Key information
- Duration:
- 1 year full time
- Start date:
- January 2026
- Apply by:
- 1 September 2025
- 95% of our research overall in Mathematical Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- Top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction with the quality of our teaching in Mathematics (Complete University Guide 2026)
Develop practical experience, explore innovative tools and learn advanced techniques to prepare for a career across data-driven industries.
Data forms the basis of knowledge, and underpins our understanding of the world. We can find data everywhere – in how we exercise, what we eat, and even in how galaxies evolve.
From agriculture to astronomy, the rate at which we collect and process information is accelerating. Data Science helps us interrogate this information to solve problems. You'll learn to create more effective systems and make the world a better place.
Get the tools and techniques you need to build, analyse and interpret large datasets common to academic science and industrial practice. By studying at Sussex, you will:
- gain hands-on experience with large-scale, real-world datasets, learning how to develop robust and effective solutions
- become experienced in Python and other cutting-edge computing and mathematical tools essential for data manipulation and analysis
- learn advanced techniques in machine learning to build predictive models and solve complex problems
- build key skills to engage with data in areas ranging from mathematics, computer science, physics and biology to medicine, geography, development studies and economics.
You'll be supported by expert faculty. Through your MSc dissertation you can focus on an area that interests you most. You could consider Data Science applications in climate change, banking, smart devices, gaming, pandemics, degenerative diseases and more.
You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in data-driven industries such as technology, finance and engineering. You could forge a career as a data scientist, machine learning engineer or data analyst, or decide to pursue further study.
Most of my course is project based – great for my CV! I’ve already secured an internship doing machine learning. I believe my MSc can help me find my dream job!”Dong Wang
Data Science MSc
Modules
Full-time and part-time study
Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life.
Modules are shown below for those starting their full-time course in September. If you choose to start in January, or part time, there are some differences in the core modules and options available in different teaching terms. Please contact us to confirm what modules will be available given your choice of start date and mode of study (eg part time)
The January-start version of this course is currently subject to validation, in line with our procedures for assuring the quality of our degrees. This means that some course detail may change. The validation process will be concluded before the course starts.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
All year
Spring teaching
- Data Science Masters Research Proposal
- Data Science Research Methods Spring (L7)
- Machine Learning
- Wider Topics in Data Science (L7)
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
This course is currently subject to validation, in line with our procedures for assuring the quality of our degrees. This means that some course detail may change. The validation process will be concluded before the course starts.
Paid project opportunities with UK employers
Gain work experience by tackling a real-life challenge faced by an organisation. Learn how to develop a project, work in a team and deliver your findings to a client in a supportive setting. Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Spirit of Sussex Award
Feel involved in life at the University, make friends and enrich your experience with us – the Spirit of Sussex Award is our way of recognising your extracurricular and voluntary achievements.
- Video transcript
Hi everyone! As I'm sure you've all heard by now, the Spirit of Sussex Award is now live.
Students across the Sussex community are already earning their points
What will you do to earn yours?
There's so many ways to get involved.
Head over to the website to start your Spirit of Sussex journey.
Text: The Spirit of Sussex Award is an exciting new programme designed to recognise and celebrate the things you do outside your course.
Participating in the Award makes it easy and fun for you to get involved and make the most of university life.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Careers
of Sussex postgraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course (University of Sussex Career Readiness data at point of graduation 2023/24)
When you graduate, you’ll be equipped with skills highly sought after by employers across a range of industries, from technology and finance to engineering and beyond.
In the past, our graduates have progressed to roles including:
- data analyst
- data scientist
- data engineer
- software developer
- technical consultant
Some of the organisations our graduates have gone on to work for include:
- Brand Watch
- Capita
- ITV
- Legal & General
- Siemens Mobility
- Shanghai Craiditx
The depth of knowledge provided by my Masters has proven invaluable, equipping me with the skills I need to succeed. It enhanced both my coding and mathematical skills while preparing me for my next stage of academic and professional development.”Aamir Raja
Data Science MSc graduate
Read Aamir’s story
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- one-to-one appointments with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you
Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024
Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024
Meet us
Masters Information Sessions
Visit campus and chat to staff and students.
Book your place
Online Masters Sessions
Join a live webchat.
Book your place
International
Contact us
+44 (0)1273 876787
Ask us a question
Quick links
Legal information
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.