Master's · Edinburgh Informatics
The University of Edinburgh's MSc Data Science is taught in the School of Informatics and, for 2027-28 entry, starts in September 2027. The page asks for a UK 2:1 or equivalent in a list of related subjects or another quantitative discipline, experience of programming equivalent to an introductory course and the equivalent of 60 SCQF credits of mathematics. Because of high demand, the school runs selection deadlines, with rounds closing on 31 March and 31 May.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the University of Edinburgh degree page for the Data Science MSc (year of entry 2027) and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in informatics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer science, econometrics, electrical engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, psychology or another quantitative discipline.
You should have experience of computer programming equivalent to an introductory programming course.
The equivalent of 60 SCQF credits or 30 ECTS credits of mathematics, typically covering calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and mathematical reasoning, and probability and statistics.
The online application asks for a personal statement and details of relevant knowledge and training skills. References are among the supporting documents some or all applicants submit, and all must arrive within 28 days of submitting the application.
The school runs selection deadlines because of high demand. Round 1 closes on 31 March and round 2 on 31 May, with decisions aimed at within eight weeks of each. The final deadline may be extended if places remain.
Two taught semesters run from September to May, followed by a final project and dissertation over the summer, with a required breadth of courses across data science.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the University of Edinburgh degree page for the Data Science MSc (year of entry 2027), which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific equivalent qualifications, the Degree Programme Table, the course lists, the fee, funding and accommodation sections and the careers pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The page states entry in terms of credits and courses you have already completed. The readings below mix Edinburgh's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
The page lists related subjects from informatics to psychology and adds another quantitative discipline. Check your degree title against the list before you check anything else.
The page asks for experience of computer programming equivalent to an introductory programming course.
The page counts 60 SCQF credits, or 30 ECTS credits, and names the topics that credit typically covers.
Map each of your mathematics courses to the four topic areas, and count the credits in the Scottish or European system. Because the degree list is broad, the credit count and programming evidence are what separate a clear case from a doubtful one.
Decision
The page describes a taught year of courses that follow the School's research areas.
Two taught semesters from September to May, then a final project and dissertation over the summer.
At least one course in each of machine learning, statistics and optimisation; databases and data management; and applications, with further options from across Informatics.
The page says some courses have prerequisites you must meet. Check the Degree Programme Table for the courses you want before you apply, not after an offer.
Application
The page lists the documents and staged selection deadlines.
A personal statement, details of relevant knowledge and training skills, transcripts, references and evidence of English language ability.
The page sets out accepted tests and degrees taught in English. For IELTS Academic, it asks for 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in three components and 6.0 in the other.
The page recommends applying as early as possible because applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if demand is high, and gives you 28 days after submitting to supply documents. Submit when you can meet that window.
Planning
The page states entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year and says future years may differ.
Check your degree against the list, count your mathematics credits, confirm your programming experience, arrange your references and draft the statement. Re-read the page before submitting, because Edinburgh can change it.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with The University of Edinburgh or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a listed subject such as informatics, computer science, mathematics, physics or psychology, or another quantitative discipline.
The equivalent of 60 SCQF credits or 30 ECTS credits, typically covering calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics and probability and statistics.
The page says you should have experience of computer programming equivalent to an introductory programming course.
The school runs selection deadlines because of high demand. The page lists round 1 closing on 31 March and round 2 on 31 May, and says applications may close earlier if demand is exceptionally high.
The school aims to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline, and applications not decided are carried forward to the next round.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
