Ranking
6th
Complete University Guide 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Delve into data science as new technologies reshape our world. You'll learn about contemporary challenges and cutting-edge techniques becoming an in-demand expert.
If you come from a non-computing background, this course is for you. We’ll prepare you in state-of-the-art data science techniques. Industries need data scientists to help with important decision-making. Study with us and you’ll have a world of exciting opportunities.
The course caters to the need of students where we have a plethora of resources to imbibe the knowledge that ultimately gives practical exposure through projects and labs. I have been able to gain the required skillset of a Data Scientist through the imparted knowledge and learning. In addition to this, the collaboration of UoB with The Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is another major reason as to why I applied to this course.
Course Structure
Teaching is led by our world-leading academics in data science, giving you the opportunity to learn both about the foundations and latest advancements in the field.
You'll focus on fundamental data science principles. You'll complete three core modules that will teach how to program for data science tasks, how to store and manage data and core techniques to analyse data.
Teaching is delivered predominantly through lectures and labs, with assessment provided through coursework and/or examination, depending on the module.
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Course highlights
Discover how to use algorithms to analyse, visualise and extract insights from data. You'll learn essential programming and data management skills to gather and manipulate data legally.
We'll help you master advanced techniques and you’ll learn how to solve problems with collaborative projects.
- Benefit from our partnership with The Alan Turing Institute
- Take advantage of our state-of-the-arts facilities
- Become an in-demand expert in the industry despite coming from a non-computing background
- 6th
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Study our continually updated curriculum and degree programmes that align with industry needs, ensuring you are highly sought after in the global job market.
Course delivery
Taught modules are assessed in a variety of ways: summer written examination, practical assessment during the term, and valuable laboratory experience. Each MSc project is assessed by a supervisor and a moderator.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised techniques through laboratory work
We offer modern facilities, including two dedicated computing labs for computer science students, collaborative teaching spaces, study areas with large displays and presentation screens, GPU cluster and full wireless network, and research laboratories for Security and Medical Imaging.We have dedicated Computer Science Student Experience Officers and Student Wellbeing Officers, whose sole job is to ensure our students are supported, both physically, mentally and holistically with their studies and life as a computer science student.
Lecture
Projects
Laboratory
Module information
The course consists of 180 credits. As well as six 20-credit compulsory modules, you'll also undertake a 60 credit project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26
Coe modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithms for Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Current Topics in Data Science | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Data Science Group Project | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Data Science Project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Storing and Managing Data | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Visualisation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Programming for Data Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Leandro L. Minku
Programme Director
Staff profile for Leandro L. Minku for Computer Science
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in any subject other than computing plus Grade A (or above) in A Level Mathematics or equivalent if your first degree is not Mathematics.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £13,040
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Being able to expertly understand and analyse significant data sets and provide advice and solutions is crucial in the world of big data. Major industry players are in need of data science graduates, and career prospects could include becoming an expert in management of data in modern finance, retail, marketing, social science, development and research, medicine and government.
A dynamic, fast-moving sector that offers exciting careers and excellent rewards
Our graduates find themselves in a variety of environments within academia, research, industry, government and private organisations
You could join a firm like Accenture and PwC, or one of the global IT giants such as Microsoft and Google
Your career prospects are great and computing graduates with a good degree are in demand. Plus, with the number of computer science graduates from the UK diminishing at the same time as jobs are increasing, students with a postgraduate degree have an excellent chance of securing employment.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.