Course overview
Conversion course
This Data Science MSc is a conversion programme, meaning it’s open to graduates from any subject area. If you already have a strong background in maths or statistics, you might prefer our Data Science and Analytics MSc.
Learn how to use data to make the significant decisions driving organisations forward.
Data shapes the world around us, such as how businesses strategise and how we tackle global challenges like disease outbreaks and climate change.
This course is designed for you to be part of that journey of decoding and understanding complex datasets, even if you have no prior technical experience. It offers a supportive and structured approach as you build your skills and move into an exciting, in-demand field.
As a data scientist, you'll learn how to extract useful insights from large amounts of data. This could mean spotting patterns in customer behaviour, helping organisations make better decisions or contributing to healthcare or environmental solutions. Data scientists work in a wide range of industries, giving you plenty of flexibility in where your career can take you.
On this course, you’ll build a strong foundation in key areas such as programming, data analysis, statistical thinking, data management, machine learning, and ethical data use. You’ll also develop the technical competencies needed to work confidently with real-world datasets while developing problem-solving and communication skills, so you can clearly present your findings and make an impact.
Whether you’re starting a new career path or adding valuable data skills to your background, this MSc will give you the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience to take the next step.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
- Apply programming, statistical and data science fundamentals to analyse and solve real-world problems.
- Explore, visualise and interpret complex datasets to identify patterns, trends and actionable insights.
- Design, manage and query databases, using effective data management practices to support data-driven decision-making.
- Select, implement and evaluate machine learning techniques to address practical analytical challenges.
- Deliver a substantial data science project, demonstrating technical expertise, professional communication skills, and an understanding of the ethical and governance issues associated with working with data.
Why study at Leeds?
- No experience necessary: Gain practical, career-ready data science skills on a course specifically designed for you, no matter your academic background, and get taught by world-leading researchers across multiple disciplines.
- Engage in real-world expertise and industry connections: Benefit from our close links to organisations such as the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Met Office.
- Put theory into practice: Build strong foundations in core data science areas, with a hands-on approach that emphasises applying theory to practical challenges.
- Your course, your choice: Shape your learning to match your interests and goals by choosing from a range of optional modules.
- Study in a supportive, collaborative environment: Access excellent teaching facilities, advanced computing resources, and dedicated spaces for group work and problem-solving.
- Build professional skills and industry insight: You can complete an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Course details and modules
In your first semester, you will develop fundamental programming skills alongside a solid foundation in statistical concepts and the core principles of professional data science.
Building on this foundation, the second semester introduces more specialised topics in practical machine learning, data visualisation and database management. These modules will enable you to apply your technical skills to real-world data challenges and gain experience with key tools and techniques used across the profession.
You will have the opportunity to select optional modules within a particular application area. Themes may include urban data analytics, transport data science, health informatics and business analytics, although the options available may vary from year to year.
The final stage of the programme centres on a substantial capstone portfolio, which allows you to bring together and apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout your studies. Drawing on projects informed by the work of the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, you will analyse real world datasets, apply appropriate techniques and communicate clear, evidence-based insights. As well as developing and applying skills for professional data science, the capstone portfolio will encourage you to engage with the ethical principles and governance considerations of working with real-world data.
The portfolio also encourages engagement with the ethical and governance considerations of working with data and may include the opportunity to undertake a short online project with industry as the culmination of your studies.
The course will help you transition into the world of data science and equip you with valuable knowledge and skills as you take your first steps into a data science role in industry.
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
Fundamentals of Programming - 30 credits
This module introduces the fundamentals of programming and software development for learners with little or no prior experience. You will develop core programming skills using a modern language such as Python, alongside computational thinking techniques to break down problems and design structured solutions. You will also learn how to represent and communicate ideas using tools such as pseudocode and flowcharts.
The module also explores essential algorithms and data structures, including lists, stacks, queues and trees, and introduces methods for comparing their performance and understanding trade-offs. Emphasis is placed on good software design through abstraction, decomposition and modular development, as well as exposure to industry-standard tools such as version control (e.g. Git) and development environments.
Databases and Data Management - 15 credits
This module introduces the core principles of data management and database systems, focusing on how data is organised, stored and accessed in modern applications. You will learn how to design and interact with databases, gaining practical experience of structuring data effectively and ensuring its integrity and reliability.
