From business and finance to health and medicine, from infrastructure to societal studies, data science plays a vital role in all aspects of the modern world. This MSc program will ensure students have an advanced level of skills, knowledge, and experience in this rapidly expanding, highly in-demand field to achieve their career aspirations.

Studying for an MSc in Data Science at Lancaster University will provide students with the perfect environment to develop an expertise in the discipline. Students will develop and consolidate their fundamental skills in both computing and statistics before progressing onto one of the specialist pathways which allow students to acquire and enhance advanced technical skills, while gaining professional knowledge that will support and advance their future career choices. The specialist pathway modules promote both an enhanced understanding of modern data science technologies and confidence in the application of data science within the business intelligence, health, environmental, or societal sectors. These modules are taught by researchers from across Lancaster University, who have expertise in the topics relevant to each of the pathways.

The fundamentals, followed by pathway structure, enables students to tailor the program either to suit their current career development needs or to take the opportunity to up skill and take their career in a new direction. In addition to these taught modules, students will also undertake a 12-week placement either within industry or as part of an academic research project. This will provide them with a fantastic opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world situations and challenges, allowing them to gain valuable professional experience and demonstrate a firm grasp of the discipline.

The placement project represents a substantial, independent research project. Supervised by an academic specialist, students will develop their ability to formulate a project plan, gather and analyze data, interpret your results, and present findings in a professional environment. This research will be an opportunity to bring together everything students have learnt over the year, expand their problem-solving abilities and manage a significant project. This will be great experience for students to draw upon in an interview and in their career.