Data Science MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 months Full-Time

About the course

Unlike most courses that sit within a single department, our MSc Data Science courses bring together expertise from across faculties to give you a unique interdisciplinary foundation. Whether you’re from a technical or non-technical background, you’ll gain the skills employers need to turn complex data into real-world impact.

You will build core expertise in programming, data analytics, data stewardship and project design, then applying these skills in your chosen specialism:

Our teaching is research-led and draws on cutting-edge projects across disciplines. You’ll work with real-world datasets, build advanced computational and analytical skills, and graduate prepared for careers in industry, government, and research.

Our courses are designed to make you an agile, collaborative data scientist who can adapt quickly to new challenges and lead interdisciplinary teams.

Seamlessly transition from master's to PhD study through a fully-funded 1+3 pathway with our prestigious ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).

Join one of the UK's Top 10 universities for Statistics, Mathematics, and Data Science

(QS World University Rankings 2025)

Study a skills-based course with excellent international employment prospects

Graduate from a university ranked most targeted by top UK employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2025)

Compulsory Units

Statistics and Machine Learning I: Statistical Foundations;
Statistics and Machine Learning II: AI, Complex Data, Computationally;
Intensive Statistics;
Understanding Databases;
Applying Data Science;
Extended Research Project.

Optional Units

These vary depending on your chosen pathway. With six pathways available, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies by selecting optional modules that best support your academic interests and career goals.

These are examples of units offered in 2024/25 and are subject to change.

Where will your course take you?

The global demand for data scientist talent continues to grow, as a result, our course qualification will provide a strong boost to your employability.

Our graduates have gone on to careers in government, industry, higher education, and research, working for organisations in fields as diverse as technology, healthcare, finance, and social policy. Job roles include Senior Data Scientist, Research Manager, Data Analyst, Statistician, and Project Manager.

Many also choose to continue their studies at PhD level, at Manchester or other leading universities, contributing to pioneering research and building careers in academia.

Yiqing Dai

Data Science MSc (Urban Analytics) Graduate

“As an architecture student, the MSc Data Science (Urban Analytics) programme offered me a great chance to extend my background in the quantitative approach towards urban studies, as well as strengthen my prospects in the extensive data related job market. The core modules are exceptionally practical and readily applicable to academic research and business problems at work.“