MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

The MSc Data Science and Business Analytics at the University of Plymouth is all about helping you make sense of the mountains of data that businesses collect every day. It’s perfect for graduates from any background who want to build hands-on skills in data analysis, programming, and business decision-making, turning raw information into real-world solutions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-Time – One Year)

Even though it’s a one-year programme, it’s structured so you gradually move from learning the fundamentals to tackling real-world challenges. You’ll start with Software Development and Databases, where you’ll pick up essential skills in Python, SQL, and data management — the building blocks for any data career. Alongside that, Big Data Visualisation and Analytics will show you how to turn complex datasets into clear, compelling visual stories that decision-makers can act on.

As you progress, Business Analytics will help you see how data drives strategy, teaching you how to spot trends, make predictions, and influence business decisions. Contemporary Issues in Data Science introduces the latest topics like social media analytics, risk modelling, and sustainable data practices, keeping you up to speed with what’s happening in the field.

Finally, your MSc Dissertation and Research Skills project gives you the chance to apply everything you’ve learned to a real problem. It’s your opportunity to shine, show off your skills, and create a portfolio piece that employers will notice.

Focus Areas:

Data management, predictive modelling, business intelligence, data visualisation, strategic decision-making, hands-on research experience.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the programme, you’ll be confident in handling, analysing, and interpreting complex data. You’ll know how to turn insights into clear recommendations, use industry-standard tools like Python, R, and SQL, and tackle real business problems with confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This course is delivered by the University of Plymouth’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, giving you access to expert teaching and high-performance computing facilities.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Graduates leave ready for roles such as data scientist, business analyst, data engineer, or research analyst. The course emphasises practical experience and employability, ensuring you have the skills that employers in today’s data-driven world are looking for.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this MSc, learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll be actively working with data from the very start. The University of Plymouth focuses on hands-on learning, so you gain confidence using real datasets, professional software, and advanced computing facilities that reflect how data science is practiced in the real world. You’ll develop practical skills through project work, collaborative tasks, and an independent research dissertation, all supported by specialist labs, high-performance computing resources, and expert academic guidance.

This practical approach comes together through a range of learning experiences and facilities, including:

Industry-standard software: You’ll regularly work with tools such as Python, R (tidyverse), and SQL, building strong technical skills for data analysis, visualisation, and database management.
High-performance computing access: The University’s Lovelace high-performance computing system allows you to work with large and complex datasets, similar to those used in professional data science roles.
Specialist computing labs: Teaching takes place in modern computing spaces within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, designed specifically for software development and data-driven work.
Group and collaborative work: Many modules include team-based activities, helping you experience how data scientists and business analysts collaborate in real organisations.
Independent research project: Your MSc dissertation lets you explore a real data science or business analytics problem in depth, applying your skills to a topic that matches your career interests.
Research-informed teaching: You’ll learn from academics who are actively involved in data science and analytics research, keeping your learning closely aligned with current industry and research trends.
University library resources: You’ll have full access to the University of Plymouth Library, including specialist digital journals, datasets, and research support services to back up your coursework and dissertation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MSc Data Science and Business Analytics opens the door to fast-growing, well-paid careers where your skills are genuinely in demand. Many students move into roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, or Data Engineer, applying their technical knowledge and business insight to real organisational challenges across a wide range of industries. The course is designed to give you both the confidence and practical experience employers look for:

How the University of Plymouth supports your future success:

Careers and Employability Service: You’ll receive personalised support from the University’s careers team, including CV and LinkedIn advice, interview preparation, employability workshops, and access to careers fairs and employer networking events.
Strong graduate outcomes: The programme prepares you for analytical and data-driven roles such as data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, data engineer, and research analyst — positions that continue to grow in demand across the UK and globally.
Employment demand: Data science and analytics skills are consistently identified as some of the most sought-after in today’s job market, giving graduates strong long-term employment prospects and career flexibility.
Industry-connected learning: Your teaching is informed by active research groups at Plymouth, including those working in big data, computing, and mathematical sciences, helping you connect academic learning with real industry challenges.
Long-term career value: The blend of programming, analytics, and business skills you gain doesn’t just help you land your first job — it supports progression into senior, specialist, or leadership roles as your career develops.
Successful graduate pathways: Graduates from this programme have progressed into professional data science roles, applying machine learning and advanced analytics techniques to solve real-world problems in industry and research settings.

Further Academic Progression:

If you enjoy the research side of the course, this MSc provides a strong foundation for further study, including a PhD or research degree in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related computing and analytics fields. Some graduates also choose to continue with specialised postgraduate training or professional certifications to deepen expertise in specific areas of data and analytics.