A masters in data science in the UK provides advanced knowledge in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary for specialised roles in the expanding field of data science in the UK.
With data science being employed across various industries to identify opportunities, solve problems, and address real-world challenges, a masters degree in data science can be a great choice to further your education and enhance your skills as you work towards becoming an expert. By pursuing a masters in data science in the UK, you can improve key technical skills that can help you advance your career while connecting with a network of industry leaders and engaging in hands-on projects.
When considering your higher education options in the UK, you can either:
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Pivot to a career in data science by pursuing a masters programme which emphasises foundational knowledge
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Advance your career in data science by pursuing a masters programme that provides specialised knowledge in areas such as machine learning and financial technology
Whichever your goal may be, this guide will explore the top UK universities offering masters programmes in data science in 2025 along with entry requirements, costs, and the career outcomes you can expect as a graduate.
Why study a masters in data science in the UK
The UK has earned a global reputation for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research, with several globally ranked universities offering specialised programmes in data science. The UK also has a high demand for data scientist roles, making the country a great destination for students planning to study and work in the UK.
Here’s why you may want to consider the UK for your masters in data science:
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Global reputation – UK universities are renowned for their world-class teaching and research facilities in data science and related fields.
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Industry connections – Many UK programmes offer internships and collaborative projects with leading tech companies.
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Diverse curriculum – You can gain expertise in areas like big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics, depending on the specialisations and modules you choose.
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Career prospects – Graduates can look forward to high employability rates, with opportunities in various industries like finance, healthcare, and technology.
If you’re considering studying a masters in data science in the UK, it’s important to learn about the core areas of study and how these masters programmes are structured. Let’s take a look at that next.
Studying masters in data science in the UK: Areas of study, course structure, and duration
Understanding the key areas of study, structure, and duration of masters in data science programmes in the UK can help you assess and choose the right course that aligns with your career objectives. Let’s go over these aspects of a masters in data science programme.
Masters in data science in the UK: Areas of study
The primary goal of a masters in data science programme is to provide the student with technical and practical skills in the collection, collation, curation, and analysis of data. As a result, masters in data science programmes cover topics such as data collection and analysis, statistical analysis, machine learning, big data, and database management.
Masters in data science in the UK: Course structure and duration
If you are studying full-time, the course duration is generally one year. You can also choose to follow the course part-time, especially if you are a working professional. In this case, the course can span up to three years.
The course syllabus of a one-year masters in data science in the UK usually includes four core modules along with optional modules covering specialised subject areas. The general course structure of a masters in data science in the UK is as follows:
| Core Modules | Optional Modules |
|---|---|
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Data analytics and statistics |
Financial technology |
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Machine learning |
Artificial intelligence |
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Database management |
Neural networks |
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Data visualisation |
Blockchain programming |
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Individual data science project |
Masters programmes offered by UK universities are versatile, with flexible study options and diverse areas of study that can help you build in-demand and advanced skills for your future career. Now, let’s take a closer look at the leading universities offering masters in data science programmes in the UK.
Top universities for masters in data science courses in the UK
Choosing a university to pursue your masters in data science in the UK is an important step as it can shape your academic and professional future. The UK is home to some of the most prestigious universities that combine academic excellence with industry relevance.
Here are the top 10 universities in the UK offering masters in data science programmes according to the QS World University Subject Rankings and Complete University Guide UK Rankings.
