Data Science

Birkbeck, University of London
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Software engineering

About this course

This MSc Data Science is an intensive course designed for graduates who are new to computer science and want to gain essential data science and AI skills. It offers you hands-on experience with programming languages and combines rigorous academic training with practical application. It is ideal if you are looking to transition into a data science career.

Why choose this course?

  • You will learn highly sought-after programming and data analysis skills with Python, R, and Java, which are essential for careers in data science.

  • You will benefit from exclusive access to cutting-edge research and industry collaborations through Birkbeck’s Computational Intelligence Research Group.

  • We have a long history of innovation and experience in this subject area, including establishing one of the UK’s first computing departments.

  • This MSc places a strong emphasis on employability and real-world applications through your engagement in practical coursework.

    What you will learn

    You will learn foundational skills in data science, from programming in popular languages to specialised topics such as natural language processing and deep learning.

    The course’s valuable practical focus will also equip you with the knowledge to handle real-world data challenges, providing a solid foundation for a career in data science, software development, or AI.

    How you will learn

    This MSc Data Science offers you a blend of lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and group projects, with a strong emphasis on real-world applications. You will also have the chance to develop your skills in independent research and practical problem-solving on your final project focusing on a specific data science challenge.

    This course is available to study full-time or part-time, so you can balance your studies with work or other commitments. You can also choose to study this course in the daytime or evening. Please note the daytime study option for this course is available only to full-time students.

    Highlights

  • Birkbeck set up one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957; our research dates back to the late 1940s. We now house the Computational Intelligence Research Group and Information Management and Web Technologies Research Group, both of which collaborate with other research groups and with industry and undertake interdisciplinary research in the life, natural and social sciences, and the humanities.

  • We provide you with a stimulating teaching and research environment, with academic specialists in all fields, including information and knowledge management, web and pervasive technologies, computational intelligence, and information systems development.

  • You will have 24-hour access to laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software. We are connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

  • The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.

  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

    Careers and employability

    Studying this course will prepare you for a career in a range of fields:

  • data scientist: analysing complex data to drive business solutions

  • machine learning engineer: building and deploying AI models

  • data engineer: managing and optimising data pipelines and architectures

  • business intelligence analyst: providing insights to support business strategies

  • software developer: focusing on developing data-intensive applications.

    Graduates have gone on to work at leading organisations including Google, Amazon, IBM, PwC and Microsoft.

    • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: London

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: London

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    5244 Computer system and equipment installers and servicers
    2139 Information technology professionals
    2134 Programmers and software development professionals
    2133 IT business analysts, architects and systems designers
    2141 Web design professionals
    2136 IT quality and testing professionals

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    London
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Software engineering

    Offered by

    Birkbeck, University of London

    London

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