Data Science - online

Program Overview

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Data Science - online 2025 and 2026 entry

Overview

Develop core skills in data science essential to successful careers in many data-driven sectors.

Application Deadline

Monday 1 September 2025 for September entry

Program Options

• MSc (September 2025 entry)
• MSc (October 2025 entry)
• PGDip (September 2025 entry)
• PGDip (October 2025 entry)
• PGCert (September 2025 entry)
• PGCert (October 2025 entry)
• MSc (January 2026 entry)
• PGDip (January 2026 entry)
• PGCert (January 2026 entry)
• MSc (March 2026 entry)
• PGDip (March 2026 entry)
• PGCert (March 2026 entry)

Start Dates

• January
• March
• September
• October

Duration

• MSc: up to three years
• PGDip: up to two years
• PGCert: up to one year

School

School of Computer Science

Fees

• MSc: £18,000
• PGDip: £12,000
• PGCert: £6,000

Why Study This Course?

Gain skills in demand by global, commercial, financial, and research institutions.

This course covers a mix of practical and theoretical topics essential to careers in many data-driven sectors. You will learn how to approach real-world data problems and to apply your skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis.

Course Structure

• Study research methods in data science and understand contemporary issues in the field
• Discover methods of data mining, from the underlying core theory to practical understanding
• Learn how to create compelling information visualizations and how to verify visual displays of data
• Use industry-standard computing resources to employ the full data science workflow from data acquisition and processing, through model development and selection, to final deployment and maintenance
• Study optimization techniques, how to curate and use large quantities of data, and how to model and simulate complex systems of data

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Practical work

Assessment

• A mix of coursework exercises, presentations, and tests

Dissertation Project

MSc students will submit a software artefact and a detailed description of its context in the area of study.

Modules

MSc

• Compulsory modules:
  • Complex systems modeling and simulation
  • Data and Information Visualization
  • Data-Driven Systems
  • Discrete Optimization
  • End-to-End Machine Learning
  • Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Programming in Python
• Optional modules:
  • Numeric Optimization
  • Research methods in Data Science
• Dissertation project: A detailed software artefact that implements and evaluates a workflow and a detailed description of the artefact and its context in the area of study.

PGCert, PGDip

• Compulsory modules:
  • Complex systems modeling and simulation
  • Data and Information Visualization
  • Data-Driven Systems
  • Discrete Optimization
  • End-to-End Machine Learning
  • Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Numeric Optimization
  • Programming in Python
  • Research methods in Data Science

What It Will Lead To

Careers

Data Science is one of the world's fastest-growing job types. Qualified data scientists are highly sought after in a wide range of sectors, including business and finance, intelligence services, cybersecurity, healthcare, conservation, the arts, and more.

Further Education

Many graduates of the School of Computer Science continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews.

Why St Andrews?

Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalized learning.

Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification
• If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements
• We will also consider applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree. In these circumstances, we expect candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional learning.
• Students are also required to have a desired level of English language proficiency.

Application Requirements

• CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
• Personal statement
• Two original signed references on headed paper
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

English Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Fees and Funding

• MSc: £18,000
• PGDip: £12,000
• PGCert: £6,000

Scholarships and Funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.

Successful entrants starting online studies at Masters level can apply for scholarships of up to £6000 towards the course fees.

• St Leonard's funding opportunities
• Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)