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MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing

Year of entry
2025/26
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months

Year of entry
2025/26
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months

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.

Overview

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

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.

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.

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 British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Applied Data Science with Python

Learn to work proficiently with Python tools for data science. You’ll gain hand-on experience through practical work and simple programming tasks and also develop a set of transferable and professional skills.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Learn current methods in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and their application using Python programming language. You’ll also be able to formulate research problems, write technical reports and use your knowledge and skills to continue learning and adapting to new data science technologies.

Research Project

Undertake an original research investigation and acquire the skills needed to carry out your own research and/or data analysis. You’ll be provided the opportunity to develop your own special interest in the field of study as you work on your research project.

Big Data and Cloud Computing

Understand the concepts and design principles for big data management and advanced, network-centric computing platforms. You’ll also develop key professional skills such as software development documentation and project management, and learn how to clearly communicate data science concepts, solutions and outputs.

Data Science Algorithms and Tools

Discover data science concepts and principles, data analytics workflow, data mining algorithms, and tools for the design, management and deployment of the knowledge discovery process. You’ll gain hands-on experience of solving data science problems with real-world data, and become adept at team working, problem solving, technical report writing, self-reflection, and effective use of data science software.

Data Security and Ethics

Explore theoretical frameworks of data security, common security threats, and security countermeasures. You’ll examine what ‘acting ethically’ means and how law is created and enforced, supported by a range of case studies related to significant legal and ethical issues.

Mathematics and Statistics for Data Science

Develop your skills, knowledge and expertise related to key mathematical and statistical concepts to support your learning and engagement with the programme content.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £12,800

New international students: £30,950

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Scholarships and financial support

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

For further tuition fee information, please contact us.

Careers

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

Study in dedicated facilities

Earn an accredited degree

Scholarships

Many reasons drove my choice to study at Reading: besides the excellent campus and location, what particularly attracted me was the content of the course, with modules focused on the most modern topics in Computer Science.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z