Data and Decision Analytics (MSc) 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Southampton |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Application Deadline

18 Aug, 2027Application Deadline

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Course summary
How do you turn complex data into better decisions? And how can mathematics, statistics and computation help organisations solve problems that matter?
If you want to build the analytical and professional skills to work with data and make evidence-based decisions, MSc Data & Decision Analytics is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll develop advanced expertise in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation. You’ll learn how to bring these approaches together to understand complex problems, evaluate options and help organisations make better decisions based on data.
This is analytical thinking you’ll put into practice. A major part of the course is your 3-month summer project, where you can focus on operational research, statistics, data science or combine different areas. You’ll also have the option to bid for an external project, giving you the chance to apply your learning to a real organisational challenge.
External projects can bring you into contact with senior management early in your career, helping you build professional experience alongside your technical expertise.
You’ll study as part of CORMSIS and have the opportunity to meet its Business Advisory Board, represented by major organisations including Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs.
Join the University of Southampton, ranked in the World Top 100 for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), and develop the skills to turn data into decisions that make a difference.
Key features of this course
**Turn data into action.** Build advanced skills in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation, learning how to use evidence to support better decision-making.
**Take on a substantial analytical challenge.** Complete a 3-month summer project in operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of these areas.
**Work with a real organisation.** You can bid for an external summer project, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills to a practical problem and experience how analytical work informs organisational decisions.
**Connect with industry.** Meet members of the CORMSIS Business Advisory Board, represented by organisations including Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs.
**Develop professional as well as technical skills.** Through applied project work and engagement with organisations, you’ll build the experience to communicate analytical findings and work with people making real business and operational decisions.
**Learn in a close-knit community.** Small-group teaching gives you space to explore topics in depth, ask questions and develop your thinking alongside students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Your future career
Organisations across the commercial and public sectors need people who can make sense of complex information and turn it into clear, evidence-based decisions.
You’ll graduate with advanced skills in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation, alongside the ability to approach complex problems analytically and communicate your findings.
The combination of technical learning and applied project experience will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities across commercial companies and the public sector.
Your summer project can also help you build professional connections and experience working with senior management. For some students, this early exposure can create opportunities for rapid career development.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to ask the right questions, analyse the evidence and use data to help organisations decide what to do next.
Student support
You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community.
Small-group teaching gives you opportunities to explore topics in depth, while academic support throughout the programme will help you develop your skills and work towards your potential.
Further information
The summer project lasts 3 months and can focus on operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of these areas.
You may have the opportunity to bid for an external project with an organisation.
The School of Mathematical Sciences is based at Highfield Campus. Highfield is the academic heart of the University and is home to social events, sports facilities and the Students’ Union.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Master's

Study Mode

On Campus

Course summary
How do you turn complex data into better decisions? And how can mathematics, statistics and computation help organisations solve problems that matter?
If you want to build the analytical and professional skills to work with data and make evidence-based decisions, MSc Data & Decision Analytics is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll develop advanced expertise in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation. You’ll learn how to bring these approaches together to understand complex problems, evaluate options and help organisations make better decisions based on data.
This is analytical thinking you’ll put into practice. A major part of the course is your 3-month summer project, where you can focus on operational research, statistics, data science or combine different areas. You’ll also have the option to bid for an external project, giving you the chance to apply your learning to a real organisational challenge.
External projects can bring you into contact with senior management early in your career, helping you build professional experience alongside your technical expertise.
You’ll study as part of CORMSIS and have the opportunity to meet its Business Advisory Board, represented by major organisations including Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs.
Join the University of Southampton, ranked in the World Top 100 for Statistics and Operational Research (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), and develop the skills to turn data into decisions that make a difference.
Key features of this course
**Turn data into action.** Build advanced skills in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation, learning how to use evidence to support better decision-making.
**Take on a substantial analytical challenge.** Complete a 3-month summer project in operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of these areas.
**Work with a real organisation.** You can bid for an external summer project, giving you the opportunity to apply your skills to a practical problem and experience how analytical work informs organisational decisions.
**Connect with industry.** Meet members of the CORMSIS Business Advisory Board, represented by organisations including Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs.
**Develop professional as well as technical skills.** Through applied project work and engagement with organisations, you’ll build the experience to communicate analytical findings and work with people making real business and operational decisions.
**Learn in a close-knit community.** Small-group teaching gives you space to explore topics in depth, ask questions and develop your thinking alongside students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Your future career
Organisations across the commercial and public sectors need people who can make sense of complex information and turn it into clear, evidence-based decisions.
You’ll graduate with advanced skills in mathematical modelling, statistical analysis and computation, alongside the ability to approach complex problems analytically and communicate your findings.
The combination of technical learning and applied project experience will prepare you for a wide variety of career opportunities across commercial companies and the public sector.
Your summer project can also help you build professional connections and experience working with senior management. For some students, this early exposure can create opportunities for rapid career development.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to ask the right questions, analyse the evidence and use data to help organisations decide what to do next.
Student support
You’ll join a close-knit and diverse learning community.
Small-group teaching gives you opportunities to explore topics in depth, while academic support throughout the programme will help you develop your skills and work towards your potential.
Further information
The summer project lasts 3 months and can focus on operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of these areas.
You may have the opportunity to bid for an external project with an organisation.
The School of Mathematical Sciences is based at Highfield Campus. Highfield is the academic heart of the University and is home to social events, sports facilities and the Students’ Union.

Admission Requirements

3.2+
120+
6.5+
92+
67+
169+
You'll need a 2.1 degree in a subject which must include some quantitative knowledge such as Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Maths, Physics, Statistics. Your degree must include Maths modules (at a 2.1 level) which must form a substantial part of your degree.

18 Aug 2027
1 Year
Sep

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