Course summary
Earn your Masters in Data Science online, whatever your graduate field, and meet the rapidly growing demand for data scientists in the workforce. Study part-time or full-time with our online MSc Data Science. Recent advances in data science have been seismic. Big data, predictive analytics, and AI technologies like ChatGPT and Copilot are revolutionising the way organisations automate processes, predict trends, and engage with customers. As the volume, diversity and complexity of data being gathered continues to grow, the big challenge facing organisations today is how to analyse this data and use it to inform business decisions. Join our online Masters in Data Science and you’ll learn to do just that. Why this online data science degree is different You’ll go beyond classical statistics and big data in this degree. You’ll set yourself apart by gaining additional skills in computational thinking (CT), programming, sequencing and algorithms, allowing you to gain better insights from data and create solutions to problems across disciplines and industries. Who can join our online MSc in Data Science? You do not need to have a background in maths or programming to join our online MSc. Its multidisciplinary and multisector focus means we welcome applications from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including the humanities, business and social sciences, as well as science, technology, engineering and medicine.
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, and no ATAS required.
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
| EU | £16530 | Whole course |
| International | £16530 | Whole course |
| England | £16530 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £16530 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £16530 | Whole course |
| Wales | £16530 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £16530 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £16530 | Whole course |
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
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over two years, starting in January 2026. The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
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 Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX