Course summary
Go beyond statistics and big data and set yourself apart with additional skills in computational thinking and programming. Join our 100% online Data Science degree. How do we make sense of data and help organisations and researchers exploit its value? From analysing the stock market to help us understand human behaviour, to modelling the human brain when performing specific tasks, the volume, diversity and complexity of data being gathered today is growing fast. The challenge now facing organisations is how to analyse it and, more importantly, how to use it to inform decisions. To solve this problem, organisations need data scientists who are not only highly skilled in a wide range of statistical and data analysis tools, but who can go far beyond classical statistics and machine learning to gain real insights from data. Join our online MSc Data Science and you’ll learn to do just that. Why this data science degree is different? Unlike many other data science programmes, this degree goes beyond statistics and big data, taking a Computational Thinking (CT) approach to data science. So you’ll learn to apply logical thinking, sequencing and algorithms to create solutions to problems across many disciplines and industries. Who can study our online MSc in Data Science? We welcome applications from anyone who wants to improve their data science skills and employability. You do not need to have a background in science, technology, engineering or medicine (STEM). This degree’s multidisciplinary nature makes it ideal for social science and business graduates too.
Modules
Hours for taught courses: Each 15-credit course that is part of this degree is delivered intensively. Each course: is delivered over three weeks, followed by an assessment; takes around 150 hours of study and assessment time to complete; will require around 40 hours per week of study time for three weeks, including preparing for assessments. This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. You can take one to four courses per term, to progress through the degree at a pace that suits you. Courses are delivered one at a time, consecutively. You can to an extent set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study around the clock.
Assessment method
MSc Data Science is assessed entirely online. We use a range of assessment methods throughout your degree, including online tests, essays and projects.
How to apply
International applicants
As this is a fully online programme, you can study with us from anywhere in the world, with no need for a visa.
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
A UK 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject will be considered.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £1410 | Credit |
| EU | £1410 | Credit |
| England | £1410 | Credit |
| Northern Ireland | £1410 | Credit |
| Scotland | £1410 | Credit |
| Wales | £1410 | Credit |
| Channel Islands | £1410 | Credit |
| International | £1410 | Credit |
Additional fee information
Fees for this programme are charged per 15 credit and you only pay for the credits you want to study in the upcoming term. It's up to you how many credits you take each term, which gives you control over your costs and your workload. Taking fewer credits will increase the length of your studies. Cost per 15 credits for this degree, starting in academic year 2023-24 is £1,410. Tuition fees typically rise a little each academic year (normally around 5-9% increase).
(PgCert = 60 credits; PgDip = 120 credits; MSc = 180 credits).
Sponsorship information
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX