Course overview
Develop the sought-after skills in data science needed to provide innovation, insight and solutions to organisations everywhere.
From the simplest retail transactions to the complex and intimate medical records of millions, data is everywhere.
That’s why there’s an increasing demand for people who understand data and can wrangle it across different areas, including healthcare, business, government and the environment.
This degree answers this demand, giving you the advanced, industry-relevant skills you’ll need to manage, control and provide insight into the way data is used.
It’s ideal if you have a strong background in maths or statistics and want to develop your data science knowledge and skills.
You’ll benefit from the collaboration of expertise from several Schools. This opens you up to different data science perspectives and applications to become a well-rounded data scientist. It also means you can tailor the course to match your own career ambitions.
I had an amazing year studying at Leeds. Not to mention the high-quality teaching, I had plenty of opportunities to develop myself and to grow via various activities and events.
Why study at Leeds?
- Teaching and facilities from multiple Schools: The course combines expertise from the Schools of Computer Science, Geography and Mathematics with that of Leeds University Business School.
- Industry-led curriculum: Our School’s world-leading research and close links with organisations like the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Alan Turing Institute help shape your course with the latest insights.
- Build an invaluable skill set for your career: You’ll develop skills in analysing structured and unstructured data, analysing large datasets, critically evaluating results in context and getting insights from data.
- Your course, your choice: Tailor your degree to suit your specific interests with many optional modules to choose from, such as machine learning, programming and GIS.
- Gain real-world experience: Build professional skills and glean insight through an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
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Related courses in data science
Explore our fully online Data Science (Statistics) MSc that covers a range of in-demand data skills.
If you don’t have a mathematical or statistical background but are interested in data science, we recommend exploring our conversion Data Science MSc.
Course details and modules
The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to meet the challenges of data science in the modern world.
You can choose modules from the School of Mathematics, the School of Computer Science, 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.
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.
Compulsory modules
Data Science –15 credits
This module gives you an insight into some general principles of the work of a data scientist and teaches you some of the underpinnings of artificial intelligence and statistics in the practice of data science.
Project skills in Data Science –15 credits
This module will develop your skills for your project, potential further research, and employment. This will include presentation skills and teamwork, some of which will be developed through real-life case studies.
Project in Data Science and Analytics – 60 credits
The project gives you the opportunity to demonstrate independent research skills necessary for a professional or academic career. It allows you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of practical issues whilst applying skills acquired throughout the programme.
The list of topics to choose for your project is wide-ranging, dealing with a real-world problem. It will typically require a 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.
Optional modules
Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.
- Machine Learning – 15 credits
- Deep Learning – 15 credits
- Programming for Data Science – 15 credits
- Geographic Data Visualisation & Analysis – 15 credits
- Big Data and Consumer Analytics – 15 credits
- Business Analytics and Decision Science – 15 credits
- Forecasting and Advanced Business Analytics – 15 credits
- Machine Learning in Practice – 15 credits
- Statistical Theory – 15 credits
- Statistical Theory and Methods – 15 credits
- Statistical Learning – 15 credits
- Statistical Computing – 15 credits
- Transport Data Science – 15 credits
Enhance Your Academic and Subject-Specific Language
As part of your course, you will have access to the Professional and Academic Communication module that provides valuable insights into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK while helping you develop your academic and subject-specific vocabulary.
Through a combination of in-person workshops and independent online study, you will explore the use of technology—such as translation tools and generative AI—to support effective communication. You will also build the language and literacy skills necessary to become a more confident and capable communicator throughout your studies.
Learning and teaching
Teaching is through lectures, tutorials, seminars and supervised research projects. Extensive use is made of IT and a wide range of materials are available to enhance and extend the material taught formally.
Programme team
Programme leader Dr Luisa Cutillo's current research interests are related to networks and networks applications. In particular, she is interested in studying and validating networks structures and in biomedical networks application. Additionally, Dr Cutillo is one of the Women in Machine Learning Bords of Directors, a worldwide organization aimed at empowering women in the field of machine learning.
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
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a subject with a significant mathematics, statistics or computing component.
As part of your application, you will be required to provide a list of the modules you have studied.
Please note that degrees in accountancy or finance are not normally considered suitable for entry to this programme.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, you may wish to consider our Data Science MSc, which welcomes applicants from any academic discipline.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. 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).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional, our 10 week online pre-sessional or our 16 week online pre-sessional. l.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Friday 30 July 2027 – International applicants
Friday 10 September 2027 – UK applicants
Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.
If you're still 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 Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Mathematics
Leeds University Business School
School of Computer Science
School of Geography
Contact us
School of Mathematics Admissions Team
Email: maths-msc@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £15,200 (Total)
International: £34,600 (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 on our living costs and budgeting page.
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. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
There is an increasing demand for individuals who can manage and control the way data is used. These experts 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.
I believe studying at Leeds helped shape my career. I am successfully employed as a Data Scientist now, implementing all the skills I gained through the course and my dissertation.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Work placements and industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an eight-week online work experience programme, working on a project aligned with your academic discipline in partnership with a relevant organisation.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain valuable insight into your chosen field, helping to solve a real business challenge based on a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your prospects of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the virtual work experience:
Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
Opportunities to build your professional network.
Gain valuable insight and consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real business challenges.
Apply your learning in practice and develop hands-on skills.
Strengthen your employability and career prospects.
Build confidence, make new connections and explore your future career options.
Throughout the eight-week programme, you’ll be supported by an academic tutor who will meet regularly with your group. You’ll also receive guidance from the employability team at every stage.
We’ll provide tailored careers support sessions to help you develop professional behaviours and showcase your skills to employers. On completion, you’ll receive a reference letter from Leeds recognising the skills and experience you have gained.
When you begin your MSc, the employability team will introduce the scheme during a lecture in your first month, answer any questions and explain how to register.