The MSc Data Science at MMU is a 1-year full-time (or part-time) programme for STEM graduates or those with relevant experience. It teaches you programming, statistics, data visualisation, big data analytics, and lets you undertake an optional placement or project to apply your learning in real settings.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1 (Taught + Optional Placement):
Students begin with modules like Maths for Data Science (30 credits), Data Visualisation & Dashboards, Advanced Relational Databases, and other core data science units. These build foundations in statistical thinking, database design and querying, programming, and the ability to visualise and interpret data for insights. Those choosing the placement route gain hands-on industry experience; all students also complete a project allowing them to apply machine learning, big data analytics or AI tools to a real-world or simulated problem.
Focus areas
“Statistics & Probability; Programming & Python; Database Systems; Data Visualisation; Big Data Analytics; Machine Learning; Project Work”
Learning outcomes
“Ability to analyse large datasets; build and deploy predictive models; design and query efficient databases; communicate insights via visualisations; solve real-world problems via project work”
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Course aligns with industry needs; optional placement helps with employability; MMU supports links with external professions and offers credit-bearing placements.
Reputation (employability rankings):
MMU’s facilities (e.g. Dalton building labs), career support and industry partnerships give graduates strong job prospects in roles like data scientist, data engineer, and business analyst.
This programme is intensely practical, focusing on applying data science techniques to real-world problems using the University's advanced computing infrastructure. You will develop hands-on skills in data wrangling, machine learning, and data visualisation using industry-standard software and tools. This applied learning philosophy is delivered through:
Specialist Computing Facilities: You will have access to NTU's High-Performance Computing (HPC) resources and the Data Science Lab, which is equipped with powerful workstations for processing large datasets and running complex computational models.
Industry-Standard Software and Tools: The curriculum involves practical work with data science programming languages like Python and R, along with major machine learning libraries and platforms including TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Tableau for advanced visualisation.
Substantial Individual Project: A core component is a significant research project where you will tackle a substantial data-intensive challenge, applying the full data science lifecycle from data acquisition to insight generation and model deployment.
Practical, Project-Based Modules: Many modules are centred on coursework that involves analysing real-world datasets, and include collaborative group projects that simulate professional data science team environments.
Graduates of the MSc Data Science at Manchester Metropolitan University gain comprehensive skills in data analytics, machine learning, and data management, enabling them to excel in diverse sectors including healthcare, finance, technology, and government policy. Typical employment roles include Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Data Analyst, with graduates confident to apply advanced computational and statistical methods to real-world challenges.
Manchester Met’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalized career coaching, organized employer networking events, CV and interview preparation tailored to data science roles, and strong placement opportunities with partner organizations.
Graduate outcomes are impressive, with around 92% of UK-domiciled, full-time postgraduate data science graduates employed or in further study 15 months post-graduation; starting salaries typically range between £27,000 and £45,000, depending on experience and sector.
The university’s School of Computing and Mathematics maintains partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies, enabling live research projects, guest lectures, and collaborative opportunities fostering employability.
The MSc program benefits from professional accreditations, a strong research environment with internationally respected faculty, and modern facilities including advanced computing labs, ensuring long-term career value and recognition.
Graduates demonstrate expertise in programming, data visualization, AI, ethical considerations in data handling, and project management, equipping them for leadership and innovation roles in the data science field.
Further Academic Progression:
Students may progress to PhD research in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related areas at Manchester Met or other leading institutions. Additional pathways include industry research collaborations, interdisciplinary academic projects, and professional certifications to deepen specialization and career advancement.
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