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Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 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

Course summary

This MSc Data Science is an intensive course designed for graduates who are new to computer science and want to gain essential data science and AI skills. It offers you hands-on experience with programming languages and combines rigorous academic training with practical application. It is ideal if you are looking to transition into a data science career. Why choose this course?

  • You will learn highly sought-after programming and data analysis skills with Python, R, and Java, which are essential for careers in data science.
  • You will benefit from exclusive access to cutting-edge research and industry collaborations through Birkbeck’s Computational Intelligence Research Group.
  • We have a long history of innovation and experience in this subject area, including establishing one of the UK’s first computing departments.
  • This MSc places a strong emphasis on employability and real-world applications through your engagement in practical coursework.
What you will learn You will learn foundational skills in data science, from programming in popular languages to specialised topics such as natural language processing and deep learning. The course’s valuable practical focus will also equip you with the knowledge to handle real-world data challenges, providing a solid foundation for a career in data science, software development, or AI. How you will learn This MSc Data Science offers you a blend of lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and group projects, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications. You will also have the chance to develop your skills in independent research and practical problem-solving on your final project focusing on a specific data science challenge. This course is available to study full-time or part-time, so you can balance your studies with work or other commitments. You can also choose to study this course in the daytime or evening. Please note the daytime study option for this course is available only to full-time students. Highlights
  • Birkbeck set up one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957; our research dates back to the late 1940s. We now house the Computational Intelligence Research Group and Information Management and Web Technologies Research Group, both of which collaborate with other research groups and with industry and undertake interdisciplinary research in the life, natural and social sciences, and the humanities.
  • We provide you with a stimulating teaching and research environment, with academic specialists in all fields, including information and knowledge management, web and pervasive technologies, computational intelligence, and information systems development.
  • You will have 24-hour access to laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software. We are connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
  • The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Careers and employability Studying this course will prepare you for a career in a range of fields:
  • data scientist: analysing complex data to drive business solutions
  • machine learning engineer: building and deploying AI models
  • data engineer: managing and optimising data pipelines and architectures
  • business intelligence analyst: providing insights to support business strategies
  • software developer: focusing on developing data-intensive applications.
Graduates have gone on to work at leading organisations including Google, Amazon, IBM, PwC and Microsoft.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment is via coursework assignments, written examinations and the project proposal and final report.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

The degree is designed for graduates who are new to computer science, so the main requirement is at least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent, in any subject other than single-honours computer science. Applicants with less than the required level of academic qualification may be considered if they have significant experience in the IT industry. Applicants who already hold a degree in computer science are referred to the MSc Advanced Computing. Upon receipt of application, suitable candidates will be invited to take an online aptitude test. The details of the test will be clearly set out via email. You are expected to take the test before the deadline specified in that email and we aim to get back to you with our decision based on the results of the aptitude test within 10 working days. You can also download the aptitude test notes in advance to prepare. Please note that you can only take the aptitude test once per academic year. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £11700 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11700 Year 1
Scotland £11700 Year 1
Wales £11700 Year 1
International £20340 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

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS