Data Science MSc



Develop data science skills and knowledge by building on existing expertise to drive the data science capability within your organisation

Overview

Data science is a major growth area within both the commercial and public sectors and there is a shortage of professionals that have the required range of data science knowledge and skills. This work-based learning MSc Data Science programme addresses this shortage.

The programme is aimed at those working in a data-related role within their organisation, whether in a technical, software or business context and want to enhance their skills and understanding of contemporary data analysis tools and techniques.

Edinburgh Napier University has excellent research and knowledge transfer links with many local, national and international organisations in data science related areas.

The acquisition of knowledge and skills on the programme will enable students to drive improvements within their organisations, enabling them to focus on areas of specialisation within their professional field and to broaden their knowledge and skills to enhance their career development.

Delivered online (part-time), this MSc is ideally suited to individuals who intend to balance their personal and professional commitments and study while working. 

The deadline for January 2025 applications is 6th December 2024.

The deadline for May 2025 applications is 5th May 2025.
Students working in the Broadcast Newsroom at Merchiston Campus

Mode of Study:

Online learning

Duration:

24-33 months

Start date:

JanJun

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Course details

You will develop the business understanding and analytical, statistical and computing skills required to contribute to this vital field. Linking learning and development to your work activities, you can ensure that your professional development is part of the strategic plan of your organisation to promote innovation and change.

Learning, teaching and assessment methods focus on providing students with engaging and contemporary materials that link theory to practice and require students to take a critical perspective on both.

By linking learning and development directly to work activities, students can ensure that their professional development is part of the strategic aims of the organisation. 

Students will also have the opportunity to consider and reflect on established views of the organisation and processes relating to data science, in order to promote innovation and change.

Your final dissertation project will allow you to use the tools and approaches you’ve developed on the course.

You can pay for this course flexibly on a module-by-module basis. This means that you don't have to pay the full course cost upfront.

What you study

  • Data Analytics
  • Data Driven Decision Making
  • Data Wrangling
  • Advanced Professional Practice (60 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)

For the award of MSc Data Science you must successfully pass all five modules, giving a total of 180 credits. All modules are 20 credits, except where indicated.

To allow you to settle in to the programme and to have some underpinning to base the Advanced Professional Practice module on, you will initially study one module (the 20 credit module available in the trimester you start). After this first module, the programme leader will then discuss and agree with you the next module(s) to select. Depending on this discussion, the minimum duration may be longer than 24 months.

Within each trimester, whilst there is flexibility to work through the material at your own pace you need to be aware of the assessment dates as there is no flexibility in these.

If there is any question regarding the authorship of any submitted assessments, we reserve the right to require students to undertake an online viva.

 

 

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    How you’ll be taught

    This course is delivered fully online and the online materials have been designed to support you to study at a place and pace which suits your needs.

    Your employer is required to provide support, and to give permission for you to use for academic credit purposes a project (or series of related projects) within your workplace, which are part of your planned work activity and undertaken during normal working hours.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Data Science? 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above in an appropriate field, for example, software development, computing, or business analytics. Alternatively, other qualifications or experience that demonstrate through our recognition of prior learning process that you have appropriate knowledge and skills at SCQF level 10 may be considered.

Applicants will be expected to be working in a role related to data analytics, whether in a technical or business context and will be required to provide a letter of support from their employer. Some experience of associated technologies such as databases, software development and related tools is assumed.

To succeed on our Global Online degrees you must have access via computer or laptop to view and download written and video content. You will also need basic IT skills that enable you to write and edit document, send and receive email, find your way around our online learning environment and search for and access online learning resources, download files and use online forums.

Can I get admission into Data Science based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Get in touch with your local representative

We have trusted representatives in key locations who offer guidance and advice about our Global Online programmes.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
2024/25 2025/26
UK Students *£820 *£tba
Overseas Students *£835 *£tba
Modules are purchased via our online store and paid for in full at time of enrollment. Rate shown above is for 20 credits*; as course comprises 180 credits, total cost in 2024/25 is UK students £7,380 and Overseas students £7,515
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here
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Careers

What can you do with a degree in Data Science?

The Data Science degree at Edinburgh Napier University provides a comprehensive education in various skills and knowledge areas, allowing you to tackle real-world problems and extract insights from data to drive business decisions and innovation. You will learn about Data Analytics, Data Wrangling, Data Driven Decision Making etc. You’ll also learn how data can be visualised, how it’s managed within databases and how it’s kept safe through data ethics and privacy principles. You will also be equipped with communication, presentation, problem solving and critical thinking skills to help you make a real impact on your organisation. These various skills and knowledge areas will help you become a successful Data Scientist capable of solving real-world problems. 

There are many data science jobs available. With a data science degree you can expect to find employment in:

  • Data science
  • Software development
  • Data analysis
  • Systems analysis
  • Data engineering 
  • Machine learning engineering
  • Machine learning scientist
  • Statistician
  • Other opportunities in technology-focused organisations

What do Data Scientists do?  

As a Data Scientist, you will use your expertise in mathematics, statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to analyze large and complex datasets. You will explore data, identify patterns, and extract insights using statistical methods and visualization techniques.

You might also develop and apply machine learning models to make predictions, classify data, or uncover hidden patterns. On a daily basis, you may collaborate with teams, understanding business problems and framing them as data science challenges. Effective communication of findings through visualizations, reports, and presentations is also vital in a Data Scientist role.

You will deploy models into production systems, monitor their performance, and make necessary updates. Ultimately, data scientists leverage data to generate insights and support data-driven decision-making processes. Throughout your career you will continuously learn and stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Interior photo of atrium in Edinburgh Napier University Sighthill campus building.