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Data Science at UEA
Find out more about studying Data Science at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Data Science with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
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In the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
The Complete University Guide 202492%
Of our research output is rated as "World-Leading" or "Internationally Excellent”
Research Excellence Framework (REF)Course Overview
Why MSc Data Science with a Placement Year at UEA?
MSc Data Science with a Placement Year bridges the gap between academic theory and modern industry practice. You’ll tackle applied projects across diverse domains ranging from healthcare to environmental science. Our hands-on approach is specifically designed to boost your employability, transforming complex data into actionable insights that global employers value.
Why Choose UEA
- Industry integrated: Prepare for your future with our cutting-edge, real-world data science curriculum Integrated with industry practice
- Interdisciplinary research: you'll tackle applied projects across diverse domains, gaining the flexibility to integrate your learning directly into your current workplace
- Career focused: With a dedicated focus on employability and career development, you’ll be positioned perfectly for a successful career in tech landscape
What is MSc Data Science with a Placement Year?
This two-year MSc Data Science with a Placement Year programme provides a comprehensive foundation in data science, combining practical experience with advanced theoretical knowledge in areas such as data mining and statistics. You’ll develop the skills and expertise needed to pursue high-level careers across a wide range of industries.
You can customise your learning through specialised modules in Artificial Intelligence, Programming, and Database Manipulation to suit your specific professional goals. As a student, you'll join a vibrant research community that has pioneered techniques in KDD and ensemble methods with applications ranging from finance to agritech.
The programme emphasises the development of a practical skill set that is essential for modern businesses to make strategic, data-driven decisions. You'll gain versatile transferable skills and excellent graduate career prospects, including the opportunity to progress to a PhD.
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Placement Year
This course includes an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience as part of your Master’s degree and develop the practical skills employers are looking for.
Throughout your studies, you’ll complete an employability programme designed to prepare you for the UK workplace and support you in securing a placement that aligns with your career goals. You’ll benefit from employability workshops, one-to-one coachingand guidance from our specialist placement partner to help you build your confidence and strengthen your applications.
During your placement year, you’ll either undertake an industry placement or complete three employer-led industry projects with different UK organisations. This additional year allows you to apply your knowledge in a professional environment, gain real-world experience and enhance your career prospects after graduation.
You’ll take the lead in searching for your placement, with dedicated support available throughout the process. If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three structured projects designed with employers, giving you the opportunity to work on real challenges across a range of UK sectors.
Find out more at Postgraduate Placement Year(opens in a new window).
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Data Science with a Placement Year, you could launch a career as a:
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Data systems developer
Career Support
Throughout our courses at UEA, you’ll gain knowledge and skills that contribute to your professional success. You'll be supported by our Career Central(opens in a new window) team through their tailored mentoring and industry-specific guidance. We’ll equip you with the necessary skills to build your professional confidence. We’ll support you in the process of securing rewarding, high-quality roles in the competitive job markets.
Our approach delivers proven results: 89% of our graduates move into professional-level employment or pursue further advanced study within 15 months of graduation. Whether you aim to enter the workforce immediately or continue your studies toward a PhD, we support you by mentoring and networking opportunities you need along your way.
After the Course
After you graduate, our Career Central(opens in a new window) team will continue to support you. You'll step into the professional world not only with a prestigious degree but also with the backing of our extensive Alumni Network. This vibrant community connects you with former students now leading innovation in top-tier tech firms, startups, and research institutions worldwide.
Whether you choose to dive straight into a high-impact development role or use your new expertise as a gateway into a PhD degree, you'll have a world of mentorship and networking opportunities at your fingertips. You’re graduating into a tradition of success, joining a fleet of innovators who are shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow.
Study and Modules
Structure
On this course, you’ll take compulsory modules in professional skills, data mining, statistics and either artificial intelligence or visualisation or both.
Alongside this, you’ll take two optional modules from a variety of topics in the areas of Python for data science, database manipulation, computer vision or audio and visual processing.
A key element of the course is your dissertation, which will give you the chance to explore a topic or work on a problem (which may be with an industry partner) in depth, under the supervision of our tutors or faculty members.
As part of your Master’s degree, you’ll complete an Employability Skills module designed to prepare you for your placement year through practical career development activities, workshops and personalised support.
You’ll develop essential skills in areas such as CV writing, interview preparation and professional networking, helping you to build confidence and prepare for the UK workplace. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis, and successful completion is required to progress to the placement year.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll complete a 60-credit placement module, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience relevant to your discipline. During the first semester, you’ll focus on securing a placement, supported by dedicated employability specialists and a programme of in-person workshops.
These sessions will help you reflect on your career goals, strengthen your applications and plan your professional development. If you’re unable to secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three employer-led industry projects with different organisations, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.
The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis through a portfolio documenting your placement search and a reflective report on your placement or industry project experience.
By the end of your degree, you’ll have developed valuable professional skills, expanded your understanding of your chosen sector, strengthened your CV and professional network, and gained the confidence to take the next step in your career.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Depending on your module choices, you’ll have several hours of contact time each week with the teaching staff. This will include a mix of lectures, seminars, and lab sessions, with seminars and labs designed to reinforce and build on the lecture content.
The course has both theoretical and practical elements, so you’ll get hands-on experience in data mining and statistical software and very important soft skills crucial for employability. You’ll even have the opportunity to participate in commercial data mining projects as part of your assessment, gaining experience on all stages of the KDD process.
Your individual study (around 25 hours per week) will complement formal teaching and will evolve along with your skills and expertise in data analysis.
Your dissertation will also form a key part of your course, which will involve extensive independent study supported by your supervisor.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module as well as your employability skills. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there’s an individual project, assessed through a combination of written work and demonstrations or presentations.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Computing, Mathematics or a related subject that evidences an ability in maths, statistics, data handling or database manipulation. Your application should also demonstrate some programming experience either in other qualifications or work experience.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Computing, Mathematics or a related subject that evidences an ability in maths, statistics, data handling or database manipulation. Your application should also demonstrate some programming experience either in other qualifications or work experience.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £12,350
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International Students: £25,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.