Courses

Resources

Everything

Suggested

Suggested

Psychology Business & management Graphic design Online courses Engineering

Data Science

MSc

Summary

Study level

Postgraduate

Award

Master's

Full time

1 year

Part time

1 year+

Location

Berlin, London, Manchester or Online

Apply today

Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology

What makes Arden University special?

Education for everyone, everywhere

Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.

You decide how and where to study

We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.

Full support both online and on-site

We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.

Strong focus on employability

You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Are you ready to launch or accelerate your career in data science and AI? The demand for qualified data scientists far exceeds the current supply, and the industry faces a significant global skills gap. Our online MSc Data Science programme is designed to bridge this gap by providing you with the relevant practical skills and expertise needed to excel in data-related roles, giving you a pathway to establishing a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career.

What you'll learn

Our data science degree covers everything from fundamental mathematical concepts to advanced topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and cloud computing. You'll master essential tools and programming languages such as Python, in addition to gaining proficiency in software tools like Jupyter Notebooks and Tableau.

You’ll also tackle real-world scenarios through our programme's individual modules. Whether you're exploring the ethical and legal constraints of data science or delving into the intricacies of machine learning and deep learning, you'll be immersed in practical applications. Our "Learn by Doing" philosophy ensures you can apply your knowledge to make meaningful business decisions using real data sets.

Ultimately, you'll gain genuine insight into how data science operates, from data gathering and processing to analysis for operational and strategic purposes -- developing a strong understanding of the ethical and legal considerations that shape the role of data science professionals.

High earning potential

Right now, data scientists are in high demand, commanding competitive salaries. With a few years of experience, you can expect to earn between £40,000 and £60,000. For those who rise to lead or chief data scientist positions, salaries can exceed £100,000 [Prospects: Data Scientist job profile].

Quick tools

Explore your brochure

Download the course brochure to take a look at your course modules and syllabus content.

Download brochure

Speak to an advisor

Want to speak to one of our subject experts? Our advisors are ready to answer your questions! Click below to get started.

Show me how

Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

Learn more

Course details and modules

Our MSc Data Science course delivers exciting and up-to-date module content that will help you develop vital career skills. Just some of the course highlights embedded into your modules include:

Empowering data insights with artificial intelligence

Explore artificial intelligence and neural networks and learn how to create intelligent solutions for data classification and clustering, driving innovation in various industries.

Navigating the cloud and Big Data landscape

Discover the world of cloud computing, gain insights into its applications, and dive into Hadoop, a powerful tool for machine learning and unlocking value from extensive data sets.

Turning data into business success

Bridge theory and practice as you learn to extract insights from 'dark data'. Make data-driven decisions that empower businesses to thrive in the modern data-centric landscape.

Mathematical foundations

Explore the essential pillars of linear algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability. These mathematical tools form the backbone of practical problem-solving in data science.

I like that the course encourages you to study independently, but you still have guidance and can ask the tutors questions whenever you need clarification. The online learning aspect of the course and the features available on ilearn have been excellent.

Sathesh Paramasivam

MSc Data Analytics & Marketing - Berlin campus

Course Modules

Programming for Data Science (20 credits)
Mathematics for Data Science (20 credits)
Big Data and Cloud Computing (20 credits)
Machine Learning (20 credits)
Artificial Intelligence and Neural Networks (20 credits)
Data Visualisation (20 credits)
Advanced Computing Project (60 credits)

Study support and assessments

A practical assessment strategy

Our MSc Data Science programme adopts a modern assessment approach designed to immerse you in practical, real-world challenges. Assessment methods include portfolio submissions featuring tangible assets created during each course module using industry-standard tools. By the programme’s end, you'll have a professional portfolio demonstrating your data science expertise, providing compelling evidence of your skills.

The Data Science Research Project

Your MSc Data Science journey culminates in the Data Science Research Project, where you’ll solve real-world data science issues through research, design, and implementation. With guidance from a supervisor in your chosen area, you'll emerge not only with a degree but also equipped with practical, industry-ready knowledge to showcase to prospective employers.

Additional study skills through vendor programmes, provided free of charge

The following vendor courses will be available for you to study in parallel with your degree. As part of studying these courses during your Arden degree, you’ll have free access to Azure Labs, allowing you to explore the practical side of the course content immediately.

These courses also form the foundation of Azure ML, Azure’s widely used and industry-recognised machine learning platform.

Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)

Digital badge with the option to pay for an exam to gain certification

Microsoft Azure Security Technologies (AZ-500T00)

Digital badge with the option to pay for an exam to gain certification

Arden is a Cisco Network Academy and AWS Academy, giving you access to resources that align with the Big Data and Cloud Computing module, and even more opportunities to build on your skills and credentials.

Multiple Cisco self-study courses

Digital badge and no exam fees

AWS Academy

A host of free courses around the foundations of AWS. All the course content is free, you’ll only have to pay for the exams.

You’ll also get hands-on experience with the latest data science tools during your studies, giving you the practical skills you’ll need in your current or future role:

Tableau
Anaconda – DataSpell
Anaconda Notebooks
JupyterLab
Jupyter Notebooks
Spyder
DataLore
Oracle Cloud
Glueviz, Orange
3PyCharm
R
TensorFlow

Study options

This course is available to study full time through our blended learning study mode at our campus in Berlin, Germany, London Stratford and Manchester.

The course is also available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Part-time online learning

How does it work?

Studying this course online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at university. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with like-minded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Full time blended learning

How does it work?

