Course summary
Our intensive MSc Data Science is designed for graduates who are new to computer science and wish to develop the knowledge and skills for a successful career in data science and AI, working as a data scientist or as a software developer of data-intensive systems. It is also ideal if you are working in IT or data science, without a relevant degree, and want to update your skills and place them in a broader context, while also obtaining a formal qualification in this area of emerging importance. On this course you will gain a broad knowledge of the techniques and concepts of data science and acquire strong programming and data analysis skills using Python, R and Java - the most popular programming languages used by data scientists today. Our MSc Data Science also allows you to develop foundational skills in software development and specialist skills such as natural language processing and deep neural networks. To accommodate graduates at different stages of their career or with different work or care commitments, we offer alternative modes of study:
- Daytime classes with entry in October
- Part-time evening and day release classes spread over two academic years - ideal if you are in full-time employment.
- Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students. Our research dates back to the late 1940s, when one of the first electronic computers was developed at Birkbeck by Dr Andrew Booth. We now house the Computational Intelligence Research Group and the Information Management and Web Technologies Research Group, both of which collaborate with other research groups and with industry, in the UK and abroad, and undertake interdisciplinary research in the life, natural and social sciences, and the humanities.
- We provide 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, among others.
- 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.
- database administrator
- IT consultant
- systems developer
- systems analyst
- information systems manager
- IT sales professional
- technical author.
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.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700