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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 25,400
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Data Analysis | Data Science | Applied Statistics
Area of study
Mathematics and Statistics
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 25,400
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Data and Decision Analytics (MSc)

About this course

Develop the analytic and professional skills for success in the data science industry on this Data & Decision Analytics MSc. You’ll learn advanced level mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and computation.


This UK master’s course will give you the skills and knowledge to make better decisions based on data. There is also a strong focus on real work experience, with opportunities for summer projects in a range of industries.


Through this degree you’ll learn:


  • programming skills in R and in Python
  • advanced theory and methods of applied statistics
  • practical application of operational research
  • modelling of deterministic and stochastic systems
  • industry career skills working on a project with an external organisation

You'll take on 3-month summer project which can be in operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of each. This is excellent preparation if you want to go onto a PhD in one of these areas.


There are 2 options for this project:


  • The opportunity to compete for a 3-month project with an external organisation
  • An internal project linked to the latest research led by one of our academics

You'll also get the chance to meet with the CORMSIS Business Advisory Board which is represented by major companies including; Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs. They ensure this MSc continues to be fresh and relevant to the needs of employers, so you’ll have excellent employment prospects.


We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.


Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).


Course lead

Professor Alain Zemkoho is your course leader. Read Professor Zemkoho’s profile to learn more about his work.


Learn more about this subject area

Mathematical sciences

Build your knowledge of maths concepts and techniques on our courses in pure and applied maths, statistics and operational research. The analytical and problem-solving skills you'll develop are valued in many areas of life.


Course location

This course is based at Highfield.


Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.


Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.


  • Download Course Description Document

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 degree in a quantitative subject which has a high maths content. You must have high grades in maths modules as well as programming modules.


Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.


English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:


  • overall score: 6.5
  • reading: 6.0
  • writing: 6.0
  • speaking: 6.0
  • listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.


If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.


Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.


Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.


Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]


Course structure

This is a full-time MSc which runs over 12-months from September to the following September. There are 2 semesters of taught material. You’ll then complete an MSc project (usually in the summer).


In semesters 1 and 2 you'll study a combination of modules that everyone on the course must study, and additional modules you'll get to choose from a range of options. These will provide you with the necessary foundations in operational research and statistics.


Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.


Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.


For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:


  • Computational Machine Learning and Optimisation
  • Data Mining and Analytics
  • Fundamentals of Data Science in R
  • Introduction to Python
  • OR Methods for Data Scientists
  • Statistical Methods for OR Modelling

You must also choose from the following modules:


  • Analytical Consultancy Skills
  • Computer-based statistical modelling
  • Design of Experiments
  • Financial Portfolio Theory
  • Flexible Regression
  • Forecasting
  • Machine Learning
  • Operational Research and Data Science Case Study 1
  • Operational Research and Data Science Case Study 2
  • Project
  • Project Management
  • Project Risk Management
  • Revenue Management

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:


  • careers talks from external organisations
  • employability skills training
  • computer programming
  • collecting and analysing data
  • using IT for optimisation, simulation, and statistical software
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:


  • coursework and essays
  • a dissertation
  • group essays
  • individual and group projects
  • written exams

Dissertation

You'll need to submit a dissertation on your project work soon after the end of the taught period of study. You'll be required to complete their work by the middle of September.


Academic Support

Your contact hours will vary depending on your module/option choices. Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module profiles.


Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.


The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:


  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Self-management
  • Communication
  • Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.


Download skills overview


Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:


  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Banking
  • Accountancy
  • Government
  • Insurance
  • IT
  • Business consultancy
  • Marketing
  • Market research
  • Health
  • Research

Careers directly related to this course:


  • Data analyst
  • Data engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Data consultant
  • Operational researcher
  • Market researcher
  • Management consultant
  • Systems analyst
  • Statistician
  • Quantitative analyst

Wider career opportunities:


  • Financial manager
  • Management consultant
  • Quantity surveyor
  • Policy officer
  • Actuarial analyst
  • Marketing executive
  • Business adviser
  • Business development manager
  • Financial risk analyst
  • Investment analyst

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Data and Decision Analytics graduates:


  • Data scientist
  • Software engineer
  • Data analyst
  • Algorithm developer
  • Business consultant
  • Data architect
  • Data warehouse engineer
  • Head of data
  • Financial systems officer
  • Systems analyst

Job prospects for MSc Data and Decision Analytics graduates

  • Average professional salary: £33k
  • In a skilled profession or further study: 93%
  • Graduate employment rate: 98%

Source: The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.


Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.


Read more


Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:


  • work experience schemes
  • CV and interview skills and workshops
  • networking events
  • careers fairs attended by top employers
  • a wealth of volunteering opportunities
  • study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.


Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.


More about careers support


Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:


  • UK students pay £9,250.
  • EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.


Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.


Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.


Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.


What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.


Find out how to pay your tuition fees.


Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.


Explore:


  • accommodation costs
  • living costs
  • budgeting advice
  • fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.


Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.


This course is part of the Shared Scholarship Scheme, an initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities to support students from developing commonwealth countries.


You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are:


  • from a developing commonwealth country
  • would not be able to study a master’s degree in the UK

Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Mathematics.


Find out more about the Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.


Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.


Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.


How to apply

  1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
  2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
  3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
  4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
  5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
  6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.


Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.


We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.


International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.


We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.


Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.


This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.


If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.


Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.


You’ll need to include information about:


  • your knowledge of the subject area
  • why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
  • how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.


Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.


What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.


We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.


If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.


Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.


Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.


Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.


Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]


Program Outline

Increasingly organisations require skilled professionals who can handle large datasets and managers who can utilise the resulting analysis to make impactful decisions. The nature of the work brings MSc Data and Decision Analytics graduates into early contact with senior management which can offer opportunities for rapid career advancement.


Other:

This UK master’s course will give you the skills and knowledge to make better decisions based on data. There is also a strong focus on real work experience, with opportunities for summer projects in a range of industries.Through this degree you’ll learn: programming skills in R and in Python advanced theory and methods of applied statistics practical application of operational research modelling of deterministic and stochastic systems industry career skills working on a project with an external organisation You'll take on 3-month summer project which can be in operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of each. This is excellent preparation if you want to go onto a PhD in one of these areas. They ensure this MSc continues to be fresh and relevant to the needs of employers, so you’ll have excellent employment prospects.

SHOW MORE
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject that involves some quantitative training, such as:

  • computer science
  • economics
  • engineering
  • mathematics
  • physics
  • statistics
  • You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum: IELTS score requirements overall score 5 reading 0 writing 0 speaking 0 listening 0 We accept other English language tests.
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