| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Data Science and Analytics |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | 2:1 degree in Computer Science, Data Science or any other strongly numerate discipline |
|---|---|
Overview
- MSc Advanced Data Science is an ideal course for you if you have a computational or mathematical background* and wish to build on your existing knowledge whilst learning to apply your skills to complex contemporary problems across the breadth of society.
- Our flexible programme gives you the choice to advance your study in core data science skills as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- A business-linked, research-led programme which focusses on the latest techniques and technologies, getting you ready to work at the cutting edge.
- Taught by leading academics in the fields of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, high performance computing, and cyber-security.
- You will be immersed in a community of researchers working at the forefront of modern technological developments, with excellent facilities spanning a wide range of machine types and software ecosystems.
- Take advanced courses that prepare you for research, ideal for those considering future PhD study.
- Our latest facilities for computer science students are world-class spacious teaching labs allowing comfortable, collaborative working in a sensory-friendly environment fully supported by your teachers.
*If you are interested in an MSc in data science but do not meet the entry requirements for this programme, you are welcome to apply for MSc Data Science.
Top 20 for Computer Science
20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 9th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2025 (94%)
Long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
The University has invested £50 million in the development of its Data Science and Artificial Intelligence capabilities
Opportunity to attend advanced research seminars in Computer Science, the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and other research institutes
Top 20 for Computer Science
20th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects
Joint 9th for graduate prospects for Computer Science in the Complete University Guide 2025 (94%)
Long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
The University has invested £50 million in the development of its Data Science and Artificial Intelligence capabilities
Opportunity to attend advanced research seminars in Computer Science, the Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and other research institutes
Entry requirements
2:1 degree in Computer Science, Data Science or any other strongly numerate discipline such as Maths, Statistics, Physics or other degrees with a focus on computation. Students must have evidence of programming and mathematics modules and/or quantitative research experience on transcript.
We may consider applications with non-standard qualifications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study and 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
This advanced master’s programme links to our internationally leading research in Data Science, Machine Learning and AI. It focuses on the latest techniques and technologies, teaching you how to apply these to a breadth of complex problems.
You will engage with research informed teaching across a range of data science topics, including, artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine vision, network science, statistics and more.
Individual and group research projects will allow you to apply and demonstrate the skills you learn to build a portfolio of work, preparing you for PhD study or professional data science roles.
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.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM514 | Research Project | 60 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM038 | Foundations of Data Science | 15 |
| COMM039 | Network Science | 15 |
| COMM040 | Text Mining and Natural Language Processing | 15 |
| COMM041 | Data Science Portfolio | 15 |
| COMM113 | Deep Learning | 15 |
| COMM115 | Data Science at Scale | 15 |
| COMM116 | Generative AI Applications | 15 |
| COMM117 | Large Language Models and Applications | 15 |
| COMM118 | AI in Healthcare | 15 |
| COMM119 | AI in Environment | 15 |
| ECMM409 | Nature-Inspired Computation | 15 |
| ECMM422 | Machine Learning | 15 |
| ECMM423 | Evolutionary Computation & Optimisation | 15 |
| ECMM426 | Computer Vision | 15 |
| ECMM445 | Learning from Data | 15 |
| MTHM033 | Statistical Modelling in Space and Time | 15 |
| MTHM047 | Bayesian Statistics, Philosophy and Practice | 15 |
| SOCM033 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£14,300 full-time
International fees per year:
£30,300 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Academic partners
Our long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, means that we have strong connections to the UK AI research community. Currently we host 11 Turing Fellows and one Turing AI Fellow at the University. Turing Fellows are established scholars with proven research excellence in data science, AI, or a related field. Lectures, conferences and seminars organised by Turing and the Turing University Network are usually open to our students to attend either in person or online.
Teaching and research
All of our courses are taught by active researchers who work closely with industrial partners. Our module leads are renowned in their field with prestigious fellowships and awards, many also consulting with major companies. Teaching is mainly delivered by lectures, workshops and online materials. You will have access to comprehensive online learning materials through the University’s virtual learning environment, including recorded lectures. 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.
Internationally recognised research
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. Find out about our data science researchers by discovering our hub for data-intensive science and artificial intelligence at the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI). You can also read more about our current computer science research.
Investment in data science and artificial intelligence
The University has invested £50 million in the development of its Data Science and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The Accelerating Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (ADA) project has been running since 2023 and has invested in teaching, research and infrastructure which this programme benefits from.
Supportive environment
We aim to provide a supportive environment where students and staff work together in an informal and friendly atmosphere. 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.
Assessments
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.
Facilities
World-class facilities
Our latest computing facilities are world-class spacious teaching labs allowing comfortable, collaborative working in a sensory-friendly environment.
Careers
The need for data scientists continues to grow alongside the huge amount of online, sensor and other data generated daily. A modern data scientist needs to have a wide range of skills, from data visualisation to cloud computing to advanced AI and machine learning, in order to turn this mountain of data into business insight. As the field advances and the number of data scientists grows, the learning and practical experience you will develop on this course will make you stand out from the crowd.
Graduate destinations
Whether you’re looking to take your career in a new direction or for an MSc that will sit alongside your undergraduate degree to land you an exhilarating graduate job, you’re unlikely to find a better choice than Data Science. Examples of graduate roles include data scientist, machine learning scientist, Python programmer and software engineer.
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.
