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Data Science and AI

MSc

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:

October 2026 | January 2027

Study route:

October start:

  • One year full-time, on campus
  • Two years part-time, on campus

January start:

  • One year full-time, on campus
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:

Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our MSc Data Science and AI offers you an intensive course to help you gain important skills and knowledge in data science and artificial intelligence.

  • Why choose this course?
    • This course is ideal if you are new to the subject of computer science and wish to gain the foundations for a successful career in IT as a data scientist or analyst, or wish to gain a deeper understanding of how current AI methods work. 
    • If you are already working in IT, this course provides you with the opportunity to strengthen and update your knowledge and skills in data science as well as equipping you with important new practical skills in the dynamic and growing area of artificial intelligence.
    • The modules you will take on both data science and AI are taught by experts in the field who regularly publish their research in these areas.

  • What will I learn?

    You will gain a broad knowledge of data science including tools, techniques and applications, and acquire valuable practical problem-solving and analytical skills. You will also acquire strong programming and data analysis skills using Python and R - the most popular programming languages used by data scientists today. 

    Your training in artificial intelligence will involve machine learning, neural networks and natural language processing, so that you can gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of current AI techniques and applications. You will benefit from the chance to investigate specific areas of current research more deeply too.

  • How will I learn?

    This MSc Data Science and AI is available to study full- or part-time. If you choose full-time study, you will be able to start in either January or October. Part-time study starts in October. Both involve a mixture of daytime and evening classes and you will be taught via lectures, group exercises and practical sessions, for example in programming.

    To complete the course, you will undertake your own individual project, supported by a member of our academic team, to investigate in depth an aspect of data science and AI that particularly interests you.

    This course will suit graduates who are new to computer science. If you already hold a degree in computer science, you should apply for our MSc Advanced Computing.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time October start: Usually three to four times a week in the daytime and evenings, October to July

    Full-time January start: Usually three to four times a week in the daytime and evenings, January to December

    Part-time October start: Usually two to three times a week (choose afternoons or evenings), October to July

  • Pathways

    This course is a Pathway of the MSc Data Science, to offer you the chance to specialise depending on your interests and career goals.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • You will study at our Bloomsbury campus in the heart of London, a city fast becoming one of the major European hubs for AI research and development.
  • Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Our research dates back to the late 1940s, when one of the first electronic computers was developed at Birkbeck by Dr Andrew Booth. We are now home to the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Group. 
  • We provide a stimulating teaching and research environment, with academic specialists in all fields, including information and knowledge management, web and pervasive technologies, computational intelligence, information systems development and artificial intelligence. 
  • We have several laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software that you can access daily from morning till late in the evening. We are also connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.
  • The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Modules and Teaching

School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences

A world-leading centre in algorithms, data science, artificial intelligence, and logical methods, and a centre of excellence in research.

Visit the school

Entry requirements

This degree is designed for graduates who are new to computer science, so the main requirement is at least a second-class honours degree (2:2) or equivalent, in any subject other than single-honours computer science. Applicants with less than the required level of academic qualification may be considered if they have significant experience in the IT industry.

Applicants who already hold a degree in computer science are referred to the MSc Advanced Computing.

Upon receipt of application, suitable candidates will be invited to take an online aptitude test. The details of the test will be clearly set out via email. You are expected to take the test before the deadline specified in that email and we aim to get back to you with our decision based on the results of the aptitude test within 10 working days. Please note that you can only take the aptitude test once per academic year.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

MSc: One year full-time, on campus, starting in January 2027

Academic year 2026-27

Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully completing this MSc Data Science and AI, you will have gained an array of valuable transferable skills, including the ability to:

  • demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
  • act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level
  • conduct a critical appraisal of material synthesised from research papers
  • communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
  • deal with complex issues systematically and creatively.

You will find data science and AI graduates following career paths in the following kinds of roles:

  • data scientist
  • data analyst
  • programmer
  • software developer

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

Study routes for Data Science and AI (MSc)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time

Starting in January 2027

Full-time