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MS in Data Science in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Admissions, Scholarships, Jobs

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Shubham Sinha • 11 Mins read • 25 Jul 25
MS in Data Science in UKMS in Data Science in UK

The MS in Data Science in the UK is a 1-year postgraduate program. The MS in Data Science in UK eligibility criteria require having an undergraduate degree with a (2:1 or 60%–70%+) in computer programming or any relevant quantitative discipline. Candidates must have IELTS scores of 6.5 to 7.0 to demonstrate English proficiency. After completing this course, graduates pursue roles like Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, etc.

The MS in Data Science in UK fee ranges are ₹17,00,000 to ₹ 40,00,000. The living cost in UK ranges between  ₹13,00,000 to ₹20,00,000. The MS in Data Science in UK Scholarships are available for international students like Chevening, Commonwealth, and OfS. The average salary for this course ranges from ₹40,00,000 to ₹90,00,000.

The most preferred universities for this course are the University of Oxford, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and King’s College London. After completing the course, graduates are recruited by MS in Data Science in UK Top Recruiters include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, BCG, Deloitte, HSBC, and JP Morgan Chase.


MS in Data Science in UK: Quick Highlights

The MS in Data Science in the UK is focused on skills and knowledge for analysing and interpreting data. This course offers machine learning, data mining, data visualisation, and programming. Here is a quick highlight of the course.

Particulars

Details

Duration

1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time/distance)

Top Universities

  • Oxford,
  • UCL, 
  • Imperial College London, 
  • King's, Manchester, 
  • Bristol, Glasgow

Course Fees

£15,000–£35,000/year (international); Online/distance as low as £10,500 total

Average Salary

£35,000–£60,000/year for freshers; up to £90,000 with experience

Entry Requirements

Bachelor's (relevant field), IELTS/TOEFL, strong academics

Intakes

September (major); some Jan/April in select universities

Specializations

  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • AI Analytics
  • Data Analytics
  • Business Analytics
  • Research Data Scientist

Scholarships

  • Chevening
  • Commonwealth
  • OfS
  • university/industry-funded

Work Visa

2 years (Graduate Route PSW)

Class Sizes

100–200 seats for top universities, ~20% Indian students in some programs

Job Placement Rate

Over 96% for major universities; strong industry links

Popular Employers

  • Google
  • Amazon
  • Deloitte
  • Meta


 MS in Data Science in UK: Important Dates 2026

Candidates who want to pursue an MS in Data Science in UK, should be aware of the important dates for university application deadlines. The academic session starts in September and January. Check out the important dates listed below:

Events

Dates

University Application open 

 

Sep - Oct 2025

 

IEFL/TOEFL

 

Aug - Nov 2025

 

GREAT Scholarship

 

Jan - May 2026

 


Application Deadlines for Top Universities

The application deadline for the top universities of  MS in Data Science in the UK is in January or May. Some universities, like the University of Southampton that have a deadline are  July 31, 2025, for international students. 

University

Application Deadlines (2025)

University of Leicester

08 Sep 2025

University of Manchester

7 Dec 2024 / 2 Mar 2025 / 4 May 2025 / 1 Jul 2025 (staged)

University of Bristol

25 July 2025 (overseas)

University of Southampton

31 July 2025


Why Study MS in Data Science in the UK?

Studying an MS in Data Science in UK provides a route to careers in the Data Science industry. The UK is known for its world-class universities for data science programs. Candidates got the opportunity to build a career in the big tech giant companies.

Benefits of studying MS in Data Science in UK

  • UK is consistently ranked as having some of the world’s best universities for Research programs, computer science, and AI courses.
  • UK is the centre for AI and machine Learning Programs. Students get the best theory, computational training, and practical project work with leading firms.
  • Graduates get placement in big tech giants, finance, healthcare, retail, and academia.
  • Competitive tuition, high post-graduate salaries, and a 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa for international students.

Also Read :

Other Popular Countries for Studying MS in Data Science



Masters in Data Science in Australia

Masters in Data Science in Canada


MS in Data Science in the UK: Fees 

The MS in Data Science in the UK fees range is ₹17,00,000 to ₹40,00,000, and Living expenses are ₹13,00,000 to ₹20,00,000. Check out the table below for the details of the universities' fees in the UK.

University

Yearly Tuition (GBP)

Yearly Tuition (INR)

University of Oxford

£36,000

₹42,84,000

UCL

£40,000

₹46,48,000

University of Edinburgh

£41,000

₹47,65,000

Imperial College London

£36,000

₹41,84,000

King's College London

£38,000

₹44,16,000

University of Bristol

£34,000

₹39,51,000

University of Manchester

£33,000

₹38,35,000

University of Glasgow

£33,000

₹38,35,000

University of Birmingham

£36,000

₹42,00,000

University of Sheffield

£31,000

₹36,00,000

Queen Mary (QMUL)

£33,000

₹38,35,000


Cost of Living in UK

The cost of living in Uk is typically ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 per month. Check out the table below for the details of living costs in the UK.

