Build the statistical, machine-learning and engineering skills to turn data into decisions. A flagship, industry-aligned master's with a paid placement option at one of the UK's most targeted universities by graduate employers.
1 year
Full-time duration
£29,500
Tuition (international)
September 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked 35th in the world and 7th in the UK (QS 2026)
✓ Join one of the UK's most targeted universities by top graduate employers(High Fliers 2026)
✓ Qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa
This MSc gives you a rigorous foundation in the principles and practice of data science, from probability and statistical modelling to modern machine learning and large-scale data engineering. You'll work with real datasets and industry partners throughout.
Graduates leave job-ready for roles in analytics, machine learning and research — and qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with data science and analytics at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (2:1 or equivalent) in a quantitative subject (GPA 3.0+)
English
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL 90
Documents
Transcripts, SOP, two references, passport
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Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 Statistical Foundations
02 Machine Learning
03 Data Engineering at Scale
04 Deep Learning & AI
05 Data Visualisation
06 Industry Dissertation
After you graduate
Career outcomes
£42,000
Median starting salary for graduates in data roles
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
94%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
BBC, AstraZeneca, Booking.com, Barclays
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – March 2026
Submit via Manchester portal
Apply through the University of Manchester's online admissions system. Rolling admissions — early application recommended as the programme fills quickly.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
Manchester typically responds within 4–6 weeks. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps you accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange accommodation in Manchester.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in Manchester for orientation and begin your MSc Data Science programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£29,500
Deposit
Required before CAS / visa
£2,500
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Manchester and the UK government offer strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Manchester Master's Bursary
University of Manchester · Merit-based
£5,000–£8,000
Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International postgraduate taught students with strong academic record
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Varies — typically March for September entry
Source: manchester.ac.uk funding pages, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies by university — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
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Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in Manchester
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Manchester has a thriving tech scene — MediaCityUK, the BBC, and numerous startups offer strong student employment.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Manchester
Manchester is significantly more affordable than London while offering a vibrant student lifestyle and excellent transport links.
Rent (student housing)£400–£700
Food & groceries£120–£200
Transport£40–£70
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£80–£180
Estimated total£680–£1,225/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months — you must show this in your bank statements for the visa.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Manchester
Financial proof
£1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
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Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Manchester's Data Science course is incredibly industry-focused — the dissertation was with a real company, and I got a job offer before graduation. My counsellor secured me an £8,000 bursary that I didn't even know existed."
AH
Ahmed H.
MSc Data Science, Manchester — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"Living in Manchester is so much more affordable than London — I saved thousands on rent. The campus is amazing and the tech scene here is booming. My counsellor handled everything from application to visa."
SF
Sara F.
MSc Data Science, Manchester — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need for this MSc?
You need a quantitative undergraduate degree (2:1 or equivalent, GPA 3.0+) — this includes computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, or economics with strong quantitative modules. Programming experience (Python preferred) is helpful but not mandatory.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. After that, your employer can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. Data science roles are in high demand across the UK.
Is Manchester affordable compared to London?
Significantly. Rent alone can be 40–50% cheaper than London. Budget £680–£1,225/month for living costs in Manchester vs £1,120–£2,035 in London. The UKVI maintenance requirement is also lower: £1,023/month outside London vs £1,334 in London.
Does the programme include a placement?
Manchester offers an industry dissertation option where you work on a real project with a partner company. Some programmes also offer a paid placement year, extending the degree to 2 years. Ask your counsellor which option suits your goals best.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
