Program Overview

MSc Data Science for Business

Overview

The MSc Data Science for Business is an interdisciplinary programme that combines the University of Bristol Business School and the School of Engineering Maths and Technology. It is designed for recent graduates aiming to navigate and shape a data-driven world. Over one year of full-time study, you will learn to manage and analyse large datasets and develop different digital skills to directly apply in business contexts.

This programme offers a balanced curriculum in data science and business strategies, allowing you to find your specialism in Sustainability, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or Finance. You will gain both the practical skills and strategic knowledge to tackle real-world business challenges as well as a competitive advantage in your future career.

Throughout the year, you will benefit from our advanced industry links through guest lectures and the opportunity to participate in live consulting projects. This programme is suitable for graduates from diverse educational backgrounds, including non-business and business-related fields, helping bridge the gap between your qualifications and the digital skills demanded by industry.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme structure is designed to provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum, combining data science training with business expertise relevant to data analytics applications.

Core units cover data science principles and business fundamentals, while focus units allow specialisation in areas like Sustainability, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or Finance.

The programme also includes an applied research project supervised across both schools.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in:

• Biomedical/Health and Life Sciences
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Decision Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Finance (but not Accounting and Finance)
• Management
• Mathematics
• Operational Research
• Physics
• Statistics

OR if your degree subject is not listed above, you must have evidence of one quantitative unit at 65% (or international equivalent) as listed.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £19,500 per year
• Overseas: full-time £33,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

The Business School is offering a range of scholarships for master’s students starting in 2025.

Scholarships for International Students

• Think Big Scholarships: 200 scholarships available
  • 100 scholarships at £13,000 each
  • 100 scholarships at £6,500 each
• Career Accelerator Scholarships: 200 scholarships at £3,000 each

Scholarships for Home (UK) Students

• Business School Advance Scholarship: £10,000 each

Career Prospects

This programme is structured to offer students a comprehensive foundation in digital knowledge and skills alongside a range of different business domains. It covers both quantitative and digital aspects and gives a deeper understanding of business. It will prepare students for a diverse array of professional settings, ensuring they are versatile and highly employable by filling the skill gaps that industries actually need.

Students in the MSc Data Science for Business programme will be actively encouraged to engage with careers and employability from the outset. Through units such as Data Analytics in Business Context, students will interact with concepts and practices directly transferrable to the modern business world. By integrating industry projects into the curriculum, particularly in the Applied Research Project, students will connect with businesses and industry networks, allowing them to cultivate professional relationships and understand the expectations of the job market.