Key information
The MSc Applied Data Science programme is designed to transform students from a wide range of backgrounds into proficient data scientists. The programme will develop your data science skills, enabling you to enhance your career in data science or pursue further data science specialisation.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our MSc in Applied Data Science provides you with the skills necessary to manage and analyse extensive and complex datasets as well as experience in data modelling, storing, processing and visualising data.
This programme is aimed at graduates or those already in the industry with a background of science, the social sciences, biological sciences, or engineering and are interested in developing data science skills, enabling career enhancement in data science or pursue further data science specialisation.
If you do have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or computer science, then you may consider our MSc Data Science as an alternative.
Heriot-Watt University is home to four world-leading Global Research Institutes (GRIs) with over 50 years of research, specialising in robotics, AI, healthcare and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and earth and marine science, designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Reasons to study:
- Open to multi-displinary backgrounds: Unlike many other programmes, university study in mathematics, statistics or computing is not required for entry to this programme. If you have a degree in science, the social sciences, biological sciences, or engineering then this is the programme for you.
- Expert faculty: Learning informed by the expertise of our research-active data science and artificial intelligence academics, passionate in their fields and provide you with insight into emerging topics in data science by relating taught material to their own research.
- Mastery of Essential Tools: In today's competitive job market, proficiency in key software tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualisation is essential for data scientists. Our programme will equip you with mastery of these indispensable tools.
- Supported learning: Delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and computer practicals and be assessed by coursework, and your dissertation while receiving support and feedback throughout the programme. Gaining important practical, hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art laboratory environment, and be supported throughout by friendly and helpful staff.
- Comprehensive, customisable curriculum: Provides opportunity to specialise in several areas through four optional courses, including data assimilation, artificial intelligence, databases and information systems, probability and statistics, and modelling.
The Future Shapers scholarship
The Future Shapers scholarship is looking for students who want to use research to create solutions to solve major global challenges. This has been established for 2026 by one of our generous donors and is a testament to the talent and world-shaping potential of our University's students and researchers. We are offering 12 scholarships across our 4 research areas, worth 50%, 75% and 100% of your tuition fee respectively.
Apply nowYour student experience
Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of computer science, computer systems, software engineering, information systems, and data science.
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active data science and artificial intelligence academics. The Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems and the on-campus National Robotarium carry our world-class research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools and strategies to combat emerging threats.
You will be taught by passionate and engaging experts, who will provide you with insights into emerging topics in data science, by relating taught material to their own research. Many of our academics have many years of experience working in industry and understand the role of a Data Scientist.
The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused.
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September Semester
- Practical Data Science
- Software Fundamentals for Data Science
Optional September Semester
- Mathematical Tools for Data Science
- Modelling and Tools
- Databases and Information Systems
- Probability and Statistics for Data Science
Mandatory January Semester
- Data Storytelling
- Data Mining
Optional January Semester
- Project Management
- Data Assimilation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital and Knowledge Economy
Mandatory May Semester
- Applied Data Science Dissertation
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Programme Video
Study MSc Data Science at Heriot‑Watt University
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| UK | £10,864 |
| International | £20,456 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject.
This programme is designed for students who do not hold a degree in mathematics or computer science. However, students will need to have evidence of studying mathematics at A Level grade C or above, or international equivalent.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
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