Master of Science in Data Science (MSc) Online
Gain in-demand skills used to analyse big data sets and build a prosperous career in data science.
Programme Overview
Our Data Science MSc programme has been meticulously designed to offer you a comprehensive understanding of data sets and the tools used to analyse them. With limitless opportunities to use these tools in various domains and applications, graduates can impact industry, society, and policymaking.
Covering everything from machine learning and artificial intelligence to data visualisation and predictive modelling, the programme will equip you with a versatile skill set that aligns with the dynamic needs of the industry. Upon completion of the Data Science MSc, you will enter a highly sought-after job market, positioning yourself at the forefront of the data-driven revolution.
Triple Gold: Aston University has been awarded Triple Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
66th in the World: Aston University is ranked 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024).
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What You Will Learn
- Earn a degree that meets industry standards: Our Data Science MSc provides you with a programme of advanced study that meets the needs of modern industry and other commercial organisations.
- Gain in-depth scientific knowledge and understanding of data science: This programme will give you a high-level understanding of data science relevant to the industry. You can focus on specific areas of interest through your choice of research project module.
Develop an appreciation of developments in data science: The Data Science MSc programme will enable you to develop an informed and critical appreciation of scientific and industrial developments within the data science industry.
Why Study Online With Aston University?
Aston Online offers a significant advantage, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.
Flexibility and convenience – fit your studies into your work/life balance.
Built for online – interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.
Affordable – spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.
Supported – dedicated student support and online tutors.
Expert tutors - staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.
Empowering creativity – complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.
Transparent pricing – apply for free, with no hidden costs.
Ready for work and life – rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).
Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
Career Prospects
Data science professionals are in demand, with market size growth anticipated to reach over $178 billion by 2025. The demand for skilled data scientists continues to grow across all industries, including finance, health care and e-commerce.
Our Data Science MSc programme will put you at the forefront of the data-driven revolution, making yourself a sought-after professional who has a firm grip on data analytics and insights that are paramount for success. You will be equipped with in-depth knowledge to develop careers across a variety of fields. Alumni of this programme have secured positions in a broad range of companies, from start-ups to well-established corporations.
Recent graduates have gone onto roles including:
Data Journalist: Examine and use statistics for in-depth reporting and news writing.
Data Analyst: Collect, analyse, and interpret complex data sets to help companies make informed decisions.
Database Administrator: As part of an organisation’s IT department, give employees access to company data and applications to maintain security.
Data Science: Develop and execute strategies for analysing data, preparing data for analysis, and building models with data using programming languages.
Programme Structure
Engage with a curriculum that integrates the latest advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence practices with practical real-world applications.
Modules
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30 credits
An introduction to the fundamental skills required to succeed in the programme. You will be introduced to programming in Python and database concepts. Alongside this, you will enhance your skills in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics.
Machine Learning in Practice: Applications, Responsible Use and Ethics
30 credits
Gain the practical skills and understanding of all stages of the machine learning pipeline to prepare you for your future career and further study. Twinned with this, you will also consider the theoretical and ethical underpinnings of AI. Real-world problems will be chosen as case studies, offering a realistic view of the current progress of AI, while also focusing on challenges such as sustainable AI practices and more.
Neural Networks and Deep Learning
30 credits
An introduction to the theory of neural networks and deep learning technologies with a focus on applications to real-world problems. You will learn how various methods interrelate, their advantages and disadvantages concerning specific problems, and their theoretical underpinnings.
Advanced Machine Learning and Probabilistic Modelling
30 credits
You will gain a deeper level of understanding of the foundational ideas of machine learning. As part of this module, you will develop simple but practical statistical models for complex real-world data. The use of probabilistic Bayesian methods for inference and optimisation in data science problems, where models are data-driven, will also be covered. Both theoretical and practical principled approaches will be reviewed and the tools to implement them introduced.
Aston Global Advantage and Research Methods
30 credits
Access a transformational opportunity to work within inclusive teams to investigate, develop, and propose a novel, digital, data-driven, entrepreneurial AI-enabled, software-based solution to a real-world business challenge and prepare you for your major project.
Major Project
30 credits
You will have the opportunity to undertake a major individual project. They can be undertaken in various settings, fields and disciplines subject to meeting the intended learning outcomes outlined below, consistent with the discipline studied. Through this module, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills from past experiences. You’ll produce a substantial piece of individual work that forms the capstone project of the MSc.
Programme Outcomes
- Design solutions to real-world problems based on a knowledge of theories, principles and underlying concepts of data science.
- Create and implement algorithms using advanced computational skills and be able to assess the applicability of these algorithms.
- Analyse and critique methodologies and techniques related to data science and employ this knowledge to solve problems.
- Communicate complex data science concepts for academic, technical and non-technical audiences.
- Evaluate data science systems in light of their ethical and legal implications.
- Critically review academic and professional literature and conduct independent research using appropriate tools.
Entry Requirements
A 2:2 Honours Degree or international equivalent in a numerate, technical or scientific subject. [Students will be given instruction and practice opportunities in coding, statistical and mathematical fundamentals, but prior experience of both is desirable.]
* English language skills are assessed during admissions. If we need evidence of your English language skills, we may ask you to take one of the recognised tests such as IELTS.
Additional requirements
You will also need to provide:
- A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
- An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
- A completed application form.
Requirements
- A qualification equivalent to a UK BSc with Honours at 2:2 or higher.
- A qualification in Mathematics, Statistics or Data Science, or a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics and related disciplines where the candidate has experience in mathematics and programming as part of their degree.
- Prior learning in probability theory, statistics, linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and optimisation.
- A mathematics and programming grade equivalent to UK 60% or higher.
- A degree transcript with evidence of knowledge of the above subjects.
You will also need to provide:
- A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2–3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
- An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
- A completed application form
A Levels
BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.
Alternative entry requirements
We accept applications from candidates with relevant work experience who have not completed a graduate qualification.
We take a holistic approach in evaluating applications. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this programme for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Please contact our Admissions Team for advice before applying at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
International students
Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. You can check qualifications in your country here, including equivalent qualifications from Africa, Americas, Australia, North East Asia, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and Western and Central Asia.
Have a question about our international entry requirements for online programmes? Email us at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)
The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.
31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.
You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.
The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
- Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
- Education and Childcare - grade D
- Onsite Construction - grade D
- Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
- Digital Business Services - grade D
- Digital Support Services - grade D
- Health - grade D
- Healthcare Science - grade D
- Science - grade D
- Accounting - grade D
- Finance - grade D
- Management and administration - grade D
- Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
- Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
- Legal Services - grade D
Additional to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:
GCSE Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4 and above.
Find Out If You Qualify
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:
Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 GMT
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