MSc Data Science

The details

Location : Online

Mode of study : Part-time

Qualification : MSc

Indicative duration : 2 years

Start date : 14 April 2026, 14 July 2026

Awarding body : University of Essex

Delivered by : Kaplan Open Learning

Price : £12,858 UK / £13,427 International (2025 / 26)

Harness the power of data with our innovative data science conversion degree. Designed specifically for those without a professional or academic background in computer science, this course will provide the technical foundation needed to succeed in this industry, where qualified professionals are highly sought-after.

Organisations are increasingly seeking to turn the raw data they collect into meaningful information for tackling business issues, and this MSc Data Science will equip you with the skills needed to extract, analyse, interpret and present data from a variety of sources. You will explore a broad range of topics and take part in collaborative projects designed to prepare you for the reality of working within this fast‑paced field.

You will first be introduced to the background context and theoretical concepts within the discipline, from data collection all the way through to using data to support business decisions. Next up, you will cover core mathematical and statistical methods and their real‑world applications within this domain. You will go on to explore further topics including :

• data wrangling with a focus on big data
• the underpinning concepts for processing and analysing data sets for presentation
• machine learning and the application of algorithms to learn patterns in data and gain value from it

Throughout the course you will develop a number of programs and applications, and the course will focus on the programming languages Python, SQL and R. Your degree will culminate in the individual production of a computing artefact. If anything captures your interest during the course that you to want to study in more detail, this is your opportunity to spend a third of the course focusing on it.

Why we’re great

The MSc Data Science is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Level 7

Component 01 : Core

Launch into Computing

(20 credits)

Component 02 : Compulsory

Numerical Analysis

(20 credits)

Component 03 : Compulsory

Deciphering Big Data

(20 credits)

Component 04 : Compulsory

Visualising Data

(20 credits)

Component 05 : Compulsory

Machine Learning

(20 credits)

Component 06 : Core

Research Methods and Professional Practice

(20 credits)

Component 07 : Core

MSc Computing Project

(60 credits)

Learning and assessments

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24 / 7, including :

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at around 20 students.

In order to meet the technical requirements for this course, students will need access to a computer with at least 8GB RAM.

Assessment methods

Our varied assessment methods allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course content in a wide range of ways. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing programming exercises, participating in team projects, completing reflective journal entries and an e‑portfolio, by submitting longer written pieces or by undertaking timed open‑book tests at home, without the need to travel to an assessment centre.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways :

Study duration

Our MSc Data Science has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one‑ or two‑week break between modules and a structured three‑week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.

All of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your degree, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

Your future

Organisations worldwide are collecting more data than ever before, but there’s a significant skills shortage. This programme will help you develop those skills and prepare you for roles such as Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Big Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Modeller, Business Intelligence Lead, Researcher, Qualitative Expert, Data Architect, and Data Product Manager, among others.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024student survey showed :

Entry requirements

We know that many people from non‑traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to take a short aptitude test which is designed to test your ability to handle the intellectual and practical demands of the course. Please note that we will consider your performance in the aptitude test as part of your overall application, so if you don’t pass the test you may still be accepted onto the course. Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two‑week induction period of the course in order to continue your studies.

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Data Science, as a minimum you must have an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification.

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Data Science, you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience in IT or computer science.

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee : £12,858 UK / £13,427 International (2025 / 26)

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here.

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process.

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