MSc DATA SCIENCE

Overview

This postgraduate Masters course is uniquely designed for both computing and non-computing graduates wishing to pursue a career in data science community.

Data science is at the intersection of the fields of computer science, statistics, and design. In a rapidly evolving world, new types of big data are emerging from mobile devices, sensors, instruments, transactional systems, web logs, social media, the cloud and other sources. Businesses are accumulating big data at a rate that often exceeds their capacity to extract value from it.

MSc Data Science is ideally placed to provide you with technical knowledge and employer-focused skills required in a data scientist role. The course will develop your specialist knowledge of data acquisition, data cleansing, data analysis, information extraction, prediction, visualization, story-telling and explanation.

You'll gain hands-on experience using industry standard tools for data science,  business intelligence and analytics including SAS, Tableau MS SQL Server, Oracle Database, and R Programming.

Work placement options are available from September 2025! The work placement option is seeking accreditation from the British Computer Society  (The Chartered Institute  for Information Technology).

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
ModeFull-time Duration1 year Start dateSeptember Application code4940 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time Duration2 years Start dateSeptember Application code5084 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModePart-time (BLOCK) Duration2 years Start dateSeptember Application code5086 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time Duration18 months Start dateJanuary Application code5619 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time Duration2 years (with placement) Start dateSeptember Application code6041 Application method Direct to LSBU
ModeFull-time Duration3 years (with placement) Start dateJanuary Application code6042 Application method Direct to LSBU

Course Accreditations

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Location

London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.

If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.

Entry Level Requirements

Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

  • 2:2 UK honours first degree or   international equivalent in a relevant Computing/Mathematical/Statistical subject; or
  • A Higher National Diploma in a relevant   subject and a minimum of three years relevant professional experience; or
  • We recognise that many people have a wealth   of valuable skills and knowledge they've developed at work or through   training. If candidates have the potential to succeed in postgraduate or   post-experience studies we'll consider their application on its individual merit. Applications may be considered where candidates demonstrate a   combination of educational qualifications and work experience.
  • For all applicants experience of   Computing/Programming will be sought.
  • We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.5.

Missing English and Maths qualifications?

If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

United Kingdom

£12500

Tuition fees for home students

International

£18600

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

  • Part-time

    part-time

    MSc Data Science (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £5555.56 International fee: £8266.67
    AOS/LSBU code: 5084 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £12500
    International: £18600

    MSc Data Science (BLOCK) (PT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £4166.67 International fee: £6200
    AOS/LSBU code: 5086 Session code: 1PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £12500
    International: £18600

    MSc Data Science (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £6944.44 International fee: £10333.33
    AOS/LSBU code: 5084 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £12500
    International: £18600

    MSc Data Science (BLOCK) (PT) - Year 2

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £8333.33 International fee: £12400
    AOS/LSBU code: 5086 Session code: 2PS00
    Total course fee:

    * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

    UK: £12500
    International: £18600
  • Full-time

    full-time

    MSc Data Science (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £12500 International fee: £18600
    AOS/LSBU code: 4940 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Data Science (FT) (JAN) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2024/25. If no fee shown or its blank. The fee for 2025/26 will be published shortly. Please visit again soon for the updated fee.
    UK fee: £12000 International fee: £17900
    AOS/LSBU code: 5619 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Data Science (with placement)(SEPT)(FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £12500 International fee: £18600
    AOS/LSBU code: 6041 Session code: 1FS00

    MSc Data Science (with Placement) (JAN) (FT) - Year 1

    The fee shown is for entry 2025/26
    UK fee: £12500 International fee: £18600
    AOS/LSBU code: 6042 Session code: 1FS00

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Home

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Mode Full-time Duration 1 year Start date September Application code 4940 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time Duration 2 years Start date September Application code 5084 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Part-time (BLOCK) Duration 2 years Start date September Application code 5086 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time Duration 18 months Start date January Application code 5619 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time Duration 2 years (with placement) Start date September Application code 6041 Application method Direct to LSBU
Mode Full-time Duration 3 years (with placement) Start date January Application code 6042 Application method Direct to LSBU

Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.

See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).

Accommodation

Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Finance

It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.

Prepare to start

We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.

Enrolment

Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.

