apply research methodologies and professional practices to design, justify, and evaluate research investigations, and to demonstrate informed leadership in managing projects within professional contexts.

Teaching/Learning Strategy

The ILOs are achieved through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, and practical classes. The academic maturity in self-reliant individual learning in terms of extensive reading and practising outside the classes is expected. The following strategies are used to meet each itemised ILO:

1) Lectures, tutorials, practical classes, coursework, individual project

2) Lectures, tutorials, workshops, coursework, individual project

3) Lectures, tutorials, practical classes, workshops, individual project

4) Seminars, workshops, group work, dissertation, individual project

5) Lectures, group work, dissertation, individual Project

6) Lectures, seminars, workshops, individual Project

Assessment Strategy

Assessment of the ILOs is through the following means:

- Examination (1)
- Coursework (1, 3, 4)
- Research report (5, 6)
- Reflective statement (5)
- Portfolio (2, 3, 4)
- Project proposal (5, 6)
- Project Poster (2, 4)
- Project practical work (1, 2, 3, 4, 6)
- Project report (4, 5, 6)
- Viva & Presentation (2, 3, 4, 5)
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills


Teaching/Learning Strategy


Assessment Strategy


Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

At the end of the programme, students should be able to:

1) Act autonomously in planning and implementing substantial practical projects at a professional level and lead high-performing teams to achieve strategic objectives.

2) Critically apply technical skills in designing, constructing, and testing data-driven solutions using modern scripting and AI tools.

3) Communicate conclusions clearly and effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders through high-quality technical documentation and oral presentations.

4) Demonstrate intellectual skills in critical thinking, information literacy, and the ability to construct sound, evidence-based arguments.

5) Demonstrate originality and self-direction in tackling complex problems, autonomy and independence in self-guided learning, reflection and dealing with deadlines.

6) Apply advanced research skills to systematically collect, select, critically analyse, and document relevant literature to establish the academic and professional context for rigorous enquiry.

Teaching/Learning Strategy

The skills are obtained through practice in:

- Lectures, tutorials, and practical classes
- Seminars, workshops
- Group project work
- Individual Project
- Viva & Presentation
- Research report
- Coursework

Assessment Strategy

Assessment of the ILOs is through the following means:

- Examination (4, 5)
- Coursework (2, 4, 5)
- Research report (3, 4, 6)
- Portfolio (1, 2, 4, 5)
- Project proposal (4, 6)
- Project poster (3, 4)
- Project practical work (1, 2, 5)
- Project report (2, 3, 5, 6)
- Viva (3, 4)
External Reference Points
QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degrees


Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Statement - Computing:


Digital and technology solutions specialist standard
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
September 2026
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date approved by School Board of Study
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Latest Revision Date: November 2023
Date of Annual Review
In line with the University annual monitoring review process

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

MSc Applied Data Science [Part Time]

PMSP6PDSC / Part Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Strategic Digital Transformation: Leadership, Research and Practice [L7/30U] (SPFSTDI)
Assessment Period 1
Term 2
Winter
Scripting, Mathematics and Machine Learning [L7/30U] (SPFSMML)
Assessment Period 2
Term 3
Spring
Data Science in Practice [L7/30U] (SPFDSI2)
Assessment Period 3
Term 4
Autumn
Artificial Intelligence for Data Science [L7/30U] (SPFARI2)
Assessment Period 4
Term 5
Winter
Individual Project [L7/60U] (SPFIND2)
Term 6
Spring
Individual Project [L7/60U] (SPFIND2)
(Continued)
Final Assessment Period

 

MSc Applied Data Science

PMSF1PAD / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Research Methods [L7/15U] (SPFRMET)
Mathematics and Statistics for Data Analysis [L7/15U] (SPFMSDA)
Scripting for Data Analysis [L7/15U] (SPFSCDA)
Term 2
Spring
Data Exploration and Visualisation [L7/15U] (SPFDEAV)
Applied Techniques of Data Mining and Machine Learning [L7/15U] (SPFDMML)
Individual Project Applied Data Science [L7/60U] (SPFINPR) **
June Examination
Term 3
Summer
One of:
Work Placement [L7/15U]
Work-based Dissertation [L7/15U] (APCXXXXX31) ***
Systems and Tools for Data Science [L7/15U] (SPFSTDS)
Individual Project Applied Data Science [L7/60U] (SPFINPR) **
(Continued)
Term 4
Autumn
Leadership and Innovation in Data Science [L7/15U] (SPFLIDS) *
December Examination

** Please note there are Special Regulations governing this programme, which can be reviewed in the University of º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½â€™s regulations Handbook: /about/handbooks/regulations-handbook/
*** Work Placement is offered on the basis of available opportunity. Students are required to look for work placement opportunities themselves. In the extreme rare cases where work placement opportunities cannot be located, the students are required to complete a 15-unit dissertation on a certain aspect of data science (See the module spec for Dissertation for more details).Except Work Placement and Dissertation as selective modules, all other modules are compulsory for the programme of study.
* Leadership and Innovation in Data Science is a reading module that is closely associated with the Leadership and Innovations in Data Science Seminar Series that runs throughout the programme (See syllabus for details).

 

MSc Applied Data Science

PMSF3PDSC / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Scripting, Mathematics and Machine Learning [L7/30U] (SPFSMML)
Strategic Digital Transformation: Leadership, Research and Practice [L7/30U] (SPFSTDI)
Assessment Period 1
Term 2
Winter
Data Science in Practice [L7/30U] (SPFDSIP)
Artificial Intelligence for Data Science [L7/30U] (SPFARIN)
Assessment Period 2
Term 3
Spring
Individual Project [L7/60U] (SPFINDI)