Data Science - online 2025 entry

Develop core skills in data science essential to successful careers in many data-driven sectors.

Application deadline: Friday 14 February 2025 for March entry

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Starts

March, September, October 2025

Duration

MSc: up to three years
PGDip: up to two years 
PGCert: up to one year

School

School of Computer Science

Fees

MSc: £18,000
PGDip: £12,000
PGCert: £6,000

Why study this course?

Gain skills in demand by global, commercial, financial and research institutions. 

This course covers a mix of practical and theoretical topics essential to careers in many data-driven sectors. You will learn how to approach real-world data problems and to apply your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and analysis. 

The Data Science course is an online self-paced programme, with options to study for MSc, PGCert and PGDip.

  • Study research methods in data science and understand contemporary issues in the field 
  • Discover methods of datamining, from the underlying core theory to practical understanding 
  • Learn how to create compelling information visualisations and how to verify visual displays of data 
  • Use industry-standard computing resources to employ the full data science workflow from data acquisition and processing, through model development and selection, to final deployment and maintenance 
  • Study optimisation techniques, how to curate and use large quantities of data, and how to model and simulate complex systems of data 

Teaching

Lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical work.

Assessment

A mix of coursework exercises, presentations and tests.

Dissertation project

MSc students will submit a software artefact and a detailed description of its context in the area of study. 

Schedule

You will access modules and components at a pace and on a timetable that suits your work and study environment.

Modules

Those studying towards an MSc take the compulsory modules and one optional module.

Those studying for a PGCert take four modules, while those studying for a PGDip take eight modules.

For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.

What it will lead to

Careers

Data Science is one of the world's fastest growing job types. Qualified data scientists are highly sought after in a wide range of sectors, including business and finance, intelligence services, cybersecurity, healthcare, conservation, the arts, and more. 

We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage of your career you are at.

Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.  

Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute offers an extensive suite of courses to support your academic and professional skills development.

Elevate your career

Graduates from the School of Computer Science work in a wide variety of data roles, including: 

  • UK Civil Service 
  • Cambridge Consultants 
  • Lloyds Banking Group 
  • Microsoft 

Further your education

Many graduates of the School of Computer Science continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews. 

Postgraduate research

Go your own way

Our Entrepreneurship Centre offers training and start-up support, gives you access to expert mentors and an investor network, as well as one-to-one advice to help you realise your commercial potential.

Why St Andrews?

Wherever you are, you can take St Andrews with you. Online Masters at the University of St Andrews combine all the benefits of studying at one of the world's oldest and best universities, with all the advantages of flexible, personalised learning.

Alumni

Whether you join us online or in person, when you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.

Entry requirements

For entry onto the MSc: A 2.1 undergraduate Honours degree in any subject from the UK or the equivalent international qualification. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the English language tests and qualifications.

Application requirements

  • CV that includes your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date
  • personal statement
  • two original signed references on headed paper
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates

If you do not already have a degree, you will be required to provide a 500-word (minimum) statement detailing your professional learning and experience.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Fees and funding

MSc: £18,000
PGDip: £12,000
PGCert: £6,000

Scholarships and funding

We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances.

Successful entrants starting online studies at Masters level can apply for scholarships of up to £6000 towards the course fees. 

Legal notices

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy

Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.

Page last updated: 6 February 2025