Introduction
There is an increasing demand for data scientists across all industry sectors, from healthcare and tech to finance, retail and beyond. This programme enables graduates of various disciplines to take advantage of the growing career opportunities in this field, by teaching the essential Computational Thinking (CT) and data analysis skills needed by employers today.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning or Online Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months, 15 months or 27 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September or January
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Over the last 5 years, there has been an enormous increase in demand for Data Scientists across almost every industry sector, from tech and finance to energy, retail, healthcare and cybersecurity.
As the volume, diversity and complexity of data being gathered continue to increase, the key challenge facing organisations today is how to make sense of data, and more importantly how to use data to inform business decisions.
To solve this problem, companies need data scientists who not only are highly skilled in a wide range of statistical and data analysis tools, but who can go far beyond classical statistics and machine learning to gain real insights from data. The MSc Data Science programme is specifically designed to address this challenge.
Unlike many other data science programmes, this MSc goes beyond statistics and big data, to use a Computational Thinking (CT) approach to data science, one that applies logical thinking, sequencing and algorithms to create solutions to problems across many disciplines and industries.
The multidisciplinary focus of the programme also means that it is open to qualified applicants from across a wide range of academic backgrounds, including science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM), but also business and social sciences.
This programme has been designed in collaboration with industry partners, including Wolfram Research, to ensure that the algorithms, tools and workflows required by industry are covered. You will also gain proficiency in the use of Wolfram Mathematica programme.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Data Science
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 27 months Online Learning Full Time or Part Time September MoreMSc 12 months or 27 months Online Learning Full Time or Part Time January MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 15 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
Why Study Data Science?
- This programme equips you with the essential data analysis and computational thinking skills needed to extract knowledge and insights from data.
- There has been a huge increase in demand for data specialists across almost every industry, from energy and manufacturing to healthcare and cybercrime.
- Aimed at undergraduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM) but also business, arts and the humanities.
- Designed in collaboration with industry partners, including Wolfram Research, which means the the algorithms, tools and workflows required by industry are extensively covered.
- The overall objective of this programme is to create experts who can combine their mathematical modelling and programming skills with an ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to extract knowledge and insights from data.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject will be considered.
‘Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH07-01-01. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Careers
The overall objective of this programme is to create experts who can combine their mathematical modelling and programming skills with an ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams to extract knowledge and insights from data.
According to Prospects.ac.uk, entry-level salaries for Data Scientists range from £19,000 to £25,000. With a few years' experience you could expect to earn £30,000 to £50,000, while experienced, high-level, data scientists or contractors can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases reaching more than £100,000.
Graduates of this programme will be well placed to pursue careers such as:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Architect
- Data Mining Engineer
- Data Scientist
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Professor Marco Thiel, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX