Overview
Mathematics and data science are closely connected. Data science methodologies are built on mathematical principles. Understanding them is crucial for aspiring data scientists (source: Institute of Data 2023).
The demand for graduates in this field is growing rapidly fuelled by advances in technology and the increasing importance of data (source: Data Science Jobs 2025). Employers seek individuals with computing skills to manage data and mathematical skills to analyse it. This involves identifying patterns, building models, and making predictions.
Our Masters degree in Mathematics and Data Science emphasises the practical application of mathematics for data science. You’ll develop skills that are highly sought after in the data industry.
Gain practical maths and data science experience
On our Mathematics and Data Science MSc, you get the opportunity to work with academics on commercially relevant research projects. You can also take part in projects with industry or technology providers. Past projects include:
- Intergen: Data driven forecasting of UK electricity market imbalances
- Natwest: Building enterprise scale machine learning ops - model monitoring toolkits
- Scottish National Investment Bank: The decarbonisation of heat in Scotland
- SportScotland Institute of Sport: Analysis of swimming race data
- Streamba Ltd: Assessing methods for robust data preparation of heterogeneous sources
- Eden Court Highlands: Live audience analysis
- National Records of Scotland: Seasonal adjustment of mortality
- BBC World Service: Analysis of shifts in political/public opinion using time series analysis and natural language processing tools
Learn cutting edge skills which are in demand from employers
You'll gain hands on industry standard skills and knowledge from lecturers with research expertise in mathematical modelling, data science and AI. The course covers:
- statistical analysis of large datasets and data in network form, e.g. social media networks;
- basic and advanced programming using R, Matlab and Python;
- building and analysing mathematical models of real-life systems;
- probability, stochastic optimisation and artificial intelligence;
- data analytics and machine learning;
- relational and non-relational databases;
- cluster computing.
Engage with the data science industry
This data science and mathematics Masters degree offers a great chance to build your professional network with peers and industry leaders.
You’ll benefit from our strong ties with The Data Lab innovation centre who offer networking opportunities.
You’ll also engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include Huawei, Bigspark, Red Star (AI for healthcare), Virtonomy, KBC Group, and Leonardo UK.
Top reasons to study with us
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, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre 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, University of Stirling International Study Centre 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
For students interested in a January start, the course duration is 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2025 will graduate in November 2026.
Modules
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
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling 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 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.
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
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 £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
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
Data analyst and scientist roles are in the top 10 global jobs expected to grow fastest between 2023 and 2027 (source: World Economic Forum survey 2023).
The average mathematics and data science salary in the United Kingdom is £46,792 per year. Entry level positions start at £38,383 per year while most experienced workers make up to £58,949 per year (source: UK Talent 2025).
A degree in data science opens many career paths in different sectors:
- Banking and finance
- Data driven marketing
- Sport and fitness
- Health and medicine
- Conservation and environmental services
- Academia (PhD)
Graduates find employment in roles such as:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Quantitative Model Risk Analyst
- Researcher
Our graduates have gone on to work in financial institutions, energy firms, sport and fitness, start-ups, NHS and pharma, environmental agencies, government agencies in the UK and across the world. Specific roles have included:
- Senior Credit Model Risk Analyst
- Client Assurance Intelligence Analyst
- Assistant Statistician
- Data Scientist
Companies that graduates have found employment with include TSB Bank, UST, the Scottish Government and the Aberdeen Group.
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