Masters applications for 2023 entry are now closed.
Applications for September 2024 will open on Monday 25 September. Applications are now open for programmes with a January 2024 start. View our programmes »
Overview
- Designed for those interested in learning the theoretical and practical skills within data science whilst developing advanced skills in artificial intelligence
- Learn from our research expertise within Exeter's Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI) in areas including computer vision, knowledge representation, bio-inspired computation and optimisation
- Explore the fundamental mathematical and computational techniques which underpin Data Science applications, building on your existing scientific and/or mathematical knowledge
- Learn about specific applications including network analysis, text analysis and machine vision as well as governance and ethical aspects of data use
- Undertake a research project where you’ll develop skills in a specific area of interest and pursue your ideas, with the support of your academic supervisor.
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute and home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems
Courses designed to launch and develop careers for those working in or entering data and technology-driven roles
Entry requirements
Candidates are required to have at least a 2:1 degree in a strongly numerate subject (e.g. computer science, mathematics, physics) and must be able to show evidence of good programming ability in a recognised modern computer language. Candidates may be interviewed by video conference to assess their programming ability and suitability for the course.
The Python programming language is used extensively during this course and applicants with experience in other languages will be asked to learn basic Python before commencing the course.
We may consider applications with non-standard qualifications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience, or relevant professional qualifications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B3. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Kornelia
Data Scientist with Adarga
Studied Data Science MSc (Professional degree apprenticeship)
Catherine
Senior Data Scientist, UK Hydrographic Office
Studied Data Science MSc (Professional)
Salma
Studying Applied Data Science and Statistics MSc
Kornelia
Data Scientist with Adarga
Studied Data Science MSc (Professional degree apprenticeship)
The course can be completed as part of the Level 7 Research Scientist apprenticeship. It means that you can remain in full-time employment while gaining a university degree alongside work. I decided to join the programme as I wanted to get back on the data science path having done an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and AI.
I attended teaching sessions in Exeter. I really enjoyed returning to the Streatham Campus on a monthly basis. It has a lot of green space, cafes, bars, a large variety of foods (Comida wraps being my favourite) and just has a great vibe. The campus is within walking distance from the city centre and the train station. You will also find plenty of affordable accommodation if you have to stay overnight. I spiced up my visits to Exeter by choosing different accommodation every time.
Catherine
Senior Data Scientist, UK Hydrographic Office
Studied Data Science MSc (Professional)
I was already working as a Data Scientist, but applied for the course because I recognised I had some knowledge gaps that this would help fill – and I could gain professional accreditation at the same time. I continued to work full time, completing all my coursework and revision in the evenings and weekends.
In my experience, and looking at my colleagues and peers that I admire, great data scientists are not always from a mathematics or computer science background (although they can be!) but rather from a hugely diverse range of backgrounds. My own undergraduate degree was in Environmental Science, and I had over a decade of industry experience working with geospatial data and remote sensing before I became a Data Scientist. I constantly refer back to my experiences or code I wrote while at Exeter in my current role, and I feel lucky to have met and worked with so many amazing people in the department.
Salma
Studying Applied Data Science and Statistics MSc
I knew I wanted to go into data science and chose this programme because it’s open to people from a non-technical background.
It’s been challenging at times but no more than I expected. I feel it’s setting me up for the direction I want to head in and bringing me up to speed with the things I need to know maths-wise. The careers support I’ve had at Exeter has been really good – I’ve been to careers events where companies come in to talk to us and had some good CV advice. Obviously Exeter is smaller than London my home town, but that’s not a negative for me - it’s just different. It took me about a month to adapt and I’m feeling really settled here now.
Fees
2024/25 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,700 full-time
International fees per year:
£29,100 full-time
Scholarships
We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This includes over £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Selected programmes only. Please see the Terms and Conditions for each scheme for further details.
Teaching and research
Artificial Intelligence at Exeter
Teaching on this degree is directly influenced by research undertaken within Exeter’s Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence which provides a hub for data-intensive science and artificial intelligence activity within the University.
The institute’s vision for data science is to find new means of interrogating and understanding data and to apply cutting-edge data analytical methodologies to diverse questions. It is a truly interdisciplinary research community made up of data scientists, mathematicians, and computer specialists across many of Exeter’s research groups and departments.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching is mainly delivered by lectures, workshops and online materials. Each module references core and supplementary texts, or material recommended by module deliverers, which provide in depth coverage of the subject and go beyond the lectures.
A supportive environment
We aim to provide a supportive environment where students and staff work together in an informal and friendly atmosphere. The department has a student-focused approach to teaching, whereby all members of staff deal with questions on an individual basis. We operate an open door policy, so it is easy to consult individual members of staff or to fix appointments with them via email. As a friendly group of staff, you will get to know us well during your time here.
A research and practice led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies, becoming actively involved in a research project yourself.
Assessment
The assessment strategy for each module is explicitly stated in the full module descriptions given to students. Group and team skills are addressed within modules dealing with specialist and advanced skills. Assessment methods include essays, closed book tests, exercises in problem solving, use of the Web for tool-based analysis and investigation, mini-projects, extended essays on specialised topics, and individual and group presentations.
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Careers
Data Science is changing the way people do business. Mountains of previously uncollectable data, generated by huge growth in online activity and appliance connectivity, is becoming available to businesses in every sector. The opportunities for businesses and individuals who can manage, manipulate and extract insights from these enormous data sets are limitless. A direct result of this is the dramatic increase in demand for individuals with the skills to turn this information into insight is outstripping supply.
Graduate destinations
Upon completion of this course, you will possess not only the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary to start a career in the field of Data Science, you will also be able to apply the knowledge gained throughout your Masters to understand and design artificially intelligent computer-based systems.
Being part of Exeter’s fastest growing department and studying in an area experiencing rapid growth across multiple sectors of Industry, you’ll have excellent career potential.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
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