MSc Mathematics and Data Science
This course combines mathematics with technology from data science (big data) and analytics, giving you practical applications in financial, business and medical systems, as well as the tools for studying the network structure that data can take.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma
- Start date January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
- Application notes For students who need a visa: we are closed for January 2024 entry.
- Duration September full-time 12 months; September part-time 24 months; January full-time 21 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
Overview
The field of data science has seen rapid growth in recent years, with vast amounts of data now being generated by major companies and service providers.
Yet, there is a recognised shortage of qualified analysts, both in the UK and globally, to make the most of this data and to meet the demands of industry. In particular, the demand is for graduates who can both manage the data (the computing skills), and analyse the data to extract patterns, build models and make predictions (the mathematics skills). It is only with these analytical skills can the full value of data be extracted.
Launched in 2018, our Masters is one of the
The course will provide you with a strong foundation in mathematical modelling and the analysis of data-driven systems and help you develop your computing skills, from programming Python and R, to advanced techniques including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to applying the techniques you learn on a large scale. You will learn the techniques used to approach data and build models using computational analysis and understand the mathematics underpinning these techniques.
Our graduates have gone on to work in financial institutions, major energy firms, sport and fitness, start-ups, software providers, NHS, Environmental agencies, the Scottish Government, as well as gone onto undertake PhDs in UK and across the world.
Stirling is associated with The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre that aims to develop the data science talent and skills required by industry in Scotland. It facilitates industry involvement and collaboration, and provides funding and resources for students.
"Shape your world with Stirling. I've come from the consulting industry to enhance my data science skill; and the student friendly faculty and concrete curriculum at The University of Stirling provided the right environment for me to do so."
Nuzhat Nishi
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to teach you the techniques for approaching data sets using computational analysis; to help you understand the mathematics underpinning these techniques; and to be confident in applying these techniques to real-life scenarios.
On successful completion of the MSc Mathematics and Data Science, you will be able to:
- analyse and solve real-world problems using different mathematical and computational approaches;
- build, parameterise and analyse mathematical models to real-life problems;
- expand mathematical methods to approach more complex problems;
- be competent in industry-relevant programming languages, including R, Python and Matlab;
- demonstrate skills in data analytics, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
- analyse small and large-scale data sets using mathematical and computational approaches;
- be confident in your own research and data science skills through real-life based projects.
Work placements
The course features a substantial summer project. Where available, these can be done in partnership with a company or technology provider.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Our team of academics in the department of Computing Science and Mathematics investigate novel and effective approaches to dynamic and uncertain real-world problems in complex systems and environments. They explore the interdisciplinary connections between computer science, mathematics, life sciences, social sciences and management.
We work collaboratively with a number of organisations, including The Data Lab (Scotland’s Data Science Innovation Centre, which supports students with funding, networking and routes to employment) and the Scottish Informatics and Computing Science Alliance (SICSA), to ensure our students have the best platform to succeed.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in a numerate subject, e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, economics; along with some evidence of a mathematical background, such as having taken and passed mathematics modules in at least some of calculus, algebra, statistics and numerical analysis.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
The MSc Mathematics and Data Science is taught by the Division of Computing Science and Mathematics in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. You'll learn from lectures and practical labs during the Autumn and Spring semesters. During the Autumn and Spring semesters, this course covers:
- statistical analysis techniques for small and large datasets (MATPMD1)
- basic and advanced programming using R, Matlab and Python (multiple modules)
- building and analysing mathematical models of real-life systems (MATPMD3)
- mathematical analysis of data networks, e.g. social media networks (MATPMD2)
- mathematical optimisation and computer-based search algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (MATPMD4)
- data analytics and machine learning (ITNPBD6)
- relational and non-relational databases* (ITNPBD3)
- cluster computing* (ITNPBD7)
*Optional modules for students starting in October.
In the summer semester, you will carry out a research dissertation project on an application of your choice. The project may be part of a cutting-edge research project at the university, it could be of your own design, or as part of a placement or consultancy project for a company, where possible. Past placements include Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, NHS, Tesco Bank and Filament – a data science start-up. (Many of these are arranged through the Data Lab for scholarship holders.)
For the course that starts in January, the duration of the course is 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2024 will graduate in November 2025. This decision was made to allow students to learn flexibly and enhance other skills during the summer months when teaching is not available.
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2023). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course Details
Teaching
Core teaching will take the form of lectures and recorded videos from the lecturer, allowing you to study at your own pace. In addition, you will have small group discussion groups and practical sessions. These allow you to ask questions, learn from peers and practice the material covered in the core teaching material.
During the summer, you will carry out a research project of your choice. This project is usually based around a real-life problem and requires the analysis of a data set or the building of a mathematical model. This provides a great opportunity to showcase the skills learnt during the course and demonstrate to employers you can use the skills developed.
We have a programme of invited speakers from industry giving you the opportunity to ask questions of people who are doing data science every day. Recent participants include MongoDB, SkyScanner and HSBC.
Assessment
Assessment is primarily through coursework and projects. These projects often involve analysing real-life data or applying the methods from the module to a specific application. There are also presentations, group assignments and research projects to further develop your skills.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | £10,350 | £10,900 |
| International (including EU) students | £21,845 | £22,900 |
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our UK/Republic of Ireland Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
Eligible international students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our UK/Republic of Ireland Alumni Scholarship or International Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 from Student Finance NI.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
As opposed to focussing on a single application or field, this course was designed to give you the core skills needed to go into various sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in financial institutions, energy firms, sport and fitness, start-ups, NHS and pharma, environmental agencies, government agencies, as well as undertaking PhDs in the UK and across the world.
Testimonial quotes
“I bridged my knowledge gap on mathematics, while learning data science, and I am now much more assured when working with numbers and data in general. The assignments and tutorials were effective in teaching the major programming languages – Python and R – and I am confident now in applying them to real-world projects.”
George Vekic
Employability skills
Our MSc Mathematics and Data Science was designed with employability firmly in mind. This has shaped the modules and how the course is assessed.
What our students said
Scotland
MSc Mathematics and Data Science
Read George's storyI’m really glad I finally took the plunge and returned to my studies to complete a master’s at Stirling.