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MSc Data Science and Analytics

Transform raw data into smart decisions and fast-track your career with this fully online MSc. Please note this degree is currently subject to approval.

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Time investment: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Location: Online

Cost: £11,520

Language: English

About this degree

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Unlock the power of data in a digital-first world

Ever wondered how banks stop fraud in real time, how supermarkets know what you will buy next, or how Spotify creates a playlist that feels made just for you? That is data science at work–and it’s powerful.

With organisations racing to turn raw information into smarter decisions, skilled data scientists are in demand across every sector.

This 100% online MSc from Brunel’s top computer science department, ranked 4th in London (Times Higher Education World Rankings 2024), helps data become your superpower.

You’ll get equipped to master the latest analytical tools, from machine learning to data visualisation, while building the critical insight to apply them in business, scientific, and social contexts.

Master the tools that top employers demand

Every Apple Pay transaction, Netflix show streamed, and online purchase creates data. And businesses are collecting it at scale to shape the way we live a and work. But without skilled professionals to analyse and interpret it, big data remains untapped potential.

On this programme, you’ll build hands-on expertise with the tools employers expect, including Python, R, Hadoop, Spark and Tableau, while also having the opportunity to achieve industry-recognised certifications, like SAS.

Whether you’re developing machine learning models, processing distributed data, or exploring the ethics and governance of digital systems, this degree helps you grow into a versatile practitioner.

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Step into one of the fastest-growing career fields

This degree offers a direct pathway into high-demand roles across finance, healthcare, technology, and government.

You’ll have access to a far-reaching alumni network and get exposure to industry experts, including eight Brunel academics who are listed in the top 2% of scientists worldwide.

With fully online, on-demand course materials, you can study from anywhere, balancing your learning with work, life, or other commitments while building the skills to transform data into real-world impact.

Where you’ll be studying

Study at Brunel University of London

Brunel University of London combines academic excellence with real-world relevance.

Designed for ambitious professionals, Brunel’s online programmes offer research-led teaching and global perspectives that prepare you to lead, adapt, and make a lasting impact.

With the flexibility to learn around your life and support from expert tutors, you’ll gain the skills, confidence, and credentials to move your career forward, wherever you are in the world.

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Learning outcomes

Decode the data maze

Transform messy, complex datasets into clear, actionable insights that spark innovation.

Hack into critical insight

Use cutting-edge tools and techniques to analyse, visualise, and shape decisions that matter.

Question…everything

Critically evaluate data, methods, and outcomes to uncover hidden patterns and ethical implications.

Innovate with intelligence

Lead bold, independent projects that push the boundaries of what data can do.

Connect the dots

Fuse computing, statistics, behavioural science, and business thinking to solve complex challenges.

Be the cutting edge

Build the technical, analytical, and collaborative skills that set you apart as a data professional.

Additional information

You’ll need a 2:2 UK Honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a scientific, engineering, or numerate subject. No work experience is required to apply.

Applicants with other qualifications and industrial experience (relevant to the subject area) are welcome to apply through Brunel's non-standard entry route.

If you’re applying as an international student, you’ll need to show proof of English language proficiency. This can take the form of any of the following approved qualifications:

IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)

All of your learning will be delivered online, making it possible to progress while keeping your 9-to-5 and personal commitments.

You’ll complete 8 compulsory modules, each worth 15 credits, plus a 60-credit dissertation.

Brunel takes a student-centred approach to its curriculum. Your coursework will balance both theory and application, with modules delivered through pre-recorded lectures and tutorials, workshops, practical assignments, and more.

At the end of each online module, you’ll be assessed in potentially one or more of the following ways:

Coursework
Written reports/essays
Programming exercises
Group assignments

Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. As a Brunel University of London student, you’ll be supported by a dedicated team who’ll guide you from enrolment to graduation.

You’ll have access to one-to-one wellbeing services, mental health and counselling support, disability and dyslexia resources, and career development tools, all delivered online.

You can also use Brunel’s Student Centre for help with admin tasks or immigration support if you’re studying from outside the UK.

Everything is designed to keep you connected, supported, and confident throughout your learning journe

Backed by Brunel’s global reputation, ranked in the top 150 worldwide for Computer Science and recognised internationally for outlook, you’ll graduate with the credibility, skills and network to advance your career in a rapidly growing market.

Become a highly sought-after professional across finance, healthcare, retail, technology and government, and look forward to earning higher than the national average salaries as a UK data scientist.

Also consider applying your skills to other career paths, such as:

Business Analyst
Information Manager
IT Consultant
Marketing Executive
Project Manager
Social Media Manager

You’ll apply through Brunel’s online application process, which FutureLearn can help direct you to. When you’re ready, you’ll need to provide your academic transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable) as part of your application.

The total tuition fee for the Online MSc Management is £11,520. A reduced fee of £6,000 is available to applicants from India and South East Asia.

Brunel’s commitment to accessible online education goes beyond its flexible study options. They also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries, including:

Vice Chancellor’s Postgraduate International Excellence Award 2025/26: Get £6,000 off your tuition if you’re a self-funded international student with a 2:1 or above undergraduate degree. No application required, but the offer is only available for September 2025 and January 2026 intakes.
Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship: If you’re a UK-based learner with a First Class honours degree from a UK or EU University, you may be eligible for a 15% discount. No application required.
Early payment discount: Pay your fees at or before your scheduled registration date, and you could receive up to a 2% discount. No application required.
Brunel graduate discount: If you’re a Brunel alumnus, you’re qualified for a 15% fee discount. No application required.

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Modules

Master advanced statistical methods to prepare and analyse data effectively. This module enables you to generate insights from real datasets and develop your own data management and analysis frameworks.

Evaluate data quality and critically compare statistical analysis methods. This module equips you to design bespoke analysis plans for data preparation, exploration, and management while assessing current best practices.

Transform data into meaningful insights and actionable knowledge. You’ll learn to design and implement effective visualisation techniques while critically reflecting on their effectiveness in conveying information.

Apply your knowledge to a real research project of your choosing. You’ll formulate a research question, design a methodology, and use critical thinking to plan and manage your study from start to finish.

Understand the legal, social, and ethical implications of digital information. This module encourages critical reflection on governance practices and the responsible adoption of digital technologies in professional environments.

Explore the theory and practical use of large-scale storage and processing infrastructures. This module equips you to design and plan analytic methods, techniques, and algorithms to generate insights and make accurate predictions from complex datasets.

Drive change through digital innovation in business contexts. You’ll develop skills to implement digital strategies and critically evaluate both theory and practical applications in organisational settings.

Work with large-scale data infrastructures, gaining hands-on experience using tools such as Hadoop and Spark. Critically evaluate their concepts, theory, and applications to develop the skills to manage and process big data effectively.

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve developed through a substantial research project (60 credits). You’ll propose, present, and evaluate solutions to a research problem using appropriate methods to produce a comprehensive dissertation.