Data and Decision Analytics (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject that involves some quantitative training, such as: 

• computer science 
• economics 
• engineering 
• mathematics 
• physics 
• statistics

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time MSc which runs over 12-months from September to the following September. There are 2 semesters of taught material.  You’ll then complete an MSc project (usually in the summer).  

In semesters 1 and 2  you'll study a combination of modules that everyone on the course must study, and additional modules you'll get to choose from a range of options. These will provide you with the necessary foundations in operational research and statistics.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include: 

• careers talks from external organisations 
• employability skills training 
• computer programming 
• collecting and analysing data 
• using IT for optimisation, simulation, and statistical software 
• coursework 
• individual and group projects

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• coursework and essays 
• a dissertation 
• group essays 
• individual and group projects 
• written exams

Dissertation

You'll need to submit a dissertation on your project work soon after the end of the taught period of study. You'll be required to complete their work by the middle of September.

Academic Support

Your contact hours will vary depending on your module/option choices. Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module profiles.

Data science has seen an unparalleled expansion as the data-driven economy grows. Having a good understanding of the process of deriving actionable insights from data opens-up a huge amount of career options.  

Increasingly organisations require skilled professionals who can handle large datasets and managers who can utilise the resulting analysis to make impactful decisions. The nature of the work brings MSc Data and Decision Analytics graduates into early contact with senior management which can offer opportunities for rapid career advancement. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £19,850.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

You are eligible for this scholarship if you:

• are an international student who hasn’t taken a master's with us before

• are enrolling to start a master's in September 2020

• gained a 1st class honours degree at undergraduate level

If you meet these criteria you’ll be awarded an automatic £3,000 scholarship. This will mean a £3,000 reduction in your tuition fees. We’ll confirm your scholarship in your offer letter.

Unfortunately this offer isn’t open to UK / EU students.

Full terms and conditions.

This course is part of the Shared Scholarship Scheme, an initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities to support students from developing commonwealth countries.  

You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are: 

• from a developing commonwealth country 
• would not be able to study a master’s degree in the UK 

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll usually make one of 4 decisions:

1. Offer you a place on this course
2. Offer you a place on a different course which we think suits you better
3. Tell you that we'll consider your application a second time in the next stage
4. Tell you that your application has been unsuccessful

If we decide to consider your application a second time in the next stage, this will only happen once.

If we offer you a place, you'll need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we'll offer your place to another applicant.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000