| University | QS World University Rankings: AI and Data Science | Complete University Guide: Subject League Table for Computer Science Courses |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | 1 | - |
| University of Oxford | 4 | 2 |
| Imperial College London | 19 | 3 |
| University of St Andrews | - | 4 |
| University of Warwick | - | 5 |
| University of Birmingham | - | 6 |
| University College London (UCL) | 18 | 7 |
| King's College London | 51–70 | 10 |
| University of Edinburgh | =21 | 14 |
| Lancaster University | 51–70 | 23 |
1. University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge offers an MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence, with specialisations in machine learning, speech and language processing, computer vision and robotics, and human-computer interaction. The course integrates both theoretical and practical approaches, preparing students for research and advanced roles in the industry.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with first-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 48 lakhs
2. University of Oxford
University of Oxford's MSc in Social Data Science combines social science research with advanced computational and statistical techniques. This interdisciplinary programme equips students with skills to analyse complex societal issues through data.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with first class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 39 lakhs
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London offers the MSc in Computing (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) programme, which focuses on the computational techniques in machine learning and AI. It includes advanced programming and practical projects.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with first-class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 47 lakhs
4. University of St Andrews
The MSc in Data Science at the University of St Andrews is an online self-paced programme that combines foundational computer science principles with practical applications of data science, emphasising areas like data management, analytics, and computational statistics.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 19 lakhs
5. University of Warwick
University of Warwick’s MSc in Data Analytics covers statistical modelling, big data management, and machine learning. The programme emphasises problem-solving and practical experience with industry-standard tools.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 38 lakhs
6. University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham offers an MSc in Data Science that blends statistical techniques, machine learning, and data visualisation. The programme is designed for students aiming for roles in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 39 lakhs
7. UCL
UCL’s MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning provides comprehensive coverage of data analysis, algorithms, and machine learning methods. It prepares students for careers in academia, industry, or the public sector.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 43 lakhs
8. King’s College London
King’s College London’s MSc in Data Science course focuses on core principles of programming, machine learning, and data mining. The course is interdisciplinary and integrates applications across health, business, and social science.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 40 lakhs
9. University of Edinburgh
University of Edinburgh’s MSc in Data Science delivers advanced knowledge in programming, statistical methods, and machine learning. It emphasises research and the practical applications of data science principles, methods, and systems. This programme also includes a dissertation.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 47 lakhs
10. Lancaster University
Lancaster University’s MSc in Data Science focuses on statistical foundations, computational techniques, and their applications across various domains. Students gain hands-on experience with tools like Python and R.
- Entry requirements: A relevant degree with upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent
- Annual tuition fees: INR 33 lakhs
Each of these universities and their programmes offers unique advantages. Some programmes provide an interdisciplinary approach, integrating various industry applications, while others focus on specific areas like financial technology and artificial intelligence. It’s best to research each university’s offerings in detail before you choose your masters in data science programme so that you can align it with your future goals
Next, we’ll discuss the admission requirements for these programmes so you can prepare a strong application.
Admission requirements for a masters in data science in the UK
The admission process may be unique to each university offering master's programmes in data science in the UK. You can check the course listing on your preferred university’s website and the ‘How to Apply’ section to learn more about the admission process and the documentation you need to apply for your preferred course.
Documents needed to apply for a masters in data science in the UK
Here are the documents required for nearly all universities when you’re applying for a master's in data science in the UK:
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Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal essay highlighting your academic background, work experience (if applicable), and your motivations for choosing the particular programme
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Letter of recommendation: A letter of endorsement from a professional/academic supervisor, recommending you for the programme
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Academic transcripts: Your bachelor's degree transcripts and records of other academic achievements
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CV: Your updated CV or resume
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Proof of language proficiency: Records of your English proficiency test scores
Application timeline for a masters in data science in the UK | September 2025
Most universities encourage students to apply as early as possible to increase their chances of admission. Here’s the general timeline you can follow to ensure you maximise your chances of admission for the September 2025 intake at a UK university for a masters in data science:
| Month | To-do |
|---|---|
| March/April | Research universities offering master's in data science programmes and their course structure |
| May/June | Apply to your chosen universities and submit necessary documents such as academic transcripts, bank statements, and your birth certificate |
| June | Receive conditional offer letters |
| July | Submit the verified academic transcripts and receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which confirms your admission to the university and allows you to apply for a visa |
| August | Start the UK Student visa application process |
Once you’ve gathered your documents and planned your application timeline, you may also want to consider the financial aspects of studying in the UK, which we’ll cover next.
