Overview

This programme is new and is due to run as advertised, subject to final approval. To find out when applications open, register your interest with us.

The MSc Data Science for Business is an interdisciplinary program that combines the University of Bristol Business School and the School of Engineering Maths and Technology. It is designed for recent graduates aiming to navigate and shape a data-driven world. Over one year of full-time study, you will learn to manage and analyse large datasets and develop different digital skills to directly apply in business contexts.

This programme offers a balanced curriculum in data science and business strategies, allowing you to find your specialism in Sustainability, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or Finance. You will gain both the practical skills and strategic knowledge to tackle real-world business challenges as well as a competitive advantage in your future career.

Throughout the year, you will benefit from our advanced industry links through guest lectures and the opportunity to participate in live consulting projects. This programme is suitable for graduates from diverse educational backgrounds, including non-business and business-related fields, helping bridge the gap between your qualifications and the digital skills demanded by industry.

Programme structure

The programme structure is designed to provide students with a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum, combining data science training with business expertise relevant to data analytics applications.

Core units cover data science principles and business fundamentals, while focus units allow specialisation in areas like Sustainability, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or Finance.

The programme also includes an applied research project supervised across both schools.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in: Biomedical/Health and Life Sciences, Computer Science, Data Science, Decision Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance (but not Accounting and Finance), Management, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics, Statistics.

OR if your degree subject is not listed above, you must have evidence of one quantitative unit at 65% (or international equivalent) from this list:

Algebra/Linear Algebra/Calculus, Complex Functions/Systems, Data including Mining/Science/Analytics, Differential Equations/Ordinary Differential Equations, Financial Maths/Modelling, Game Theory, Geometry/Geotechnical, Maths for Business/Economics, Advanced/Decision/Discrete/Forecasting/Method/Modelling/Programming/Pure, Number Theory, Optimisation, Probability (including stochastic models/methods)/Proof, Statistics including Methods/Analysis, Computational Methods (including in the social sciences and research), Computer Science (incl programming/algorithms/physical computing), Electronic/Electrical Engineering/Electricity Magnetism, Engineering including Materials/Structural, Experiment (e.g. experimental design, studies or research; control trials), Management Science/ Network Science, Mechanics (any type of mechanics) /Mechatronics, Physics (all types of physics), Quantum Computing/Mechanics, System dynamics /Thermodynamics, Analysis/Business Analytics/Analytical chemistry/Multi Variate Analysis /Social network analysis/Time Series Analysis / Bayesian Modelling, Decision Analysis and Simulation/Decision Science, Derivatives, Econometrics, Equilibrium/Information Theory/Kinematics/Kinetics/Machine learning/Operational research/Optimisation, Macroeconomics/Microeconomics (also called Economics III/IV), Quantitative Methods, Research methods/techniques including health/medical/biomedical/natural sciences, Robotics/Simulation

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

  • a relevant postgraduate qualification which meets the subject or module requirements listed above.
  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum of 12 months paid in a business role).

Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

Home: full-time
£19,500 per year
Overseas: full-time
£33,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

This programme is structured to offer students a comprehensive foundation in digital knowledge and skills alongside a range of different business domains. It covers both quantitative and digital aspects and gives a deeper understanding of business. It will prepare students for a diverse array of professional settings, ensuring they are versatile and highly employable by filling the skill gaps that industries actually need.

Students in the MSc Data Science for Business programme will be actively encouraged to engage with careers and employability from the outset. Through units such as Data Analytics in Business Context, students will interact with concepts and practices directly transferrable to the modern business world. By integrating industry projects into the curriculum, particularly in the Applied Research Project, students will connect with businesses and industry networks, allowing them to cultivate professional relationships and understand the expectations of the job market.