Advanced Data Science with Statistics MSc

Overview

Data is everywhere, shaping the way we make decisions, solve problems, and understand the world. Statistics provide the foundation for interpreting complex data, drawing accurate conclusions, and building robust models. When combined with data science, we can handle larger datasets and gain clear and reliable insights. Leading to more informed and effective solutions.

You’ll graduate from this Master’s degree with advanced knowledge in mathematics, statistics and data science. You'll gain a unique skillset that's attractive to employers across a wide range of industries.

This programme offers great flexibility, allowing you to design a degree to match your interests and career goals. You can personalise your studies by choosing from a broad range of modules and you’ll benefit from our diverse research expertise.

You can explore topics such as:

• data visualisation
• machine learning
• extreme value theory
• image analysis
• sports modelling

Important information

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

MSc - Master of Science

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject.

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 100 credits of taught modules and an 80-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

What you'll learn

Semester 1

In Semester 1, you’ll build a solid foundation in data science, statistics, machine learning and image informatics.

Semester 2

You’ll begin to customise your degree in Semester 2. You'll choose five optional modules to suit your interests and aspirations. These can include topics such as:

• time series modelling
• design of experiments
• financial modelling
• survival analysis
• decision modelling for health data

Semester 3

In Semester 3, you’ll choose one of these dissertation modules:  

• industrial dissertation
• individual research project

The industrial dissertation is perfect if you want to focus on strengthening your employability. You’ll work with a business to solve a real-world data problem.

During the individual research project, you'll create your own project which focuses on your own interests and career aspirations.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Advanced Data Science with Statistics MSc modules

Compulsory modules

• Computing Foundations of Data Science (10 credits)
• Image Informatics (10 credits)
• Machine Learning with Project (10 credits)
• Graduate Foundations of Statistics and Data Science (30 credits)
• Statistical Foundations of Machine Learning with Advanced Topics (10 credits)

You must choose one of the following modules:

• Dissertation in Statistical Data Science (60 credits)
• Industrial Dissertation in Statistics and Data Science (60 credits)

Optional modules

You must choose 50 credits from the following list of optional modules:

• Clinical Trials with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Decision Modelling for Health Data Science with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Medical Statistics and Health Data Science (10 credits)
• Experimental Design with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Extreme Value Theory with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Sports Modelling with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Survival Analysis with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Time Series with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Stochastic Financial Modelling with Advanced Topics (10 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Statistics and Data Science (10 credits)

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical labs
• workshop sessions
• group work

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Dissertation
• Oral presentation
• Report
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Support

Numbas learning software

You'll have access to a specialist learning software called Numbas. It was developed at Newcastle University and is now used by mathematicians and statisticians worldwide.

This innovative software allows you to work on interactive code worksheets, so you can test and refine your skills during your programme.

Specialist software and tool support

You'll have support from our award-winning Digital Learning Team, who can assist you with the specialised software and tools you need for the programme.

Student support

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Our staff

The Advanced Data Science with Statistics MSc is delivered jointly by the:

• School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
• School of Computing

The degree is delivered by experts working at the frontier of a wide range of statistical and computer science areas.

You'll work alongside academics from the following research groups:

• Statistics: World-class research in modern statistics and data science.
• Astrostatistics: Cutting-edge research being carried out at the interface of physics and statistics. They're using modern data science techniques to help understand the universe.
• Scalable Computing: Internationally renowned for tackling research challenges in high performance systems, data science, machine learning and data visualisation.
• Biostatistics: Over 30 statisticians working in developing and applying innovative methods in clinical trials and observational studies.

We're also home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). This gives you unique opportunities to collaborate with industry partners across multiple sectors.

Many of our staff are fellows of the Alan Turing Institute. They play a key role in shaping the way data science is researched and taught in the UK and around the world.

Your development

Professional skills

You'll enhance your professional skills by writing reports and delivering presentations to both experts and non-experts. Working on projects will improve your teamwork and communication skills. If you choose the industrial dissertation, you'll also gain valuable experience working with a business to meet deadlines.

Research skills

You'll build your research skills by:

• sourcing and analysing datasets
• assessing data to answer research questions
• critically evaluating your own work and others

You'll also reflect on your research process to identify areas for improvement.

Practical skills

You'll develop advanced practical skills for data science, including programming, data manipulation and effective visualisation.

You'll learn to:

• source, clean, and process data
• apply statistical techniques
• evaluate model performance

You'll also draw predictions while creating reports that integrate your analyses and insights.

Your future

Your career

This Advanced Data Science with Statistics MSc can provide a pathway to various careers across a broad range of industries. Job roles might include:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Sports Analyst
• Medical Statistician
• Business Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst

Previous students from our data science courses have gone on to work at companies such as:

• LEGO
• Bank of England
• AkzoNobel
• Department of Workplace and Pensions (DWP)

Further study

This degree provides a route into PhD level study in a wide range of fields, depending on your choice of optional modules.

As a Data Science graduate, you can focus on advanced research in data science and statistical methods, with applications in areas such as:

• machine learning and artificial intelligence
• data ethics and fairness
• experimental design
• extreme value theory
• sports modelling
• survival analysis
• time series analysis
• health data science and clinical trials
• decision modelling in healthcare
• natural language processing

Links with industry

You’ll benefit from our connections with industry leaders, gaining access to valuable networking opportunities, internships, and insights into real-world applications of data science.

Our academics have connections with:

• National Health Service (NHS)
• United Nations
• World Health Organisation (WHO)
• Department for Transport and National Highways
• Met Office
• Smartodds

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Urban Sciences Building

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:

• academia
• the public sector
• communities
• business and industry

Postgraduate student facilities

As a Master's student, you'll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.

Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:

• The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
• Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
• Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

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How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

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