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MSc Data Science (2 years)

Key information

Level
Postgraduate Taught
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
MSc
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September

The MSc Data Science (2 years) programme equips you with essential technical skills across Programming, Data Engineering, Statistics, Machine Learning, and Data Visualisation—enabling you to extract and communicate meaningful insights from complex datasets. This exciting, multi-disciplinary field is in high demand, and the programme positions you as a highly sought-after professional across a wide range of industries.

Specifically designed for graduates looking to transition into a career in Data Science from a background outside computing, this two-year pathway provides a rare opportunity to gain the knowledge and capabilities required to succeed in this advanced and evolving domain. Whether your previous studies or experience lie in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, or the social sciences, the programme equips you with the necessary foundations and technical expertise to thrive in data-driven roles.

The first year of the programme focuses on building core competencies in Software Engineering and Information Systems, providing a strong technical base. In the second year, you’ll develop advanced skills in storing, processing, and modelling large datasets using cutting-edge algorithms and technologies. You’ll also explore key techniques for interpreting and visualising information—transforming raw data into actionable insights.

The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with hands-on practical application. You’ll learn how to design and implement data science workflows, work with real-world datasets, and apply data analysis tools in a variety of contexts. Optional modules allow you to tailor your degree to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, and Software Engineering—enabling deeper specialisation aligned with your interests and career ambitions.

As a research-led university, Heriot-Watt is committed to developing technically skilled professionals. Your learning experience is further enhanced through the MSc project, where you will tackle a substantial data-driven challenge. In some cases, this project may be conducted in collaboration with an external academic or industry partner, strengthening your professional readiness and offering valuable real-world exposure.

You may also wish to consider our MSc Applied Data Science programme, which focuses on developing strong data literacy and analytical skills for decision-making roles—whereas the MSc Data Science is designed for those aiming to become developers, engineers, or technical specialists in data-intensive environments.

Enhancements for Your Success 

At Heriot-Watt University, our MSc in Data Science programme empowers you with the most cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills required for a thriving career in data science. Here's what sets us apart: 

  • Excellence in Rankings: We take pride in our ranking as the 6th best in Scotland for Computer Science, according to The Complete University Guide 2022.  
  • Industry-Driven Employability: To ensure your success, we've actively collaborated with industry experts to understand precisely what employers are seeking in data scientists. We've meticulously integrated these insights into our programme, giving you a competitive edge during job interviews and setting you up for success from day one. 
  • 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. 
  • Streamlined Synergy: Our revamped course structure promotes greater synergy between different subject areas like statistics, machine learning, and big data engineering. This holistic understanding will empower you to tackle complex data challenges with ease, enhancing your problem-solving capabilities. 

Global Research Institutes (GRIs)

Heriot-Watt University is home to four world-leading Global Research Institutes (GRIs), designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time. These dynamic hubs bring together leading researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and stakeholders from across academia, government, and business—creating vibrant ecosystems that drive innovation, inform policy, and deliver real-world impact. The GRIs are closely integrated with teaching and learning, ensuring that students benefit directly from cutting-edge research and develop the skills and experience needed to become future leaders in their fields.

  • The National Robotarium is a world-leading centre for Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, creating innovative solutions to global challenges by accelerating research from lab to market.

  • Health and Care Technologies transforms cutting-edge research into impactful solutions that enhance lives, improve healthcare systems, and support global health innovation.

  • iNetZ+ (Net Zero and Beyond) pioneers transformative technologies and strategies to address the climate crisis and lead the transition to a carbon-neutral future.

  • The Lyell Centre is a global leader in earth and marine science, using advanced technologies to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges through both fundamental and applied research.

Together, these Global Research Institutes position Heriot-Watt at the forefront of innovation and knowledge exchange—advancing science, technology, and society.

Your student experience

  • Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of Computer Science.  
  • World-Leading Faculty: Heriot-Watt University is known for its strong academic reputation, and this extends to its data science programs. In fact, many of our academics are qualified data scientists, with many years of experience working in this field. 
  • State-of-the-Art Labs: To facilitate hands-on learning, we have created state-of-the-art labs based in the Robotarium as well as at the GRID; including the Games & Design studio and the universities first VR labs. These resources are instrumental in providing students with a practical, real-world experience when working with authentic datasets and AI models.  
  • Cutting-Edge Research: The university is actively involved in data science research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools, and strategies to combat emerging threats. This research informs the curriculum and keeps it up to date. 

Go Global

With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.

Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai

Discover new friends and places with an inter-campus transfer to Dubai.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

Mandatory September

  • Software Engineering Foundations
  • Databases and Information Systems
  • Knowledge Management
  • Mathematical Tools for Data Science

Mandatory January

  • Advanced Software Engineering
  • Project Management
  • Sociotechnical and Soft Systems
  • e-Commerce Technology
Year 2

Mandatory September

  • Data Mining and Machine Learning
  • Statistical Modelling and Analysis

Optional September

  • Biologically Inspired Computation
  • Computer Network Security
  • Information Systems Methodologies
  • Industrial Programming
  • Introduction to Natural Language Processing

Mandatory January

  • Big Data Management
  • Data Visualisation and Analytics
  • Research Methods and Project Planning

Optional January

  • Digital and Knowledge Economy
  • Data Engineering Pipelines
  • Distributed & Parallel Technologies

Mandatory May

  • Masters Project and Dissertation

Programme Video

Computer Science subject video (PG progs)

Fees and funding

/ intake tuition fees
StatusFull Time
UK£12,192
International£25,480
  • 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).

Additional information

Please note that fees are payable for each year of this two year MSc.

Year 2 Fees

Status Full Time
UK £10,528
International £19,816

 

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.

View details

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 a subject area which includes some numeracy. Programming skills would be preferable but not essential, either through your degree or a short course. 

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're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.

We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.

Employability

Potential career paths

  • Data Scientist: Collect, analyse, and interpret large data sets to identify trends and drive business decisions.
  • Data Engineer: Build infrastructure and pipelines for data collection, storage, and analysis.
  • Machine Learning Engineer: Develop and optimize machine learning models and algorithms.
  • Business Analyst: Analyse data to solve business problems and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Data Journalist: Use data analysis and visualization to uncover and communicate impactful stories.
  • Research Scientist: Apply data science techniques to make new discoveries and advance scientific understanding.
  • Quantitative Analyst: Develop complex mathematical and statistical models to analyse risk and optimize business practices.

Student life

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