---
title: "MSc Data Science"
description: "Advance your career with an MSc in Data Science. Study master’s degree course online or on campus and gain expert-level data analysis & problem-solving skills. Apply now!"
canonical: "https://ads.pr1.ops.ads.arden-prod01.arden.ac.uk/our-courses/postgraduate/masters/msc-data-science"
published: 2023-10-25
updated: 2026-09-08
author: "Arden University"
---

# MSc Data Science

## Course details and modules

Our MSc Data Science course delivers exciting and up-to-date module content that will help you develop vital career skills. Just some of the course highlights embedded into your modules include:

#### Empowering data insights with artificial intelligence

Explore artificial intelligence and neural networks and learn how to create intelligent solutions for data classification and clustering, driving innovation in various industries.

#### Navigating the cloud and Big Data landscape

Discover the world of cloud computing, gain insights into its applications, and dive into Hadoop, a powerful tool for machine learning and unlocking value from extensive data sets.

#### Turning data into business success

Bridge theory and practice as you learn to extract insights from 'dark data'. Make data-driven decisions that empower businesses to thrive in the modern data-centric landscape.

#### Mathematical foundations

Explore the essential pillars of linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability. These mathematical tools form the backbone of practical problem-solving in data science.

![Sathesh Paramasivam   ](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2020-06/Testimonial-Image-Sathesh1.jpg)

I like that the course encourages you to study independently, but you still have guidance and can ask the tutors questions whenever you need clarification.

Sathesh Paramasivam

MSc Data Analytics & Marketing - Berlin campus

### Course Modules

- Programming for Data Science (20 credits)
- Mathematics for Data Science (20 credits)
- Big Data and Cloud Computing (20 credits)
- Machine Learning (20 credits)
- Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks (20 credits)
- Data Visualisation (20 credits)
- Advanced Computing Project (60 credits)

*For full details on your module content,* [*click here to download the brochure*](https://go.arden.ac.uk/brochure/online/a016700001KU4GcAAL)*.*

#### A practical assessment strategy

Our MSc Data Science programme adopts a modern assessment approach designed to immerse you in practical, real-world challenges. Assessment methods include portfolio submissions featuring tangible assets created during each course module using industry-standard tools. By the programme’s end, you'll have a professional portfolio demonstrating your data science expertise, providing compelling evidence of your skills.

#### The Data Science Research Project

Your MSc Data Science journey culminates in the Data Science Research Project, where you’ll solve real-world data science issues through research, design, and implementation. With guidance from a supervisor in your chosen area, you'll emerge not only with a degree but also equipped with practical, industry-ready knowledge to showcase to prospective employers.

#### Additional study skills through vendor programmes, provided free of charge

The following vendor courses will be available for you to study in parallel with your degree. As part of studying these courses during your Arden degree, you’ll have free access to Azure Labs, allowing you to explore the practical side of the course content immediately.

These courses also form the foundation of Azure ML, Azure’s widely used and industry-recognised machine learning platform.

Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

- Digital badge with the option to pay for an exam to gain certification

Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500T00)

- Digital badge with the option to pay for an exam to gain certification

Arden is a Cisco Network Academy and AWS Academy, giving you access to resources that align with the Big Data and Cloud Computing module, and even more opportunities to build on your skills and credentials.

Multiple Cisco self-study courses

- Digital badge and no exam fees

AWS Academy

- A host of free courses around the foundations of AWS. All the course content is free, you’ll only have to pay for the exams.

You’ll also get hands-on experience with the latest data science tools during your studies, giving you the practical skills you’ll need in your current or future role:

- Tableau
- Anaconda – DataSpell
- Anaconda Notebooks
- JupyterLab
- Jupyter Notebooks
- Spyder
- DataLore
- Oracle Cloud
- Glueviz, Orange
- 3PyCharm
- R
- TensorFlow

## Study options

This course is available to study full time through our blended learning study mode at our campus in [Berlin, Germany](https://arden.ac.uk/berlin/our-campus), [London Stratford](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/london/stratford-campus) and [Manchester](https://arden.ac.uk/where-to-study/locations/manchester).

The course is also available to students via [online learning](https://arden.ac.uk/online-learning). This gives you the convenience of being able to study worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

#### How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at university. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

#### How does it work?

Our blended learning study mode combines structured in-person learning with the flexibility of guided independent study. You’ll attend eight hours of timetabled, face-to-face classes each week, spread over two days at your chosen Arden University campus.

Alongside this, you’ll spend approximately 25 hours each week on independent study. You’ll use iLearn, our digital learning platform, to access key resources, submit assignments, and stay connected with your tutors and classmates. Whether you prefer studying in our on-campus learning spaces or at home, you’ll be supported throughout your journey.

Blended learning is ideal if you value regular in-person teaching and want the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. With classes concentrated over just two days, you’ll have more control over your time, while still benefiting from face-to-face interaction and access to university facilities.

This course is also available to study full-time at our Berlin, Germany campus.

[Learn more about Blended Learning](https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/blended-learning)

### Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

- Office 365 subscription
- Integrated zoom video conferencing
- Careers support in-person and online available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
- Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
- Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

## Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

### Standard entry requirements:

- A 2.2 Honours degree in a numerate subject where many of the modules were mathematics-based. Examples include, but are not limited to maths, finance, computing, science, and engineering.
- Or an equivalent 2.2 Honours degree with 18 months of relevant computing work experience.

