A 2:1 with substantial mathematics
The entry requirement is an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, including a substantial amount of mathematics.
Master's · LSE Data Science
LSE MSc Data Science: mathematics-heavy entry, the statement and the Capstone
LSE's MSc Data Science, run by the Department of Statistics, is a 12-month full-time course for 2027/28 (24 months part-time for Home students). Its page asks for a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant discipline including a substantial amount of mathematics, and seeks a strong interest in statistics, mathematics and programming. There is no fixed deadline, and the statement of academic purpose has a 500-word limit.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What LSE asks for in LSE MSc Data Science
Taken from the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Data Science (application code G3U1, academic year 2027/28) and read on 2 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
Statistics, mathematics and programming
The department seeks applicants with a solid quantitative background and a strong interest in statistics, mathematics, and programming.
A statement of up to 500 words
The statement of academic purpose should say why you want the programme and why you chose LSE, and should not exceed 500 words. If your background is outside mathematics or statistics, explain how your experience is relevant.
No fixed deadline
Applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full. To be considered for funding, applicants must submit by the funding deadline. The start date is 27 September 2027.
Four compulsory courses and three electives
The compulsory courses are Managing and Visualising Data, Data Analysis and Statistical Methods, Machine Learning and Data Mining and a Capstone Project.
Full-time or part-time
The course is 12 months full-time for Home and Overseas students and 24 months part-time for Home students.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the LSE graduate programme page for the MSc Data Science (application code G3U1, academic year 2027/28), which describes 2027-28 entry. The country-specific entry table, the English language requirements page, the supporting-documents page, the optional course list, the funding deadlines and the fees were not read and are not stated.
Fit
Who the entry standard describes
The page asks for a relevant discipline with a substantial amount of mathematics, and describes a solid quantitative background and a strong interest in statistics, mathematics and programming.
A mathematics, statistics or computing graduate
These fit the description. The compulsory courses combine data management, statistical methods and machine learning, so check that your degree includes both mathematics and programming.
A graduate from another discipline
The page does not rule out other backgrounds but asks you to explain how your experience is relevant if you are outside mathematics or statistics, and to give further details of your current studies. The substantial-mathematics condition still applies.
A part-time applicant
Part-time study is available to Home students. The statement should address your motivations, how you will balance study with work and, if applicable, your employer's support.
Decision
What the programme asks you to commit to
The course has four mandatory courses, including a Capstone, and three electives. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not LSE's.
The Capstone
The topic may come from a list supplied by the department or be proposed by you, normally relates to a specific data source, and may be practical or more academic. Have a topic idea ready before you apply.
Electives
Options listed include Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Bayesian Machine Learning, Distributed Computing for Big Data, Graph Data Analytics and Representation Learning, Time Series Analysis and Financial Statistics. Check the current list in the School Calendar.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Choose between data science and a statistics or economics master's by the work you expect to do in the Capstone. If you apply to more than one Department of Statistics programme, the page recommends separate statements, each addressing why you want that programme.
Application
The statement and the rolling process
The page lists academic achievement including predicted and achieved grades, a statement of academic purpose, two academic references and a CV.
Rolling admissions
There is no fixed deadline, and applications close once the programme is full. Funding consideration requires submission by the funding deadline, which this guide does not state.
ESRC 1+3 pathway
The programme is available as part of an ESRC-funded pathway onto a PhD programme. Applicants must indicate their wish to be considered in the personal statement. This guide states no funding terms.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
The 500-word limit is tight. Spend it on the mathematics and programming you have done and on the data question you want to pursue.
Planning
Planning for 2027/28 entry
The page describes the 2027/28 academic year with a start on 27 September 2027, and the rules here belong to that year.
What to do now
Check your degree's mathematics against the page, draft the statement within 500 words, think about a Capstone topic and prepare two academic references. Re-read the page before submitting, because LSE says programmes can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the London School of Economics and Political Science 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
Questions applicants ask
What degree does LSE MSc Data Science ask for?
A 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant discipline, including a substantial amount of mathematics.
How long can the statement be?
The page says the statement of academic purpose should be concise and not exceed 500 words.
Is there a deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are rolling and close once the programme is full, but funding consideration needs submission by the funding deadline.
Can I study part-time?
Part-time study is available to Home students, over 24 months. The statement should address your motivations and how you will balance study with work.
What is the Capstone Project?
A project on a topic from a department list or one you propose, normally relating to a specific data source and requiring the data science skills learnt on the programme.
Students and families
Talk to us about the LSE MSc Data Science
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.