  • Data Management
    Data Management and Data Quality are increasingly at the heart of every commercial and research enterprise, as the value of data increases along with the need for adaptive security. This module will give you a critical and evaluative knowledge of the theory, practice and research of software engineering techniques for Data Management amid today’s complex and changing business/commercial/research environments. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Statistical Analysis and Modelling
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  • Machine Learning
    The module introduces you to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of machine learning using Python. It will cover the main topics and essential theory in the area. The module also focuses on developing practical skills in designing and developing machine learning systems using suitable software and algorithms in order to solve real-world problems. Assessment method:  100% coursework.
  • Future Internet Technologies
    Future Internet technologies comprise set of enablers to deal with the limitation of existing Internet. This includes but not limited All-IP Networking Architectures, evolution towards 4G+/5G networking architectures, open-based networking technologies, Cloud Computing challenges and IoT technologies and its interworking with 4G+/5G networks. The module will provide both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to the students. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Data mining 
  • Systems:  Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures Systems
    To develop an in-depth, critically evaluative knowledge of concepts of security in networks and systems and the acquisition of knowledge about the processes, techniques, and security technologies to achieve an end-to-end security system. The course will analyse the security requirements and the vulnerabilities that threaten the smooth functioning of a computer system / network and will inform about ways of prevention, protection, recognition, and treatment of malicious attacks using appropriate technologies and security tools. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Research methods
    The module provides students with the ability to discuss, evaluate and use a variety of research methods and techniques for their chosen subject area of Computer Science and Informatics and to develop a professional and ethical approach to carrying out research-based projects. It also equips students with entrepreneurial and innovation skills increasingly sought by industry and employers. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
  • Dissertation
    The module requires students to undertake an independent piece of research / development work, investigating in depth a subject, in which they have a particular interest and of their own selection. The dissertation assesses students’ ability to integrate information from various sources, to conduct an in-depth investigation, where necessary specify, appropriately develop bespoke software/technology-based solutions, to critically analyse results and information obtained and to propose improvements/further work. Each student will submit a dissertation of between 12,000-15,000 words. Assessment: 100% coursework.
  • Placement (optional)
    The placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in the workplace, honing your transferable skills and proving your academic learning in the development of real-world systems. The assessment of the placement is designed to support and accredit the experience by formalising personal development outcomes, and by contextualising prior learning. Regular on-line contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year. Assessment: 100% coursework.

Careers

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Career opportunities range from IT services to business consultancy, and this course will prepare you for a career in the business intelligence community working actively with a range of resources including tools from major commercial vendors such as Microsoft and SAS.

As a graduate of this course you should to be able to work within the areas of business intelligence or business and data analytics, in roles such as a business intelligence specialist, data or business analyst or business intelligence developer.

Recent guest lecturers include Tom Gilb, author and expert in agile project management, Tony Baker from IBM and Chris Miller from Dell.

In order to ensure the course runs in accordance with industry recognised standards we are seeking accreditation for both Chartered Engineer (CEng) status as well as Chartered IT Professional (CITP) accreditation by the British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for Information Technology.

We are also seeking Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with both the Institute of Engineering and Technology and the Engineering Council.

Teaching and Assessment

Subject-related and generic resources available

Students will have access to approximately 200 PCs in 10 teaching computer labs, running under Windows or Linux. The installed software includes the typical MS Office suite, and a range of programming languages and IDEs.  A cyber security lab is used for specialised modules, and 3 labs sport state-of-the-art workstation with GPUs for running machine learning and deep learning models. A new lab with 90 high specs GPU-enabled workstations will be setup at the beginning of 2023 in the Perry building

Generic resources include:

  • Perry library - provides access to traditional books, journal sources, PCs to use and   laptops to borrow. The Perry Library is open throughout the week, and during   the term are staffed from 08.30 until 21.00 from Monday – Thursday, and 10.30   to 16.20 at weekends. There is seating capacity for 600 students in the   library and the book-stock is in excess of 600,000 volumes. The building   provides wireless access.
  • The   Students' Support Centre - provides a first stop service for students on   academic, personal and financial matters. It is aimed at improving student   experience and offers LSBU’s best employability, development and student services.   The center also offers home to our Students’ Union.
  • Fitness   - there is also a sports hall, fitness suite and gymnasium
  • Catering   - there is a large refectory, with a selection of   smaller cafes and eating outlets on campus.

Learning support

Subject-related and generic resources available

Students will have access to approximately 200 PCs in 10 teaching computer labs, running under Windows or Linux. The installed software includes the typical MS Office suite, and a range of programming languages and IDEs.  A cyber security lab is used for specialised modules, and 3 labs sport state-of-the-art workstation with GPUs for running machine learning and deep learning models. A new lab with 90 high specs GPU-enabled workstations will be setup at the beginning of 2023 in the Perry building.

Generic resources include:
*Perry library - provides access to traditional books, journal sources, PCs to use and laptops to borrow. The Perry Library is open throughout the week, and during the term are staffed from 08.30 until 21.00 from Monday – Thursday, and 10.30 to 16.20 at weekends. There is seating capacity for 600 students in the library and the book-stock is in excess of 600,000 volumes. The building provides wireless access.
*The Students' Support Centre - provides a first stop service for students on academic, personal and financial matters. It is aimed at improving student experience and offers LSBU’s best employability, development and student services. The center also offers home to our Students’ Union.
*Fitness - there is also a sports hall, fitness suite and gymnasium
*Catering - there is a large refectory, with a selection of smaller cafes and eating outlets on campus.


We support students throughout their course in many different ways, such as:

  • personal tutoring
  • support sessions on core math's & programming skills taking place weekly
  • peer student led support sessions
  • practical skills workshops
  • labs equipped with the latest hardware and software
  • lectures, seminars, personal tuition
  • online learning materials
  • varied assessment methods
  • advice on work experience and career options
  • opportunities for internships, work placements and projects with employers
  • tailored field trips
  • training in research methods and assistance with independent research projects.

People profiles

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Contact information

Course Enquiries - UK

Tel: 0207 815 7500