Our blended learning study mode combines structured in-person learning with the flexibility of guided independent study. You’ll attend eight hours of timetabled, face-to-face classes each week, spread over two days at your chosen Arden University campus.
Alongside this, you’ll spend approximately 25 hours each week on independent study. You’ll use iLearn, our digital learning platform, to access key resources, submit assignments, and stay connected with your tutors and classmates. Whether you prefer studying in our on-campus learning spaces or at home, you’ll be supported throughout your journey.

Blended learning is ideal if you value regular in-person teaching and want the flexibility to balance your studies with other commitments. With classes concentrated over just two days, you’ll have more control over your time, while still benefiting from face-to-face interaction and access to university facilities.

This course is also available to study full-time at our Berlin, Germany campus.

Learn more about Blended Learning

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.

Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

Office 365 subscription
Integrated zoom video conferencing
Careers support in-person and online available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

Find out more

Standard entry requirements:

A 2.2 Honours degree in a numerate subject where many of the modules were mathematics-based. Examples include, but are not limited to maths, finance, computing, science, and engineering.
Or an equivalent 2.2 Honours degree with 18 months of relevant computing work experience.

Typical non-standard entry requirements:

A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience.
Your work experience should be in a data-based role, for example, finance, engineering, science, data analysis, etc. You will need to have worked with maths and/or data analysis in your current role to be eligible.

English proficiency

Online Learning: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent

Blended Learning in the UK or Berlin: IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 60-78; or equivalent. Free English language support is also available at the Arden Berlin campus.

Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

Course fees and funding

Funding and Scholarships

The Arden University Postgraduate Merit Scholarship offers UK Online Learning students with a 2.1 undergraduate degree or higher £2,000 off our postgraduate tuition fees. You can also apply for up to £12,167 funding from Student Finance England fund your studies.

Find your country

I am a student from

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Dr. Rehman began his career in media, graphic design, and desktop publishing before moving into IT administration and support in the publishing and education sectors. He then made the transition into academia, starting out in multimedia and computing and business before moving onto computing programme leadership. During his 20 years in Higher Education, Mohammed has developed and delivered courses across all study levels and worked on a variety of initiatives and projects related to technology and enhanced learning.

Dr. Mohammed Rehman

Head of School – STEM

Career prospects

100% of our Masters students studying a computing subject are employed within 2 years of graduation*

*Source: 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey

Right now, careers in data science are positively thriving, driven by the rise of AI and the ever-increasing importance of data in making business decisions. Advancements in technologies such as edge computing and machine learning have also fuelled the growth of the Internet of Things, providing new avenues for business efficiency. This demand has led to very competitive salaries, often surpassing those of other comparable professions.

Why study this degree rather than a boot camp course?

This brand-new MSc Data Science course provides a structured pathway that enables you to get cutting-edge skills while developing your critical thinking and presentation abilities. Whilst boot camps can be great for acquiring a small amount of new knowledge in a short period of time, a degree course such as ours is a much better option if you want to develop a wide range of data science skills over a longer period and gain an accredited, globally recognised qualification with industry currency and lifetime value.

Here are some other reasons why many students choose a master’s degree over a boot camp:

Although boot camps provide high-level or general overviews that may help improve some skills in a certain role, they tend to struggle to deliver in-depth skills and knowledge in the way that a master’s degree course can.
Many industries, especially well-paying ones, require a master’s in data science before you’ll be considered for employment, this is especially true in Europe and the U.S.
Bootcamps don’t give you the opportunity to create a portfolio of deliverables that you can use to showcase your skills to employers in the way that our MSc Data Science does.

Related Courses

MSc Cyber Security

What can I do after Arden University?

Your journey through our MSc Data Science programme will lead to exciting career opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. Here's how the skills you acquire can shape your future:

Programming expertise

You'll develop robust programming skills, essential for transforming data into actionable insights. This capability enables you to work with data effectively, creating innovative solutions and automating data-driven processes.

Data handling, analysis, and visualisation

Proficiency in handling, analysing, and visualising data empowers you to extract meaningful insights from vast datasets. This skill is in high demand across industries seeking data-driven decision-making.

Neural network development

With the ability to develop neural networks, you enter the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning, unlocking opportunities to create intelligent systems and predictive models.

Get ahead with essential maths

The course equips you with a deep understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of data science. This proficiency sets you apart in an industry where professionals sometimes lack detailed maths skills, allowing you to add substantial value to organisations after you graduate.

Career Pathways: Upon completing your degree, you can enter diverse career paths, including:

Data Analyst: Dive into the world of data analysis, where you'll explore data sets, derive insights, and support data-driven decision-making.
Machine Learning Engineer: Take on roles that involve building and deploying machine learning models to solve complex problems.
Artificial Intelligence Specialist: Lead projects focused on creating AI-powered solutions, from chatbots to autonomous vehicles.
Data Scientist: Utilise your expertise to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and insights, driving business strategies and innovation.

Our Masters students studying a computing subject have gone onto earn up to £90,000 within 2 years of graduation*

*Source: 2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey

Graduate as a versatile data scientist

The skills you’ll acquire on this master’s will help you transition into managerial positions, technical roles, or specialised analyst roles, depending on your career aspirations and interests. By graduating from our programme, you'll not only possess in-demand skills but also be well-prepared to shape the future of data-driven industries, making a significant impact in a variety of roles.

Industry skills

In this postgraduate data science and AI programme, you'll master essential programming languages like Python, along with associated libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, SciPy, and Scikit-learn. This equips you to tackle data science, machine learning, and AI constructs confidently, and even create basic neural networks, future-proofing your career within the data industry.

You'll also excel in creating meaningful data visualisations from large datasets, making complex insights accessible to non-technical leaders in strategic planning—a crucial industry skill set.