Course summary

From business and finance to health and medicine, from infrastructure to societal studies, data science plays a vital role in all aspects of the modern world. Our MSc programme will ensure you have an advanced level of skills, knowledge, and experience in this rapidly expanding, highly in-demand field to achieve your career aspirations. Studying for an MSc in Data Science at Lancaster will provide you with the perfect environment to develop an expertise in the discipline. You will develop and consolidate your fundamental skills in both computing and statistics before progressing onto one of our specialist pathways which allow you to acquire and enhance advanced technical skills, while gaining professional knowledge that will support and advance your future career choices. The specialist pathway modules promote both an enhanced understanding of modern data science technologies and confidence in the application of data science within the business intelligence, health, environmental, or societal sectors. These modules are taught by researchers from across the University, who have expertise in the topics relevant to each of the pathways. The fundamentals, followed by pathway structure, enables you to tailor the programme either to suit your current career development needs or to take the opportunity to upskill and take your career in a new direction. In addition to these taught modules, you will also undertake a 12-week placement either within industry or as part of an academic research project. This will provide you with a fantastic opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge to real-world situations and challenges, allowing you to gain valuable professional experience and demonstrate a firm grasp of the discipline. The placement project represents a substantial, independent research project. Supervised by an academic specialist, you will develop your ability to formulate a project plan, gather and analyse data, interpret your results, and present findings in a professional environment. This research will be an opportunity to bring together everything you have learnt over the year, expand your problem-solving abilities and manage a significant project. This will be great experience for you to draw upon in an interview and in your career.