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MSc Data Science and Machine Learning with Advanced Project
Why choose Herts?
- Employment Prospects: Graduates in our department are now data scientists, data engineersand data analytics consultants working for organisations including BT, IBM and Microsoft. 96% of postgraduates are in work or study (Graduate Outcomes, 2025)1
- Work placement opportunities: You have a one-year placement option enabling you to gain real industry experience. Students secure placements with organisations including NatWest, Sparta Global and Sky
- Industry connections: Benefit from our strong links with the computing industry. We work with employers such as Microsoft and Hewlett Packard for students to engage in careers fairs and industry sessions.
Professional Accreditations
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
About the course
This course is part of our master's courses in computer science. There are three award routes that you can choose to study:
- MSc Data Science and Machine Learning
- MSc Data Science and Maacine Learning with Extended Professional Practice
- MSc Data Science and Machine Learning with Advanced Project
The MSc Data Science and Machine Learning with Advanced Project draws on our internationally recognised research in data science and machine learning and is informed by current industry practice.
You will develop advanced knowledge of data science techniques, including data pre-processing, cleaning, analytics, and modelling.
The postgraduate degree combines theoretical understanding with hands-on technical training, helping you develop the skills you need to work with complex datasets and apply data-driven solutions to the real-world challenges. You’ll develop the ability to write clean and efficient code in industry-recognised languages including Python and R, alongside developing techniques in data handling, manipulation, mining and visualisation techniques.
Data is the currency of all but the most theoretically-based scientific research, and it also underpins our modern world. Data science skills are increasingly in demand across industries worldwide with opportunities in areas such as technology, finance, healthcare, government and research.
Why choose this course?
- One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate master's courses in computer science, this particular course provides you with a specialism in data science and machine learning.
- You will be taught by a highly regarded and long-established computer science department, with 90% of its research ranked as world-leading (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
- Gain hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of data science and machine learning applications. You will study image processing, time series analysis, and natural language processing, with applications in finance, healthcare, marketing, and both real-time and historical data contexts.
- Develop practical teamwork experience by applying skills in cloud computing, big data, machine learning, and data visualisation using industry-standard tools.
- Build expertise using industry-relevant tools and practices, including system administration, cloud computing, software development, database administration, machine learning, and data visualisation. You will also learn to critically review and evaluate emerging technologies and research, enabling you to adapt to new challenges in data engineering.
- Acquire fundamental mathematical knowledge essential for data science, including linear algebra, set theory, advanced calculus, probability, and statistics. You will learn to apply these foundations as computational techniques to solve real-world problems.
- Explore research-informed topics in neural network theory and design, gaining insight into the technologies underpinning modern tools such as large language models. Teaching draws on the school’s research strengths in biocomputation, evolutionary algorithms, and neural networks.
- Complete an Advanced Project module and work as part of a team across disciplines on a large-scale project, designed to reflect industry practice. You will develop the collaboration, leadership and delivery skills needed in professional roles.
1from 2022/23 graduates, in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.
What will I study?
The course is delivered through a combination of core modules that develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills in data science and machine learning. You will cover key areas including data engineering and teamwork, real-world data science applications, mathematical and programming foundations, neural networks and machine learning, and responsible technology practice. In the final project, you apply your knowledge and skills to an independent, substantial piece of work in data science and machine learning.
You can expect to use tools such as Jupyter Notebook/Lab with Python libraries for visualisation and machine learning, PySpark, SQL, Git, MATLAB, R and more. Some modules include hands-on experience with Linux-based environments for developing and deploying data analysis workflows.
Alongside taught modules and individual MSc project, you will complete an Advanced Project module. This includes both taught content in project management and teamwork, and a team-based project where you will collaborate with other students to deliver a complex, predefined project.
Where will I study?
Learn in our new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building (SPECS), where you’ll benefit from a range of experiential learning zones.
The computer science laboratories are home to telecommunications, robotics and UX empathy labs, with a variety of research spaces that range from dark rooms to clean rooms, and sample prep labs to calibration and assembly labs.
Spectra also provides space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.
You will also benefit from our Academic Support Hub, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.
Further course information
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSc Data Science and Machine Learning with Advanced Project - Full Time, Sem A | Download |
| MSc Data Science and Machine Learning with Advanced Project - Full Time, Sem B | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |