Applied Data Science, MSc / PGDip

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Course Overview

Our MSc in Applied Data Science is designed to provide appropriate training to students with a non-specialist background to enable them to enhance their future opportunities and play a key role in digital economy.

Our programme will educate you to work with, visualise and understand data, encourage statistical thinking and develop data-driven decision-making. In addition, our course will provide the necessary foundation in mathematics, statistics and basic programming skills that are key to a systemic understanding of the complexity of data and its analysis. It also provides you with key skills in several topics in computer science, such as data mining and machine learning.

Our programme is aimed at students who have a degree in any non-highly numerate subject, but who are interested in learning essential data science methods with various applications.

Please note, our MSc in Applied Data Science is appropriate for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in the mathematics field (or equivalent).  If you have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science (or equivalent) and wish to pursue a data science route within your Masters, please see Data Science, MSc.

Why Applied Data Science at Swansea?

  • Top 201-250 in the World in Computer Science & Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • World-class facilities for mathematical and computational sciences
  • 100% of publications are world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Your Applied Data Science Experience

In the first part of the course, you will begin your studies with mathematical and computational foundations of data science. This is followed by more advanced topics such as Machine Learning and data mining. Our programme also includes a final project that will focus on applications of the knowledge and skills in data science. Where possible, project topics will be tailored to your individual interests.

Your studies will be supported by facilities including the main university library - containing an extensive collection of mathematics resources, as well as Digital Services.

Also available to you is the Reading Room in the centre of the department. This is home to the departmental library and a suite of computers.

  • Our staff are experts in their fields with the majority being recognised by the Advance HE with a Fellowship or Senior Fellowship.
  • Our Mathematics and Computer Science Departments are right next to the beautiful Swansea Bay beachfront, with numerous social and sport opportunities.

The Mathematics Department can be found in the Computational Foundry building at our Bay Campus which provides students access to bespoke study and teaching spaces designed by and for mathematicians.

Applied Data Science Employment Opportunities

Completing our MSc Applied Data Science will considerably enhance your data science-related career prospects. Potential careers include:

  • Data analyst
  • Researcher
  • Business analyst
  • Statistician

Recent Swansea graduates have been employed by a variety of global organisations, including:

  • Admiral, Veramed
  • AXA
  • BA
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Shell Research
  • Health Authorities
  • Local Government

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.