Cost of studying a masters in data science in the UK for Indian students
The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying in the UK are tuition fees, pre-arrival fees such as the visa application and university application fees, and the cost of living in the UK. Once you have a clear idea of these costs, you can budget for your studies more effectively. The next few sections break down the costs you can expect when pursuing a master's in data science in the UK.
Tuition fees for a masters in data science in the UK
A full-time, on-campus masters in data science in the UK typically costs between INR 32 to 43 lakhs. This can change depending on the university, programme, and course duration. Some universities offer part-time and online study options for masters in data science, which costs less per year.
Pre-arrival fees for a masters in data science in the UK
These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. The expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:
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Student visa fee – £490 (Approx. INR 53,000)
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Language proficiency tests – Approx. £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
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Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme (Programme and university dependant) – Approx. £1,000 (Approx. INR 108,000)
Cost of living in the UK
In addition to your tuition fee for the course, you need to consider the cost of living where your chosen university is located as well. The cost of living in the UK ranges between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–230,000) per month in 2025, depending on your lifestyle and location.
| Expense | In London | Outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation (with bills) | £848 | £664 |
| Room in private accommodation (without bills) | £750 | £554 |
| Utility bills | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Dining out, cafés, bars | £150 | £80 |
| Public transport | £103 | £54 |
| Mobile phone bill (SIM-only plan) | £18 | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
These estimates can give you a general understanding of the cost of living in the UK during your studies. However, the actual costs may vary depending on the university you are applying to, where you’ll be living, and your lifestyle. Scholarships can help you offset some of these costs by covering the full or partial cost of tuition fees and even the cost of living in some cases. Let’s take a look at popular scholarships that can support you in pursuing your master's in data science in the UK.
Scholarships for Indian students in the UK to study a masters in data science
The UK government, universities, and private donors offer scholarships for international students to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK. Understanding the costs they cover and their eligibility criteria can help you decide which scholarship to apply for.
Here are some of the most popular scholarships Indian students can apply for when planning to study a master's in data science in the UK.
Clarendon Scholarship
Clarendon offers over 200 fully-funded scholarships each year to assist graduate scholars with studying at the University of Oxford.
| Value | Details |
|---|---|
| Fully-funded |
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| Coverage |
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| Eligibility criteria |
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Faculty of Science Masters Scholarship for International Students
University of Strathclyde offers this scholarship to international students looking to study MSc Advanced Computer Science, MSc Advanced Computer Science with Data Science, or MSc Advanced Computer Science with Software Engineering.
| Value | Details |
|---|---|
| Fully-funded |
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| Coverage |
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| Eligibility criteria |
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John Fisher High Performance Computing (HPC) Scholarship
University of Edinburgh awards this scholarship to students looking to pursue full-time on-campus masters programmes in High Performance Computing and High Performance Computing with Data Science.
| Value | Details |
|---|---|
| Fully-funded |
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| Coverage |
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| Eligibility criteria |
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Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries, including India, who are pursuing master's degree programmes in the UK.
| Value | Details |
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| Types of funding |
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| Coverage |
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| Eligibility criteria |
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Applying for these scholarships can make your education more affordable, with many scholarships granting full coverage or deductions on tuition fees. Certain scholarships also offer additional allowances, so researching these scholarships, especially the ones that your chosen university offers, can help you choose the ideal one to fund your studies in the UK.
Now let’s explore the career opportunities available for graduates of masters in data science programmes in the UK.
Data science job opportunities in the UK
The demand for data professionals is growing in the UK. In fact, a 2021 report revealed that the UK is facing a severe shortage of data analysts and data scientists, with 46% of businesses across the UK struggling to recruit for over 200,000 data roles. Data science roles are especially in demand in sectors like technology and finance for activities such as developing AI-driven solutions and analysing market demand. This growing demand opens up many career opportunities for masters in data science graduates.
