Program Overview

MSc Applied Data Science

The MSc Applied Data Science programme is designed to transform students from a wide range of backgrounds into proficient data scientists. The programme will develop your data science skills, enabling you to enhance your career in data science or pursue further data science specialisation.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Programme Overview

If you have a degree in science, the social sciences, biological sciences, or engineering, then this is the programme for you. Unlike many other programmes, university study in mathematics, statistics, or computing is not required for entry to this programme. All we require is that students have passed a post-16 qualification in mathematics; our lecturers will support you to develop the necessary skills. Our teaching staff have experience in developing the necessary mathematical skills on which a Data Science career can be built.

Across business sectors, there is an exploding demand for data scientists, and this programme seeks to develop your skills and take advantage of these opportunities. You'll gain hands-on experience in data mining, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics to ensure you are highly employable upon graduation.

On our programme, you will develop the skills necessary to manage and analyse extensive and complex datasets. Using the latest algorithms and techniques, you'll gain experience in data modelling, storing, processing, and visualising data. Our optional modules allow you to customise your learning and study specialist topics, further enriching your journey towards a successful career as a data scientist.

The MSc Applied Data Science programme will develop your skills so that you can apply your knowledge to industry and scientific data analysis. In your final semester, you will apply the skills you obtained in a final project. In some cases, the MSc project can also be done in collaboration with an external industrial or academic organisation.

Your Student Experience

Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of computer science, computer systems, software engineering, information systems, and data science.

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active data science and artificial intelligence academics. The Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems and the on-campus National Robotarium carry out world-class research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats.

You will be taught by passionate and engaging experts who will provide you with insights into emerging topics in data science by relating taught material to their own research. Many of our academics have many years of experience working in industry and understand the role of a Data Scientist.

The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry-focused.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

Mandatory September Semester

• Practical Data Science
• Software Fundamentals for Data Science

Optional September Semester

• Mathematical Tools for Data Science
• Modelling and Tools
• Databases and Information Systems
• Probability and Statistics for Data Science

Mandatory January Semester

• Data Storytelling
• Data Mining

Optional January Semester

• Project Management
• Data Assimilation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital and Knowledge Economy

Mandatory May Semester

• Applied Data Science Dissertation

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £10,864
  • International: £20,456
• Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
• International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject.
• This programme is designed for students who do not hold a degree in mathematics or computer science. However, students will need to have evidence of studying mathematics at A Level grade C or above, or international equivalent.
• We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world.
• English language requirements: The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.