MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing
    Go to University of Reading

    MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing

    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Reading
    University Rank:#194
    Go to Official Website
    Duration12 month(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 42,731 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing

    About

    Join the next generation of data scientists and meet the challenges of the Information Age with our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing.

    On this course, you’ll work with experts from the Department of Computer Science to develop in-depth knowledge of:

    • data analysis and data-driven knowledge discovery
    • cloud computing
    • machine learning and artificial intelligence

    This knowledge is vital. Computer science is driving our digital transformation; it is at the forefront of scientific discovery and the heart of economic growth. Utilising society’s wealth of data requires people who can blend research, technology and ingenuity.

    Aimed at aspiring data scientists – the sought-after, high-ranking professionals of big data – this course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. The degree has been designed for graduates of computer science and its related disciplines, as well as IT professionals and data analysts.

    With the exponential growth of data being produced and the rise of automation in the workplace, our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course aims to meet the high demand for skilled data scientists and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists. The UK Government has identified AI and data as one of the ‘four grand challenges’ of global trends that will transform our future, making our graduates highly valued and sought-after.

    Your studies will be supported by access to dedicated facilities, which include:

    • a rich software catalogue, plus dedicated computer laboratories, available Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00
    • access to the Reading Academic Computing Cluster (RACC), a Linux cluster consisting of 500 CPU cores and several GPU nodes
    • a master’s project/study room, featuring dual monitor PCs, a seating area, and a screen for practising presentations
    • further resources including Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets, mobile phone and Raspberry pi devices, external web hosting via cPanel and a specialist wireless network to support mobile robots.

    Additionally, Reading has the fourth highest number of digital tech organisations in the UK, beaten only by London, Manchester and Brighton. Take advantage of this by making connections with like-minded industry people at local tech and developer meet-ups. You can raise your own professional profile while solving real-world problems and talking through the latest cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

    Our location also means you’ll be ideally placed to connect directly with some of the biggest companies in the industry. Several of these companies are actively involved in the development and review of this course. Companies currently participating in our Industrial Advisory Board include Nationwide, Oracle, Sony, Microsoft and IBM.

    100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Computer Science and Informatics). You will also have access to Reading’s specialist areas of computing research, including:

    • Big data analytics. Applications include remotely sensed data analysis and interpretation, weather forecasting, and communication data stream analysis.
    • Computational vision. Applications include visual surveillance, border control and security, machine learning for image and video-based prediction and classification.
    • Cloud computing. Applications include data security and network security.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry requirements: Normally at least a high 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in computing or a related discipline. These include (but are not limited to) mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, economics, or relevant work experience. You must have some experience of programming.

    IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

    Pre-sessional English language Programme

    Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

    Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

    To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

    Career

    Careers for MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing

    The MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course offers strong career prospects in a world where digital information penetrates almost every aspect of society.

    The knowledge and skills you will acquire are relevant to the IT and high-tech industries, as well as the majority of industrial and scientific domains. You will also benefit from the KNIME Certification Program, enabling you to develop your skills using a leading industry-relevant Data Science platform.

    Benefit from our close links with industry neighbours, and our location at the centre of a major high-technology hub. The headquarters of companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard (HP) and Intel are all within a few miles of our main campus. Local tech employers also visit our Department to deliver guest lectures and attend job fairs.

    Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of sectors, including finance and government. Some have gone on to work for consultancies or multinational companies, while others have furthered their research at Reading or other institutions.

    Read more about where our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing graduates are now

    • Fabio Cappello went on to join the research and development department of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
    • Chengcheng Cui is now an application developer at M&G Investments.
    • Deyan Dyankov works as Associate Director, Algorithmic Trading Model Validation at UBS Investment Bank

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    42,731 / year

    How to Apply

    1. Check our entry requirements

    Please see our postgraduate subject finder for minimum entry requirements for the programme you are interested in; entry requirements can vary from one programme to another. International students can consult our country-specific pages for information and guidance on alternative qualification equivalencies for master’s study.

    If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet our English language requirements. You can find the IELTS requirements on each course page. We also accept a range of alternative English language qualifications.

    If your English ability is not at the required standard, you can choose to apply for one of our Pre-sessional English programmes. The programmes will equip you with the study skills and preparation needed for academic study in English. The length of your Pre-sessional English programme is determined by your current level of English against the English language requirements of your chosen master’s programme.

    2. Application and funding deadlines

    Although most master’s programmes do not formally close for applications, some programmes do have application deadlines; if your programme has a deadline it will be specified on the course page under the ‘Entry requirements’ section. For programmes that do not have a specific application deadline, places may be limited and programmes may become full. We recommend that you apply as early as possible (particularly if you are an international student) to allow time not only for us to process your application, but for you to ensure that you can meet any offer conditions, arrange your accommodation and, importantly, funding for your studies.  For admission in September, we do recommend that you apply by 1 August (if you are a UK applicant) and 1 July (if you are an international applicant requiring a visa to come to the UK) however, we are happy to still consider applications after these dates.

    International applicants should also see our advice and guidance on visas and immigration.

    Funding deadlines

    We require an offer of study for many of our master’s scholarships and bursaries. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, and each scholarship or bursary will have specific application instructions. We may add scholarships throughout the year, so it is a good idea to re-visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

    3. Submit your application

    You can apply for master’s programmes directly through our online application system, RISIS. For our PGCE/Teacher Training programmes, applications must be made via the Department of Education's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training portal. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation. 

    Various documents are needed to make your application. You should electronically upload:

    • full transcripts of all degree programmes taken. If these are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Please do not mail original copies; we only require PDF copies via electronic upload,
    • an English language certificate (for example IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language (this can also be provided after you submit your application),
    • contact details for two academic/professional references. Your references will automatically be invited via email to upload their reference directly once you have submitted your application. Please remind your references to check their junk/spam filters for the email and let them know that the link to the form is only valid for 20 days,
    • statement of purpose. Your personal statement should outline your academic performance, interest in applying to master’s study, any relevant work experience and skills gained,
    • a copy of your passport (for international students).

    Application fee

    We do not charge an application fee to apply for our master’s programmes.

    4. Track your application

    You can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading, a personalised resource including information about your programme of study, student stories and what's happening here at Reading. It has everything you need to know, all in one place. When we have made a decision on your application, we will contact you via email. If we are able to make you an offer for a place to study, your offer will contain information about what to do next, including how to accept your offer, pay a deposit (if applicable), and any conditions you must meet to study with us.  

    MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing
    University of Reading
    University of Reading
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Reading

    Go to Official Website