Expense Type

Monthly Expense in GBP

Monthly Expense in INR

Food

£200 to £300

₹23,000 to ₹35,000

Accomodation

£700 to £1,000

₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000

Insurance

£800

₹93,000

Transportation

£70 to £100

₹8,000 to ₹11,000

Miscellaneous

£30 to £70

₹3,500 to ₹8,000


MS in Data Science in UK: Qualification

The basic MS in Data Science in UK qualification requires having an undergraduate degree in computer science or any relevant field. Besides this, the candidate must pursue the English proficiency Test, such as IELTS/TOEFL.

Particular

Details

Course degree

Post-Graduate

Course duration

1 year

Academic background

The candidate should have a Computer science background

Age criteria

There is no age criterion

Educational qualification

Candidates must have (2:1) honours degree in computer science.

English Proficiency

The candidate must have passed the English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL)

Selection process

Merit-based, Entrance-based


MS in Data Science in UK: Eligibility Criteria- Category-wise

The MS in Data Science in UK eligibility criteria are that Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science with an English language proficiency score of 7.0 in the IELTS Test. Check out the table below

Criteria

Details

Education Qualification

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or statistics.

Minimum Score

Candidates have a minimum 2.1 in their bachelor's degree. However, some universities may accept 2.2.

Work Experience

There are some universities that require 1 to 2 years of experience in the data science field.

Language Proficiency

IELTS: 6.5 TO 7.0

TOEFL: 90 to 100

Tests

GRE/GMAT Scores(optional)


MS in Data Science in UK: Application Process

The MS in Data Science in UK application process requires candidates to have eligible academic criteria, cleared entrance tests, interviews(if required), and specific institution requirements. Here is a thorough step-by-step procedure to apply for an MS in Data Science in UK application process:

Step 1: Firstly, candidates need to select their preferred MS in Data Science in UK University to pursue this course.

Step 2: After selecting the university, candidates need to select one specialisation in the Data Science course.

Step 3: Now, the candidate should check the requirements of the university, like Academic criteria and required documents. 

Step 4: To pursue this course, Candidates need to fill out the application form of the university and don't forget to attach the required documents. 

Step 5: After filling out the form, candidates need to submit their application form on the university’s website.

Step 6: The next step is to wait for the offer letter and then apply for a student visa. 


MS in Data Science in UK: Documents Required 

To pursue this course, candidates need to understand the importance of the documents that are necessary to take admission in this course. Given below is the list of documents that are required while applying for a university or college in UK:

  • Resume
  • Academic Transcript
  • Degree Certificate
  • English Proficiency Test (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Academic References
  • Student Visa
  • Passport


MS in Data Science in UK: Entrance Exams  

IELTS Preperation Tips

The IELTS Test is an English proficiency Test that is mandatory for pursuing this course. Candidates need to practice with the best resource to score good marks in these exams. Check out IELTS preparation tips.

  • Before starting the preparation, candidates need to understand the exam patterns, syllabus, and total duration for this test.
  • To begin with, candidates need to give a mock test to examine their level. How much should they practice and in which area?
  • Candidates need to build a strong vocabulary for these exams. They need to use some tools like Vocab Builder.
  • They should rely on only official resources such as the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English.
  • Candidates must practice a mock test and previous year questions, which are available on the official website.


MS in Data Science Seats in UK: Syllabus

The MS in Data Science in UK Syllabus is a 1-year program. This program is mainly focused on programming, data management, statistical analysis, machine learning, and big data technologies. 

Modules

Subjects

Core Modules

  • Statistics and Statistical Data Mining
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Programming in Python
  • Big Data Analysis

Compulsory Modules

  • Data Science Research Topics

Optional Modules

  • Natural Language Processing (short course)
  • Social Media and Network Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • R for Data Science
  • Neural Networks
  • Blockchain Programming
  • Data Visualisation
  • Financial Data Modelling
  • Financial markets
  • Mathematics for Data Science


MS in Data Science in UK: Cutoff

IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs

To pursue an MS in Data Science in UK, students need to have good marks in the IELTS and TOEFL tests. Check out the table below for the IELTS and TOEFL Cutoff 2025 marks:

University

IELTS

TOEFL

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

7.0+

90+

Stanford University

7.0+

100+

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

7.0

100+

Imperial College London

7.0

100+

University of Oxford

7.0+

100+

University of Cambridge

7.5

100+

University College London

6.5

92+

University of Edinburgh

6.5

92+

University of Manchester

6.0

90+


Best Universities/Colleges for MS in Data Science in UK 

The are a number of  Best Universities for MS in Data Science in the UK, which rank at the top in the QS World Rankings. Several factors are considered for ranking parameters like specialization, location, and placement option. Check out the list below.

