Best UK Universities for Master’s in Data Science

11-Jun-2025

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

Best UK Universities for Master’s in Data Science

Data Science has rapidly become one of the most in-demand fields globally, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data. For international students seeking world-class education and global career opportunities, the UK is a top destination for a Master’s in Data Science.

This blog explores the top UK universities for Data Science, course highlights, entry requirements, and why the UK is a preferred choice for aspiring data scientists.

Why Study Data Science in the UK?

World-Renowned Institutions with top QS rankings.
Industry Collaborations with leading firms like IBM, Amazon, Google, and NHS.
1-Year Master’s Programs ideal for international students.
Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) allowing 2 years of stay post-graduation.
Strong Demand for Data Professionals across sectors including finance, healthcare, tech, and government.

Top 10 UK Universities for MSc in Data Science (2025)

University	QS World Rank 2025	Course Name	Type
University of Oxford	3	MSc in Social Data Science	Public Research
University of Cambridge	2	MPhil in Advanced Computer Science (Data Science Pathway)	Public Research
Imperial College London	6	MSc in Statistics (Data Science)	Public Research
University of Edinburgh	15	MSc in Data Science	Public Research
University College London (UCL)	9	MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning	Public Research
University of Manchester	28	MSc in Data Science	Public Research
University of Warwick	62	MSc in Data Analytics	Public Research
King’s College London	40	MSc in Data Science	Public Research
University of Southampton	81	MSc in Data and Decision Analytics	Public Research
University of Glasgow	76	MSc in Data Science	Public Research

Admission Requirements

While each university may vary slightly, typical entry requirements for international students include:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field
Minimum GPA equivalent to UK 2:1 (60–70%)
IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 (or equivalent TOEFL/PTE)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Academic References (1-2)
Resume/CV with relevant experience/projects

Some top-tier universities may require programming knowledge in Python, R, or Java.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs

University Tier	Annual Tuition Fee (GBP)	Estimated Living Costs (GBP/year)
Top-tier (Oxbridge, Imperial)	£30,000 – £38,000	£12,000 – £15,000
Mid-tier (UCL, Edinburgh, Warwick)	£25,000 – £32,000	£11,000 – £14,000
Affordable (Glasgow, Southampton)	£18,000 – £24,000	£9,000 – £12,000

Scholarships and bursaries are available for international students.

Career Opportunities After Graduation

The UK job market for data scientists is booming, with salaries ranging from £35,000 to £65,000+. Graduates find roles such as:

Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Developer
AI Researcher

Top employers hiring in the UK include:

Google UK
Amazon
BBC
HSBC
PwC
NHS Digital
Startups & Fintechs

With the UK Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa), you can work for up to 2 years after your course completion.

Why Choose Pollster Education for Your UK Journey?

Pollster Education provides free expert guidance for students interested in studying in the UK, especially in high-demand fields like Data Science.

Our services include:

Shortlisting universities based on your profile
Application and SOP assistance
IELTS coaching & test booking
Visa filing support
Pre-departure briefing & cultural orientation

We have successfully placed students in top UK universities like Imperial College London, University of Manchester, and UCL.

A Master’s in Data Science from the UK opens doors to global tech careers and innovation leadership. With world-class teaching, cutting-edge research, and strong job outcomes, the UK is an excellent choice for data enthusiasts.

Start your journey with Pollster Education—your trusted UK study expert.