MSc Data Science 12 months Postgraduate Program By Heriot-Watt University |Top Universities
Program Duration

12 monthsProgram duration

Tuitionfee

24,496 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

YesScholarships

Main Subject Area

Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

The MSc Data Science programme equips you with the skills needed to extract valuable insights from vast datasets, making you an invaluable asset in any industry.  

Our programme imparts both the theory and practical skills necessary for the management and analysis of extensive, complex datasets, often referred to as 'Big Data.' You will acquire the expertise to model, store, and process these substantial datasets, employing the latest algorithms and techniques. The curriculum also encompasses contemporary methods and tools for visually exploring data. Furthermore, our range of optional modules offers you the chance to delve into closely related areas, further enriching your journey towards a successful career as a data scientist. 

The skills you gain through the Data Science master’s programme are applicable to industrial applications, as well as scientific data analysis. In some cases, the MSc project can also be done in collaboration with an external industrial or academic organisation. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Data Science programme empowers you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in data science. Here's what sets us apart: 

  • Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022.  
  • Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in data scientists. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
  • Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools. 
  • Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes greater synergy between different subject areas like statistics, machine learning, and big data engineering. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex data challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities. 

The National Robotarium  

Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market. 

The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. 


Expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its data science programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field. 
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  
  • Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in data science research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date. 

Program overview

Main Subject

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Overview

The MSc Data Science programme equips you with the skills needed to extract valuable insights from vast datasets, making you an invaluable asset in any industry.  

Our programme imparts both the theory and practical skills necessary for the management and analysis of extensive, complex datasets, often referred to as 'Big Data.' You will acquire the expertise to model, store, and process these substantial datasets, employing the latest algorithms and techniques. The curriculum also encompasses contemporary methods and tools for visually exploring data. Furthermore, our range of optional modules offers you the chance to delve into closely related areas, further enriching your journey towards a successful career as a data scientist. 

The skills you gain through the Data Science master’s programme are applicable to industrial applications, as well as scientific data analysis. In some cases, the MSc project can also be done in collaboration with an external industrial or academic organisation. 

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Data Science programme empowers you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in data science. Here's what sets us apart: 

  • Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022.  
  • Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in data scientists. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
  • Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools. 
  • Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes greater synergy between different subject areas like statistics, machine learning, and big data engineering. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex data challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities. 

The National Robotarium  

Located on Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium creates innovative solutions to global challenges, working directly with industry to test and develop robotic, AI and automated technologies and rapidly move pioneering research from lab to market. 

The National Robotarium fosters the teaching and development of the next generation of roboticists, producing highly skilled graduates who are trained to conduct world-leading research with a market focus, and developing programmes to equip the current and future workforce with robotics, data and programming skills. 


Expertise

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its data science programmes. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field. 
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  
  • Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in data science research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date. 

Admission requirements

6.5+

Admission requires a second class honours degree or non-UK equivalent that includes substantial components of computer science and programming.

Applicants that do not meet the computer science or programming requirements for the one year programme may be eligible for entry onto the 2 year programme. Please note: entry onto the 2 year programme is only available for the September intake. 

1 Year
Sep
Jan

Tuition fee and scholarships

Domestic Students

10,600 GBP
-

International Students

24,496 GBP
-

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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More programs from the university

From top 10 rankings to opportunities to study abroad, there are many reasons to choose Heriot-Watt.  Here are just a few of them.

A rich heritage
We are proud that since our foundation in 1821 we have been outward-looking pioneers of education, in pursuit of knowledge to the benefit of society and the world.

Become a global student
Heriot-Watt provides you with the opportunity to become a global student both at our UK campuses and internationally. On our Edinburgh Campus you’ll find that about one-third of our students are from countries outside the UK, bringing a real international flavour to our community. This mix of people provides a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and build friendships that stretch across the globe.

We also encourage students to take part in our global student programme, Go Global, by participating in an Inter-Campus Transfer, Exchange or Erasmus+ for a semester or year of their degree.

A world-class reputation
We are world-renowned for excellence in teaching and research. We are ranked 235th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024), and almost 90% of our research outputs are classed as world-leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). View our rankings.

Strong links to business and industry
Our taught programmes and research are informed by the needs of business and industry. We actively facilitate collaborations and partnerships, building strategic alliances and promoting knowledge transfer.

Globally employable graduates
Global companies actively seek out our graduates as they are work-ready. Our programmes are designed to ensure that students receive a relevant, careerorientated education. As a result, more than 95% are in employment or further study six months after completing their programme.

Worldwide network
When you join Heriot-Watt you become part of a global family. We have around 123,000 alumni worldwide. The Watt Club was founded in 1854 and is the oldest graduate club in the UK. Lifetime membership is automatic upon graduation from Heriot-Watt and is free to all graduates of the University.

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Heriot-Watt is one of the world’s leading universities with strong links to international business and industry driven by our established reputation as a top research-led institution. Heriot-Watt is world-renowned for conducting ground-breaking research which is relevant to business and industry. We aim to find radical innovations and solutions to real world challenges for the benefit of society.

We offer over 180 Postgraduate courses that will provide you with the knowledge to solve real world challenges. There are around 2,400 postgraduate students studying at our Edinburgh Campus. It is a friendly, welcoming place, where you will have the opportunity to meet with students from all over the world.

Heriot-Watt is regarded as a top UK university across a range of subject areas. The QS World’s University Rankings ranked Heriot-Watt 302nd in the world, 39th in the UK and 7th in Scotland. 

The international outlook of our university has been ranked 37th in the world, 13th in the UK and 3rd in Scotland by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019.  This is based on the percentage of the university's international staff, the level of international co-authorship of academic papers and the percentage of international students studying with the university.  The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide named Heriot-Watt University ‘International University of the Year 2018’.

REF 2014 named Heriot-Watt in the top 25% of UK universities, with 82% of our research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent. We ranked 9th university in the UK and 1st in Scotland for research impact. View our rankings.

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