### Typical non-standard entry requirements:

- A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Your work experience should be in a data-based role, for example, finance, engineering, science, data analysis, etc. You will need to have worked with maths and/or data analysis in your current role to be eligible.

### English proficiency

**Online Learning:** IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent

**Blended Learning in the UK or Berlin:** IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 60-78; or equivalent. Free English language support is also available at the Arden Berlin campus.

Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

### If you require a visa to study in the UK

You must meet the academic entry requirements for this course.

You’ll need an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any element) or an equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) result.

You can find [more information here](https://arden.ac.uk/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements)

### Funding and Scholarships

We also offer a range of scholarships and funding support for eligible students, including options for UK, international, and UK-based international students. Start your application and an education advisor will be in touch to discuss your options.

## Meet the faculty

![Steve Johnston](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-06/Steve%20Johnston.png)

Dr Steve Johnston joined Arden University in November 2025 as the new Associate Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology. Steve holds an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics and Psychology from Keele University and earned a PhD at the Centre for Applied Mathematics and Computation (CAMAC) in Coventry in 2002. After early experience developing software for a 3D scanning firm, Steve transitioned to academia, focusing on brain imaging research at Bangor University.

Following this, Steve lectured in Psychology at Brunel University before joining Swansea University in 2012 as Senior Lecturer. He became Associate Dean for the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science in 2021 where he led the delivery of traditional and professional healthcare programmes, drove curriculum innovation, and implemented enhancement strategies informed by data-driven insights. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Steve Johnston

Acting Head of School – School of Applied Technology and AI

## Career prospects

100% of our Masters students studying a computing subject are employed within 2 years of graduation\*

*\*Source: 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey*

Right now, careers in data science are positively thriving, driven by the rise of AI and the ever-increasing importance of data in making business decisions. Advancements in technologies such as edge computing and machine learning have also fuelled the growth of the Internet of Things, providing new avenues for business efficiency. This demand has led to very competitive salaries, often surpassing those of other comparable professions.

### Why study this degree rather than a boot camp course?

This brand-new MSc Data Science course provides a structured pathway that enables you to get cutting-edge skills while developing your critical thinking and presentation abilities. Whilst boot camps can be great for acquiring a small amount of new knowledge in a short period of time, a degree course such as ours is a much better option if you want to develop a wide range of data science skills over a longer period and gain an accredited, globally recognised qualification with industry currency and lifetime value.

Here are some other reasons why many students choose a master’s degree over a boot camp:

- Although boot camps provide high-level or general overviews that may help improve some skills in a certain role, they tend to struggle to deliver in-depth skills and knowledge in the way that a master’s degree course can.
- Many industries, especially well-paying ones, require a master’s in data science before you’ll be considered for employment, this is especially true in Europe and the U.S.
- Bootcamps don’t give you the opportunity to create a portfolio of deliverables that you can use to showcase your skills to employers in the way that our MSc Data Science does.

Related Courses

- [ MSc Cyber Security  ](https://arden.ac.uk/node/2925)

### What can I do after Arden University?

Your journey through our MSc Data Science programme will lead to exciting career opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. Here's how the skills you acquire can shape your future:

#### Programming expertise

You'll develop robust programming skills, essential for transforming data into actionable insights. This capability enables you to work with data effectively, creating innovative solutions and automating data-driven processes.

#### Data handling, analysis, and visualisation

Proficiency in handling, analysing, and visualising data empowers you to extract meaningful insights from vast datasets. This skill is in high demand across industries seeking data-driven decision-making.

#### Neural network development

With the ability to develop neural networks, you enter the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning, unlocking opportunities to create intelligent systems and predictive models.

#### Get ahead with essential maths

The course equips you with a deep understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of data science. This proficiency sets you apart in an industry where professionals sometimes lack detailed maths skills, allowing you to add substantial value to organisations after you graduate.

**Career Pathways**: Upon completing your degree, you can enter diverse career paths, including:

- **Data Analyst**: Dive into the world of data analysis, where you'll explore data sets, derive insights, and support data-driven decision-making.
- **Machine Learning Engineer**: Take on roles that involve building and deploying machine learning models to solve complex problems.
- **Artificial Intelligence Specialist**: Lead projects focused on creating AI-powered solutions, from chatbots to autonomous vehicles.
- **Data Scientist**: Utilise your expertise to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and insights, driving business strategies and innovation.

Our Masters students studying a computing subject have gone onto earn up to £90,000 within 2 years of graduation\*

*\*Source: 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey*

#### Graduate as a versatile data scientist

The skills you’ll acquire on this master’s will help you transition into managerial positions, technical roles, or specialised analyst roles, depending on your career aspirations and interests. By graduating from our programme, you'll not only possess in-demand skills but also be well-prepared to shape the future of data-driven industries, making a significant impact in a variety of roles.

## Industry skills

In this postgraduate data science and AI programme, you'll master essential programming languages like Python, along with associated libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, SciPy, and Scikit-learn. This equips you to tackle data science, machine learning, and AI constructs confidently, and even create basic neural networks, future-proofing your career within the data industry.

You'll also excel in creating meaningful data visualisations from large datasets, making complex insights accessible to non-technical leaders in strategic planning—a crucial industry skill set.

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