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Data Science MSc, PGDip

1 year, full-time

In this conversion course you will learn how to interrogate existing data sets to solve problems and communicate your solutions with maximum visual impact to a range of audiences. Employers are looking for data scientists with arts and social sciences backgrounds as well as from the sciences. All you need is an interest in basic coding and maths skills.

Data Science MSc, PGDip, 1 year, full-time

In this conversion course you will learn how to interrogate existing data sets to solve problems and communicate your solutions with maximum visual impact to a range of audiences. Employers are looking for data scientists with arts and social sciences backgrounds as well as from the sciences. All you need is an interest in basic coding and maths skills.

Course information

UK fee £12,100

International fee £23,650

Taught by School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Course description

Course description

The programme will suit you if you are keen to solve interesting real-world problems using a data-focussed approach, have effective communication skills and an interest in computer programming. You don’t need to have high level maths or computing skills to enrol on the programme, although if you have a degree in either mathematical sciences or computing you will be able to develop your specialist skills further.

The programme requires a willingness to develop your understanding of mathematics and we will provide access to resources and a range of support to develop your skills. You will have access to materials tailored to the maths need of each module, either within the module teaching itself, for from other University resources such as our Centre for Academic Achievement.

Similarly, we have resources to give you familiarity with Python and R, the two high-level computer languages used on the course. We will provide you with a suitable laptop to help you on your data journey.

The programme will give you the skills to use cutting-edge data science tools to solve important problems in a wide range of areas (science, business, the arts and culture, government). The programme focus is just as much on the skills of creative and ethical problem solving as it is on developing technical skills.

We recognise that all of us will need to work with artificial intelligence tools in the future, and for the benefit of humanity data science teams must include experts with a diverse range of skills, experience and background. Also, recent developments in programming tools coupled with intelligent use of AI assistance mean that it is not necessary to have a degree in computer science or mathematics to develop powerful data-driven solutions in a professional and ethical manner.

Many data science models are already built wholly or partly by artificial intelligence. We’ll teach you to use the output of artificial intelligence tools (such as large language models like ChatGPT and modern program development environments) in an effective and professional way, enabling you to quickly design and implement data science workflows appropriate for a wide range of tasks. We place as much emphasis on choosing models that are appropriate for a particular circumstance and validating model outputs and auditing consequences of model use as on the coding for the model.

These higher level skills are the ones most in demand by employers. We also recognise that in many applications complex machine learning models are not required: most of the work (and most of the value) is in cleaning, joining, and querying existing data sets, visualising the results, and communicating the information extracted in an impactful way.

With this qualification, you could find yourself working in data journalism or museums, environmental NGOs, public services or businesses – there is a need for data scientists in every sector of the economy.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

2:1 degree (or equivalent) in any subject.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in September 2025

  • MSc: £12,100
  • PGDip: £8,825

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.

International Students

Starting in September 2025

  • MSc: £23,650
  • PGDip: £15,750

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee. 

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

The leading employers for data scientists tend to be in the finance, retail and ecommerce sectors. Businesses in these sectors are keen to better understand their audience groups to target their focus on relevant products and offerings.

However, there are opportunities in an increasingly wide range of jobs: recent adverts include posts in the arts and heritage (including the National Gallery), UNICEF, publishing and the UK Parliament. Jobs are also available with: government departments, NHS, universities and research institutes.

The individual can be promoted to more senior data science roles within a given company, which may involve line management of junior data scientists. Promotion from junior to senior data scientist can take between two to five years.

The skills acquired are transferable across a range of sectors so it can be relatively easy to move into different companies.

Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Related courses

Course structure

Core modules

Core modules

Core modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Option modules

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester

This MSc is accessible for students from a wide range of academic disciplines - without the requirement for a strong mathematical background.

You’ll be provided with your own laptop for the duration of this course, helping remove any potential financial barriers to entry.

Teaching and learning

Teaching will be a mixture of lectures, tutorials and computer-based practical classes. The emphasis will be on problem-based learning with a significant amount of activity being group work (including the final dissertation).

Assessment is a mixture of examinations and project-based coursework (both individual and group).

Key dates

September 2025 start

  • Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
  • Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
  • CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
  • 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration Start Dates Availability
Course Data Science Qualification MSc Duration 1 year, full-time Start Dates September each year Availability Apply Now
Course Data Science Qualification PGDip Duration 1 year, full-time Start Dates September each year Availability Apply Now
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