Data Science

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline, provided that the applicant has some experience of programming and has had exposure to quantitative methods such as statistics, or mathematical modelling. Applicants with a 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in any discipline are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any relevant academic, professional, or project experience will be taken into consideration.

Students have successfully completed the course with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, Life Sciences, Economics, Finance, Linguistics, and others.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Develop your skills and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science with our flexible Master's programme that allows you to select modules, guided by pathways, to develop an enhanced understanding of modern data science technologies. Designed in co-operation with industry, you will learn how data science and AI work together with real industry-specific projects and through guest lectures from professional data scientists. Upon graduation, you will have the confidence to apply data science techniques that enable companies to use artificial intelligence to gain insights and make better decisions. This Master's has been pivotal in launching the careers of hundreds of in demand data scientists with a high starting salary.

What will I study?

Term 1 - core data science modules

In the first term, you will study core modules that span the breadth of data science including the fundamentals of statistics and programming in Python; modern machine learning; and artificial intelligence. This term is essential in providing the foundations for you to advance your knowledge and technical skills in your chosen pathway.

Term 2 - specialist modules

In the second term, you will choose your specialist pathway, selecting optional modules that align with your interests and career goals. Specialist pathways include those in data engineering, biodiversity, and business intelligence.

Term 3 - industry placement or dissertation

Apply the knowledge and skills you've gained in the previous 2 terms with a 14-week placement or dissertation, either within industry or as part of an academic research project. Our students really value this experience, with many offered jobs at the end, and many find that it builds confidence and adds weight to their CV. You will develop your ability to formulate a project plan, gather and analyse data, interpret your results, and present findings in a professional environment. This research will be an opportunity to bring together everything you have learnt over the year, expand your problem-solving abilities and manage a significant project.

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Lancaster University has been ranked 51-70 for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more at the fees and funding page.