Overview
This research-based master's programme will equip you with the specialist skills, knowledge and research expertise required to progress your career as a data analyst across multiple industries and research fields. You will develop a critical, research-led awareness of state-of-the-art data science and be able to demonstrate the practical skills to create value in its application to business, scientific and other domains.
The MSc by Research comprises two terms of taught modules – please see below for details – amounting 60 credits. These are followed by a third term of research methods in information systems and an extended dissertation which together make up the remaining 120 credits.
You will have the opportunity to work with Brunel doctoral students and some of the world’s leading researchers within a range of research groups, including the Intelligent Data Analysis Group, Modelling & Simulation Group and Human Computer Interaction group, all based within our Department of Computer Science.
Alongside the technical content of the programme, you will develop a broader set of skills including study skills and employment skills through teamwork, guest lectures or workshops with industry, and dissertation projects with industrial/academic collaborations.
The programme offers both exciting career prospects in industry and research, or a route to further studies in a PhD pathway.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
Compulsory
- Quantitative Data AnalysisThe aim of this module is to develop knowledge and skills of the quantitative data analysis methods that underpin data science. Content covers a practical understanding of core statistical methods in data science application and research, such as bivariate and multivariate methods, regression and graphical models. A focus is also placed on learning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of methods alongside an understanding of how and when to use or combine methods.
- Modern DataThe aim of this module is to provide an introduction to data management and exploration. An overview of current industry standard processes to modern data analysis will be presented, and you will learn to design and plan a predictive analytics project. Basic concepts of data management and retrieval will be discussed. Well established strategies and approaches to data understanding, data preparation and cleaning will be presented.
- Research Project ManagementThis module aims to develop and deploy the skills necessary to design a scholarly piece of research work to address an identified problem area within the chosen field of study.
- High Performance Computational InfrastructuresThis module aims to develop knowledge and skills necessary for working effectively with the large-scale data storage and processing infrastructures that underpin data science. You will develop both practical skills and an ability to reflect critically on concepts, theory and appropriate use of infrastructure. Content covers highly scalable cloud computing tools, for example Hadoop, and in-memory approaches, such as Spark.
- Research Methods in Information Systems and Computer Science
Module description to come
- Extended Dissertation
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Your MSc by Research in Data Science and Analytics from Brunel focuses on creating T-shape researchers. It will equip you with critical, research-led awareness of the state-of-the-art in data science together with practical skills necessary to create value in application to business, scientific and/or social domains. Your MSc by Research in Data Science and Analytics from Brunel will equip you to work in leading data science organisations and/or pursuit further research qualifications at a PhD level.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
2:2 or equivalent internationally recognised qualification. A wide range of disciplines are acceptable, for example: Science; Technology; Engineering; Mathematics; and Computing
Applicants are required to submit a 400 word “research brief”. This should outline your research interests in the field of Data Science. You will not be committed to this research area if you take up a place with us, but it will help to give us a sense of your knowledge and interests. Your brief should include:
- An introductory outline of a research project that could reasonably be completed with 6-8 months of research
- Research questions: include up to 3 research questions or problems that will guide your research
- Literature:outline the relevant literature that relates to your research questions, and that you are interested in exploring further
- Methodology and evaluation: how will you carry out the research including how you will evaluate the work? Identify some of the key methods which you expect to use in your research project.
The research brief should also include your suggestions (up to three) for potential supervisors from the academic staff in the Department of Computer Science.
Following a successful evaluation of your research brief and qualifications, you will be invited to an interview.
EU and International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2025/6 entry
UK
£14,435 full-time
International
£24,795 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Taught modules in the first two terms are typically delivered in person, on campus via lectures, seminars/tutorials, practical work, as well as directed self-learning. Where appropriate, other teaching methods will also be incorporated and guest lectures delivered by industry experts may be offered. All learning is supported by our Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), Brightspace.
Assessment and feedback
Your progress will be assessed by a balance of coursework, class tests and exams. Assessments range from written reports/essays through to conceptual/statistical modelling and programming exercises.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.
