Data scientists and big data analysts are highly sought-after professionals needed for problem identification and solving in every industry today. Data needs to be analysed everywhere, and there is a demand for people with good statistical skills, especially in banking and insurance.
Studying data analytics at a UK university promises high education standards, a two-year post-study work visa, placement options, high graduate employability and industry-recognised degrees. Graduates earn an average of nearly £30,000 six months after leaving university in the UK and enjoy great career prospects worldwide.
Learn about the best universities offering UK data science courses below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Data Science). Register for a free consultation with SI-UK India today to start your UK study application.
Top Five UK Universities for Data Science
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford offers a master's degree in Statistical Science to equip students with the skills to tackle real-world statistical challenges. The programme is designed for students with a strong background in mathematics, computer science, or a related field. It provides comprehensive training in machine learning, statistical modelling, data mining, and more. By the end of the course, you should be able to select an appropriate statistical technique to solve a given data analysis problem, implement the analysis using a computer, and present your findings clearly and concisely.
This training is delivered through rigorous lectures and problem-solving sessions that require a strong mathematical background and practical sessions in the computer lab, report writing, and dissertation supervision. With guidance from your supervisor, you will have approximately three months to conduct independent research for your dissertation, providing a significant opportunity for self-directed study and exploration.
- Suggested course: MSc in Statistical Science
- International fees: £32,760
2. University College London
The Data Science MSc at University College London provides students with a comprehensive education in data science theory, techniques, and tools. It aims to prepare students with the computational and statistical skills to tackle data-driven problems through data science. By emphasizing statistical thinking and utilising modern computational methods, students will gain analytical tools to design complex technical solutions.
The programme is designed for students with a strong quantitative background, including mathematics, computer science, and engineering. It covers various topics, including machine learning, data mining, statistical inference, and visualisation. Students can collaborate with industry partners on real-world projects and gain practical experience through coursework and project work.
- Suggested course: Data Science MSc
- International fees: £35,900
3. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a UK top ten institute that offers a lucrative data science course focusing on data science and applied statistics. The full-time programme for a year offers exceptional training in theoretical and practical statistics, emphasising Data Science. The curriculum comprises modules highlighting various tools and methods for managing and analysing large datasets. These include theories of machine learning, techniques for data transformation and representation, data visualisation, and analytic software usage.
With a world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, Imperial College London's data science course prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in academia, industry, and government in one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields of the 21st century.
- Suggested course: MSc Statistics (Data Science)
- International fees: £30,000
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a master's in data science that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including machine learning, data mining, statistical modelling, and more. Studying data science at Scotland’s top university will focus on informatics research, understanding patterns, and making data predictions. Topics will include machine learning, statistics optimization, and data management.
You'll learn to extract patterns from large data streams. This involves machine learning to make predictions and algorithms to handle big data. Specialised areas exist for unstructured data like text, images, and speech. Scalable systems require knowledge from algorithms and databases. The course curriculum emphasises data science's ethical and social implications, ensuring graduates are technically skilled and responsible data practitioners.
- Suggested course: Data Science MSc
- International fees: £35,900
5. King's College London
King's College London, one of the UK's most prominent learning centres, offers an MSc in Data Science that equips graduates with advanced technical and practical data collection, analysis, and curation skills. Ideal for those with quantitative backgrounds or relevant work experience, the programme offers a comprehensive understanding of current data science methods and techniques.
Ranked 7th in the UK for Computer Science (QS World Rankings by subject 2024), the Department of Informatics delivers research-led teaching supervised by leading experts. Students engage with diverse areas, including algorithms, cybersecurity, and software systems, and they study innovative modules that combine theory with practical application. This programme promotes a valuable skill set, preparing graduates for future success in data science.
- Suggested course: Data Science MSc
- International fee: £35,244
Study Data Science
If you would like to learn more about how to apply to the above UK universities, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Masters in Data Science FAQ
In the United Kingdom, the average tuition fee for master’s in data science courses is £23,000 annually.
The demand for data science, data analysis, and data engineering skills continues to grow in the job market. That means more people looking for tech positions and non-tech occupations like healthcare and retail need qualified candidates with these skills.
Data science can be a career that pays well. As long as you apply yourself to learning and mastering the skills, you can impact the companies where you work and make money doing it. Salaries for junior data scientists range between £25,000 and £30,000. With experience, they can range between £40,000 and £60,000. Lead and chief data scientists can earn upwards of £60,000, sometimes more than £100,000.
You must meet the following criteria to register for Data Science programmes in the UK. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject comparable to a UK second-class honours degree from an institution acceptable to the university.
If you want to find employment with a competitive salary quickly, then a master’s in data science at a university such as Warwick or LSE is what you should focus on.