Data Science MSc
About this course
This course covers the fundamentals of Data Science including Big Data infrastructure, AI and statistical analysis and the mining of data. Development of your understanding of deriving value from the data analytics functions is also a focus of this course.
You will learn how to support organisations in improving their data capture, management and analysis processes with a focus on efficiency and profit, whilst adhering to the current highest ethical standards.
Why study this course at NTU?
This course builds on NTU’s experience of upskilling major employers in the region in the areas of data analytics and data science. Our previous experience in work-based learning prepared graduates to take innovative roles in the rapidly changing Data Science industry.
Studying takes place in our purpose-built ISTeC building, where you will have access to our specialist Data Science teaching facility and 3D imagery lab.
As there is a growing need in the UK for data science experts we’ve secured funding of £498,245 from the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Office for Students to support the development of this course.
100% of Computer science students are satisfied with the quality of their course. (PTES 2023)
-
The Office for Students (OfS) supports a number of scholarships worth £10,000, that aims to target students often under-represented in this industry. -
Take a one-year work placement to gain industry experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice. -
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. -
100% of postgraduate Information Technology students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
What you’ll study
You will study six modules and undertake a major research project. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.
Fundamentals of Big Data and Infrastructure (20 credit points)
This module, therefore, introduces students to the processes, techniques and technologies businesses use to develop the IT infrastructure so that it is able to manage big data and transform it into useful business intelligence. The students will familiarise themselves with relational and non-relational database technologies and understand the utilisation of scalable computing to address the capture, storage and processing of data upon the increase in its velocity and volume.
Introduction to Computer Programming (20 cp)
In this module you’ll focus on developing your skills in producing software solutions for practical problems. Through hands-on experiences, it emphasizes the use of program development environments and develops advanced procedural programming skills. Additionally, you will become familiar with object-oriented programming, preparing you for contemporary software development challenges.
Statistical Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 cp)
This module provides students with an introduction to the statistical principles and statistical methods required for the analysis of large datasets. The module introduces R programming language and its applications for initial exploration and visualisation of data and for predictive modelling.
Deriving Business Value from Data Analytics (20 cp)
This module teaches how to project-manage the data analytics function to take into account costs, benefits, risks and relevant business goals in order to deliver value from the customer perspective. Students will learn how the data analytics tool can be utilised to make decisions that optimize business objectives.
Applied AI and Data Mining (20 cp)
The overall aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of a variety of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, reasoning and optimisation techniques, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems including discovering useful patterns in data (Data Mining) to assist decision-making processes.
Research Methods (20 cp)
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.
Major project (60 cp)
On completion of the taught modules in this course, you will then have the opportunity to undertake an MSc topic. This gives you 15 weeks to concentrate full-time on a specialist area that interests you and apply what you have learnt to a specific problem.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of software implementation, emerging technologies and large-scale computer applications. You will develop the knowledge and skills to analyse and plan a wide range of computer systems projects and carry out research in a range of advanced computing applications.
The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Master's project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.
Apply your theory
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Research informed teaching
Throughout your course you will be supported by your course leader and personal tutor, who will work with you individually. A comprehensive induction programme will provide you with essential information about the course, including access to the library and virtual learning portal.
Learning methods
- Lectures
- Guided reading supported by the University's virtual learning portal
- Workshops and laboratories
- Seminars
- Case studies and project work
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
- Research project
- Written assignment
- Case studies
- Oral presentations
- Coursework reports
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our students are perceived as having a competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.
The main objective of the course is to address the Data Science industry skills needs by producing talented graduates from diverse backgrounds. A consortium of business partners pledged to support the MSc program by offering co-development, delivery and placement opportunities. The official list of project partners includes:
- Santander
- ENSEK
- Nottingham City Council
- Capital One
- Fujitsu
- Parexel Informatics
- Make UK
- Intelligent OMICS
- Fair Way Forward Ltd (Tully)
- AECOM
- Uniper
- Walgreen Boots Alliance
- DSTL
Placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.
Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.
If you take the sandwich route, you will take a one-year work placement after the first three terms before returning to NTU the following year to start your research project.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Prism UK, Gedling Borough Council and ENSEK. They secured varied roles such as Systems Integration Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer and Software Engineer.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics and information systems. Other subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need:
- UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics and information systems. Other subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £19,900 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,990 + £1,850 | £19,900 + £1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £9,950* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Funding your studies
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.
General Scholarships
You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.
Alumni discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni for September 2025 entry. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service at +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us at +44 (0)115 848 4460.
The course fees for September 2025 entry are:
| Study route | UK | International / EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,990 | £19,900 |
| Full-time with placement year | £9,990 + £1,850 | £19,900 + £1,850 |
| Part-time | £4,995 | £9,950* |
* For part-time study, please check your student visa regulations.
Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised
