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Machine Learning at Royal Holloway, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

14May
Royal Holloway, University of London - Postgraduate Open Afternoon (Central London campus)
Postgraduate

Course summary

Machine learning has already revolutionised the user experience of millions of web users the world over, and yet the discipline is still comparatively young. In time, this form of artificial intelligence will have an even more profound impact on the way we use software and interact with computer technology. Study Machine Learning at Royal Holloway, University of London and you’ll equip yourself with a set of crucial skills to assist in the development of the next generation of search and analysis technologies. Skills that you will acquire include the ability to:

  • develop, validate, and use effectively machine learning and statistical models
  • work with structured, unstructured, and time-series data
  • extract value and insight from data
  • work with methods and techniques such as clustering, regression, support vector machines, boosting, decision trees, and neural networks
  • develop and use universal prediction algorithms, including universal strategies for dynamic investment
  • complement predictions with provably valid measures of accuracy and reliability.
  • work with software packages such as MATLAB and R
You’ll study in one of the UK’s leading research departments, and contribute to our renowned research culture with your own Independent Project. You’ll benefit from cutting-edge research-led teaching, with the department’s research strengths including Algorithms and Applications, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics and others. You will be taught by world-leading academics. Research in Machine Learning at Royal Holloway started in the 1990’s, at which time Vladimir Vapnik and Alexey Chervonenkis, the inventors of Support Vector Machines, were both professors here. We have developed both fundamental theory and practical algorithms that have fed into the analytics methods and techniques that are in use today. Current researchers include Alexander Gammerman and Vladimir Vovk, the inventors of conformal predictors theory, and Chris Watkins, who developed ‘Q-learning’, a work that is fundamental to planning and control. Royal Holloway’s location close to the M4 corridor – otherwise known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ – gives you the chance to benefit from networking and placement opportunities with some of the country’s top technology organisations. This flexible programme is also available with a year in industry option, helping you to gain invaluable skills and experience to take into your future career. You’ll graduate with a highly desirable Masters qualification in a rapidly expanding sector with excellent graduate employability prospects. The skills and knowledge you’ll develop will be in high demand by employers including Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Yahoo, and you'll be well prepared to pursue a rewarding career.
  • Benefit from strong industry ties, with close proximity to ‘England’s Silicon Valley’.
  • Graduate with a Master's degree offering excellent graduate employability prospects.
  • Tailor your learning with a wide range of engaging optional modules.

Modules

Data Analysis; Computation with Data; Programming for Data Analysis; Machine Learning; On-line Machine Learning; and one of the following: Inference; Applied Probability; Individual Project. A range of optional modules are also available.

Assessment method

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework and a dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

With almost a third of our students joining us from outside the UK, Royal Holloway is a diverse community with a strong international spirit. Ranked highly in the UK and the world for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Royal Holloway’s position recognises our global research impact and partnerships as well as student and staff diversity. Our alumni are found in 160 countries, working in industry, the arts, public sector and other areas, Royal Holloway is truly international both in ethos and impact. Within the 9,850 students enrolled at Royal Holloway, over 130 nationalities are represented, making our campus truly cosmopolitan. In addition, of the 104 societies and associations which enrich the post-study social life of our students, a quarter have an international flavour. We know a diverse community makes for a more creative and harder-working environment which benefits all our students, wherever they are from. Students from overseas can apply for all of our undergraduate degrees. We offer a range of additional support specifically for international students, including through our Centre for the Development of Academic Skills. For example, ‘Academic English’ for international students is provided for non-native speakers of English. The courses are designed to help you meet the challenges of academic work, including writing essays, following lectures, taking part in academic discussion and giving presentations. We also offer additional degree preparation courses for international students. See our website for full details. We have a number of scholarships that are dedicated to international students to help with tuition fees for undergraduate degrees. You can find a list of our current scholarship opportunities on our website.

Entry requirements

2:1 Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Physics, or other subjects that include a strong element of both mathematics and computing. Normally we require a UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent in relevant subjects but we will consider high 2:2 or relevant work experience. Candidates with professional qualifications in an associated area may be considered. Where a ‘good 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £14400 Year 1
EU £26100 Year 1
England £14400 Year 1
Northern Ireland £14400 Year 1
Scotland £14400 Year 1
Wales £14400 Year 1
Channel Islands £14400 Year 1
International £26100 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year. Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year. This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. For further information, please visit: https://royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/tuition-fees/ These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Machine Learning at Royal Holloway, University of London - UCAS