You can also apply for a two-year post-study work visa to begin your career in the UK, so masters in data science graduates can pursue a range of promising career opportunities within the UK’s public and private sectors.
Salary potential with a masters in data science in the UK
Data science work opportunities in the UK include roles in technology firms and the financial sector, the biomedical research sector, the voluntary sector, and the public research sector. Here are a few job roles you can pursue with a masters in data science in the UK.
- Data Analyst
Interprets data trends and metrics to inform business decisions and overall strategy.
Average annual salary: £30,338
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Creates reports and dashboards to provide actionable insights that improve business performance.
Average annual salary: £34,901
- Data Scientist
Utilises advanced analytics and machine learning to derive actionable insights from complex datasets.
Average annual salary: £41,494
- Data Engineer
Builds and maintains data infrastructure, enabling streamlined data collection, storage, and access.
Average annual salary: £44,497
- Chief Data Officer
Oversees a company’s data strategy, ensuring data management aligns with business goals.
Average annual salary: £125,879
Salary data accessed from PayScale in December 2024.
These are just a few of the many career pathways open to you after completing your masters in data science in the UK. With the high demand for data roles, you can pursue a range of exciting opportunities as a graduate. Next, let’s take a look at the final step you need to get through to start your studies in the UK as an international student—the visa application.
Student Visa to follow a masters in data science in the UK as an Indian Student
Applying for a UK Student visa is an essential step for Indian students planning to study in the UK. Here’s how you can navigate the process.
Visa application process to follow as an Indian postgraduate student
- Step 1: Fill in your student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
- Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
- Online when filling out your application
- At a visa application centre
- Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre
- Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
- Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so
If you need support with your visa application at any point, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service.
Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student
Here are the documents you need to get a visa for the UK as an Indian postgraduate student:
- A current passport
- The CAS from your university
- Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
- A letter confirming an educational loan
- Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
- A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
- A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
- Your TB test results
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
If you need more information on how to put these documents together and the visa application process, check out our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply.
Completing a masters in data science in the UK showcases your ability to navigate complex data challenges and apply innovative solutions to real-world problems, setting you on the path to becoming a leader in one of the most sought-after fields in the current job market. Whether you’re planning to pivot to a career in data science or advance your established career, pursuing a masters in data science programme in the UK can be a great choice for your future prospects.
If you need help choosing a university, understanding the entry requirements, or exploring scholarship opportunities, experts at SI-UK are ready to help—book a free consultation online or at one of our local offices today.
FAQs
What is the cost of studying a masters in data science in the UK?
The annual tuition fee for a full-time, on-campus masters in data science in a UK university can range from INR 32 to 43 lakhs. You should also account for the cost of living in the UK, which in 2025, can range between INR 150,000–230,000. You may want to consider researching and applying for scholarships, which can help manage your budget.
Which specialisations are available in masters in data science programmes in the UK?
While some programmes emphasise foundational knowledge in data science, many programmes also offer specialisations in areas such as financial technology, natural language processing, and neural networks for students looking to advance their careers in specific fields.
What is the average salary of a masters in data science graduate in the UK?
Masters in data science graduates in the UK can generally earn between £40,000 and £60,000 per year. The demand for data roles in the UK is increasing, with opportunities open in various sectors such as technology and finance, biomedical research, and public research.
Who is eligible for a masters in data science course in the UK?
While different universities and programmes may have specific requirements, the commonly accepted requirements for a masters in data science course in the UK are:
- Academic degree: Undergraduate degree in any related subject stream with minimum upper second class honours or an equivalent recognised qualification
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0–7.0 or equivalent
- Work experience: Minimum one year of work experience in a related role. This may be a mandatory or preferred requirement depending on the university
What technical skills are required for a masters in data science programme in the UK?
While the university and programme you choose may have different requirements, in general, you may need strong programming skills (in Python and R), statistical knowledge, and familiarity with tools like SQL, Tableau, and cloud computing platforms.
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