The module also explores key concepts such as data modelling, querying and managing relational databases, alongside an introduction to broader data management practices. You will develop an understanding of how data is used within software systems, the importance of efficient data handling, and the role of databases in supporting real-world applications across a wide range of domains.
Statistical Thinking - 15 credits
This module introduces the fundamental concepts of statistics needed for data science, designed for students with limited prior background in the subject. It focuses on building intuition and practical understanding of key ideas such as probability, distributions, statistical inference, and core mathematical tools used in data analysis.
Exploring and Visualising Data - 15 credits
This module develops skills in exploratory data analysis, focusing on understanding, summarising, and visualising data to uncover patterns, relationships, and anomalies. You will learn to use statistical techniques and visual tools to explore real datasets and inform further modelling and analysis.
Machine Learning and AI - 15 credits
This module introduces the core principles of machine learning with a practical focus. You will explore how to learn from data to support prediction and decision‑making. Emphasis is placed on selecting, applying, and evaluating common models, with AI concepts presented in this context.
Data Science Capstone Portfolio - 60 credits
This capstone portfolio centres on the development and application of core data science project skills. You will undertake preparatory tasks and short workplace-style projects informed by the real-world experience of Leeds Institute of Data Analytics (LIDA). The assessed output of the portfolio work will allow you to put into practice what they have learned in formats and can be shared with potential employers to showcase the skills developed on the programme. The capstone portfolio culminates in a short online work placement, giving you an immediate opportunity to put feedback into practice.
Optional modules
You will have the opportunity to select optional modules within a particular application area. Themes may include urban data analytics, transport data science, health informatics and business analytics, although the options available may vary from year to year.
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
You will learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes and supervised projects. You will also make extensive use of our IT, and a wide range of materials are available to enhance your formal taught learning.
Programme team
You’ll learn from experts from the School of Mathematics, School of Computer Science and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, alongside contributions from across the University and partners such as the Met Office.
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. This combination of approaches ensures you’ll develop your understanding and put your knowledge to the test. The University of Leeds is committed to inclusive assessment that offers all students the chance to be successful.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in any subject.
As part of application, you will need to demonstrate appropriate mathematical competence. This requirement may be met through successful completion of a mathematics module within a bachelor’s degree, attainment of a minimum grade at secondary education level for example a GCSE Mathematics at grade 6 or an equivalent qualification.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons) and relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible and inclusive approach and consider every application on its individual merits.
If you have a mathematics background, you may be interested in studying our Data Science and Analytics MSc.
International
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 any component.. 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 and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Please visit our How to Apply page for full details of the application process and the supporting documents required as part of your application.
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.
Application deadlines
- International applicants: Friday 30 July 2027
- UK applicants: Friday 10 September 2027
To apply, click the button below to access the University’s online application system.
International applicants can find further information on visas, immigration requirements and student support on our International students pages. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your programme starts.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Mathematics
School of Computer Science
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
Data scientists transform raw data into meaningful insights that help organisations improve decision-making and operations. They collect, analyse, and interpret large volumes of data from multiple sources using tools such as statistical methods, algorithms, data mining, and machine learning, then present their findings in clear and actionable ways. By combining technical, analytical and communication skills, they identify patterns, solve problems, and make predictions, such as forecasting customer behaviour or tackling issues like environmental challenges.
With this degree, you can work across a wide range of industries, including finance, academia, research, healthcare, retail, IT, government, and e-commerce.
A key advantage of this conversion degree is the opportunity to broaden your existing academic background to include more technical skills. This combination of skills makes you well placed to bring a data-driven mindset to your original discipline or support your transition into a pure data-based role in the health, business, government, retail or financial sectors.
The programme has an emphasis on practical application-based learning. The capstone portfolio enables you to demonstrate your ability to apply the skills you have developed to a project in a way that you can showcase to potential employers.
Where this degree could take you
Here’s an insight into the job roles you could obtain as a graduate:
- data scientist
- machine learning engineer
- AI engineer
- data analyst
- quantitative analyst (quant)
- data engineer
- business intelligence (BI) analyst
- analytics consultant
- research data scientist
- applied data scientist
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. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team, who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support through the whole job application process, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Qualified careers consultants: Gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Employability and networking events: We run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors.
- Employability skills training: To support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers, such as team working and presentation skills, in all our programmes.
- MyCareer system: On your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Joblink: A student job shop offered by our Leeds University Union (LUU), designed to link students with local employers who provide rewarding work experience. LUU also offers volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Find out more about career support.
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.