Knowledge, Information and Data Science MSc

The MSc in Knowledge, Information and Data Science at UCL is a one-year programme that blends data science, information science, and knowledge-engineering, offering both theoretical foundations and applied computational skills. It suits students with strong analytical or computational backgrounds who want to work with complex data, information systems, and AI-driven knowledge technologies.

Curriculum structure

Year of Study (one-year full-time):
Students begin with core modules such as Logic and Knowledge Representation, Statistical Methods, Database Theory and Practice, and Information Organisation and Retrieval, which introduce the formal, mathematical and computational tools needed to manage and interpret information. These modules train students to represent knowledge logically, analyse and model data statistically, design and query databases, and understand how information is structured, classified and retrieved.
As the year progresses, students may choose optional modules that expand into areas like machine learning, semantic technologies, natural-language processing, or information governance, allowing them to tailor the degree to technical or applied interests. The programme culminates in an independent Dissertation Project, where students apply their knowledge to solve a research problem in information systems, data science or knowledge engineering.

Focus areas (string):
Knowledge representation; information science; data science; statistical modelling; database systems; information retrieval; computational and AI-based methods.

Learning outcomes (string):
Ability to model and represent knowledge; analyse data statistically; design and manage databases; build information-retrieval and knowledge-engineering tools; integrate computational and theoretical approaches; conduct independent research.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Designed to meet academic and industry expectations in information management, AI, data analytics and knowledge systems, preparing graduates for careers in IT, data science, information architecture, digital libraries, governance, and further research.

Reputation (employability rankings):
UCL consistently ranks among the world’s top universities, with strong employability outcomes and a globally respected Department of Information Studies, making graduates highly competitive in data-driven and information-intensive sectors.