University

QS World Rank

Course offered

Imperial College London

2

  • Machine Learning
  • Data Science

University of Oxford

4

  • Advanced Computer Science
  • Social Data Science

University College London (UCL)

9

  • Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage (Data Science)

University of Edinburgh

34

  • Data Science

University of Manchester

35

  • Experimental Psychology with Data Science

King's College London

31

  • Data Science

University of Bristol

51

  • Financial Technology with Data Science

University of Glasgow

79

  • Data Science

University of Birmingham

76

  • Applications of Data Science 
  • Health Data Science
  • Statistical Data Science


Private B - Schools for MS in Data Science in UK 

Most universities in the Uk for this course are public universities, but there are some best  Private B-Schools for MS in Data Science in UK. Check out the table for the details of these schools.

Private B- Schools

QS World Rank

Course offered

London School of Economics

56

  • MSc Geographic Data Science

University of Warwick

74

  • Data Analytics

University of Exeter

155

  • Finance and Data Science

University of Bath

132

  • Data Science

  University of Leeds

86

  • Data Science (Statistics)

  University of Liverpool

147

  • Applied Statistics and Data Science 
  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence


MS in Data Science in UK vs MS in Data Science in India

Before pursuing this course, candidates should know the comparison stats between MS in Data Science in the UK vs India. An MS in Data Science in UK offers global recognition, a higher salary package, and a short duration. While in India, the same course has a long duration, a lower salary, and affordable fees. Refer to the table below for the details comparison.

Factors

MS in Data Science in UK

MS in Data Science in India

Top Universities

  • Imperial College London
  • University of Oxford
  • University College London
  • IIT Madras
  • Christ University
  • Amity University Noida

Academic Fees

£18,250 per year

₹4,00,000

Course Duration

1 year

2 year

Expenses

£12,000 - £15,600 per year

₹ 5,000 to ₹ 2,00,000

Salary

£49,117 per year

₹3,00,000 per year


MS in Data Science in the UK: Career Scope

The Career Scope After MS in Data Science in the UK includes Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, and Business Analyst. Career Scope.

Career Opportunity

Details

Data Scientist 

  • A specialist who uses raw data to analyze and interpret it into meaningful data for the business by using data mining, statistical tools.

AI Specialist

  • An individual who develops and implements an AI algorithm. They always stay updated on AI Technologies.   

Machine Learning Engineer

  • They develop and implement AI models to deal with problems and derive meaningful insights from raw data.

Business Analyst

  • They connect businesses with technology by providing insights from the data.


Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

The Top recruiters for MS in Data Science programs in the UK are always hunting for fresher talent. Check out the recruiters: 

  • Meta
  • Google
  • Amazon 
  • Deliveroo
  • Facuslty.ai
  • Lloyd Bank
  • DevsDataLLC
  • Nexus IT
  • Harnham


MS in Data Science in the UK: Salary Package

The MS in Data Science in the UK salary ranges from ₹40,00,000 to ₹91,00,000 per annum. The average salary depends on several factors such as city, experience, specific roles, industry, and tools used.

Job Title

Average Salary (GBP)

Salary (INR, approx.)

Data Scientist

£54,000

₹62,76,000

Data Analyst

£38,000

₹44,16,000

ML Engineer

£70,000

₹81,35,000

Business Intelligence Analyst

£41,000

₹47,85,000

Data Engineer

£72,000

₹84,00,000

AI Consultant/Specialist

£65,000

₹75,87,000

Data Architect

£75,000

₹87,55,000


FAQs


Ques 1. Is an MS in Data Science in the UK worth it for Indian students in 2025?

Ans 1: Yes, an MS in Data Science in UK is worth it for Indian students. UK Universities offer advanced knowledge of Data science and skills. 


Ques 2. Which University is best for an MS in Data Science in UK?

Ans 2: The Best universities for this course are Imperial College London, University of Oxford, and University College London. 


Ques 3. What are the career opportunities for someone with an MS in Data Science in UK?

Ans 3: The career opportunities after pursuing an MS in Data Science in the UK such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, Business Analyst, and Data Scientist.


Ques 4. Can students do part-time jobs while studying an MS in Data Science in UK?

Ans 4: Yes, students can do part-time jobs such as delivery executive, event management, etc. During this course, they can work 20 hours a week.


Ques 5. How much do Freelance Data scientists earn in the UK?

Ans 5: The Freelance Data Scientist earns up to ₹10,000 per hour. Freelancer earnings depend on the skills and niche.


Ques 6. What are the technical skills required for a Data Scientist?

Ans 6: The Technical Skills required for a Data Scientist are Python, R, SQL, JAVA, etc.


Ques 7. What are the basic requirements for admission to an MS in Data Science in the UK?

Ans 7: The basic requirements are having an undergraduate degree (2:1) honours degree and being qualified for an English proficiency Test such as IELTS or TOEFL.