(Full time) 2022 start
Data Science and Analytics MSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
We are surrounded by data. The variety and amount we collect and store grows every day, from the simplest of retail transactions to the complex and intimate medical records of millions.
Why do we store data? Where do we store it? How do we retrieve it? What do we use it for?
There is an increasing demand for people who can manage and control the way data is used. These individuals require an understanding of computer science and mathematics, as well as a familiarity with the data needs and processes of a number of different areas, including healthcare, business, government and the environment.
Our Data Science and Analytics Masters degree offers you the opportunity to develop a range of relevant skills including:
analysing structured and unstructured data
analysing large datasets
critically evaluating results in context
getting insights from data
The course combines expertise from the Schools of Computing, Geography and Mathematics with that of Leeds University Business School.
This collaboration allows you to benefit from a range of data science perspectives and applications, allowing you to tailor the course to match your own career ambitions.
Course highlights
Our courses are shaped by our leading research in areas such as probability and financial mathematics, modern applied statistics, and analysis.
Access to modern facilities and computing equipment throughout the school, complemented by social areas, communal problem-solving spaces and quiet study rooms.
Benefit from the school’s close links with organisations like Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute.
Learn from experts from the Schools of Computing, Mathematics, Geography and Business.
Related course
We also offer Urban Data Science and Analytics MSc, covering the methods and approaches of data science and how to apply them in understanding cities to tackle complex urban and mobility challenges.
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Course content
The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to meet the challenges of data science in the modern world.
Modules can be chosen from the School of Mathematics; the School of Computing; the School of Geography and Leeds University Business School.
Mathematics modules are available for students who are not from a mathematics/statistics background, while Computing modules will be suitable for students on this programme who are not from a computer science background.
The course will introduce you to different perspectives on data science, including the mathematical and computational underpinnings of the subject and its applications in specific contexts.
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to demonstrate independent research skills necessary for a professional or academic career. It allows you to develop deep knowledge and understanding of practical issues whilst applying skills acquired throughout the programme. The list of topics is variable, but each project deals with a real-world problem and typically requires literature review, project planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Many recent projects have involved co-supervision with the Leeds Clinical Trials Unit, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) and the MET office.
It is possible to involve an industrial partner in your dissertation, subject to the approval of the programme manager. We would expect students interested in partnering with industry to have an existing connection with their partner of choice.
Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at the Data Science and Analytics module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Data Science 15 credits
- Learning Skills through Case Studies 15 credits
- Dissertation in Data Science and Analytics 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Information Visualization 10 credits
- Machine Learning 15 credits
- Artificial Intelligence 15 credits
- Programming for Data Science 15 credits
- Data Mining and Text Analytics 15 credits
- Geographic Data Visualisation & Analysis 15 credits
- Applied GIS and Retail Modelling 15 credits
- Business Analytics and Decision Science 15 credits
- Machine Learning in Practice 15 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Mixed Models 10 credits
- Linear Regression and Robustness 15 credits
- Statistical Theory 15 credits
- Time Series 10 credits
- Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
- Mixed Models with Medical Applications 15 credits
- Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing 20 credits
- Statistical Theory and Methods 15 credits
- Statistical Learning 15 credits
- Multivariate Methods 15 credits
- Multivariate and Cluster Analysis 15 credits
- Time Series and Spectral Analysis 15 credits
- Generalised Linear and Additive Models 15 credits
- Statistical Computing 15 credits
- Transport Data Science 15 credits
- Informatics in Health Care 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Teaching is by lectures, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment is by a range of methods, including formal examination, assignments, coursework, reports and practical activities.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
This is an extremely popular MSc. To be considered you will need to provide evidence of:
A bachelor degree with a first or high 2:1 (hons) in a subject containing a substantial mathematical, statistical and/or computing component.
All your key modules should have strong grades (mainly firsts with no key marks below 2:1).
You must provide a list of the type and level of maths/computing modules that you have studied if this is not obvious from your transcript.
We do not normally accept degrees in accountancy or finance for this MSc.
Please check your marks using international equivalent qualifications. We will ask for further detailed module information if these are not clear on your transcript. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.
If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.
Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
- UK: £11,750 (total)
- International: £26,500 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.
The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2021 report.
There is increasing demand for individuals who can manage and control the way data is used. These individuals require an understanding of computer science and mathematics as well as a range of sector specific skills.
The emerging era of ‘big data’ brought about by the digital technology revolution shows no signs of abating. With the modern world producing ever-growing amounts of new information, data scientists will become increasingly important to help governments, businesses, researchers, NGOs and many other organisations make sense of it all.
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.