A 2:1 in a quantitative discipline
The minimum is an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Master's · UCL Data Science
UCL Data Science MSc: a statistics-led course with programming as a requirement
UCL's Data Science MSc is run by the Department of Statistical Science and starts in September 2027, full-time over one calendar year or part-time. Its page asks for an upper second-class degree in a quantitative discipline and treats prior experience in a high-level programming language such as R, Matlab or Python as a requirement. It needs one reference, and the closing date depends on whether you need a visa.
2027-28 entry · Official information
What UCL asks for in UCL Data Science MSc
Taken from the UCL graduate course page for the Data Science MSc (Department of Statistical Science, course starts September 2027) 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.
Programming experience is a requirement
Prior experience in a high-level programming language such as R, Matlab or Python is a requirement. University-level mathematical methods and linear algebra are expected, along with familiarity with introductory probability, statistics and programming.
Professional experience counts
Relevant professional experience will also be taken into consideration.
Deadlines depend on visa status
Applicants who require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 22 March 2027. Applicants who do not require a visa apply between 19 October 2026 and 27 August 2027. Both close at 5pm UK time.
One reference, no guarantee
The course requires one reference. The page says the admissions process is expected to be highly competitive and that reaching the standard entry requirements provides no guarantee of an offer.
A statistics home with computer science modules
Students take one compulsory module and up to two additional modules in computer science; the remaining modules, including the research project, come mainly from statistical science.
Official sources
Read on 2 November 2026 on the UCL graduate course page for the Data Science MSc (Department of Statistical Science, course starts September 2027), which describes 2027-28 entry. The English language requirements, the country-specific equivalent qualifications, the part-time details, the contact-hours and assessment details, the fee and funding sections and the application guidance pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
What kind of data science course this is
The course sits in the Department of Statistical Science and combines core statistical and machine learning methodology with optional modules in statistical computing and modelling.
A statistics, mathematics or quantitative graduate
This matches the entry rule. The compulsory modules include Introduction to Machine Learning, Statistical Design of Investigations, Statistical Computing and Introduction to Statistical Data Science.
A graduate who can already code
Prior experience in R, Matlab, Python or a similar language is a requirement, not an advantage. The core modules introduce programming techniques so students can code their own statistical methods, but they do not replace the prior experience.
A graduate who wants a computer science course
UCL's Department of Computer Science runs separate machine learning and computer science master's courses. This course is based in statistical science with computer science modules limited to up to two.
Decision
The project and the options
The research project consolidates the taught component. The readings below are Avandy's judgment (heuristic), not UCL's.
The research project
Students normally analyse and interpret data from a real, complex problem. Topics come from a departmental list or from students' own suggestions, and the list usually includes some projects with industrial partners.
Optional modules
Listed options include Graphical Models, Applied Machine Learning, Information Retrieval and Data Mining, Applied Deep Learning, Forecasting and Stochastic Methods in Finance. The page says availability is subject to change.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
Because the page treats programming as a requirement and the course is statistics-led, show a statistical project you have coded yourself rather than a list of tools.
Application
What the application should show
The page lists what UCL would like to learn when assessing an application.
What UCL would like to learn
Why you want to study Data Science at graduate level, why at UCL, what attracts you to the course, how your background meets its demands and where you want to go professionally.
References and limits
One reference is required. An applicant may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses in any application cycle.
Avandy's judgment (heuristic, not a university rule)
With competition described as high, spend the statement on the evidence the page asks for: university mathematics, linear algebra, probability, statistics and programming.
Planning
Planning for the September 2027 start
The page describes a September 2027 start, and the dates above belong to that cycle.
What to do now
Check your degree and your programming experience against the page, choose full-time or part-time, and request one reference. Re-read the page before submitting, because UCL says module content and availability can change.
Support
Independent support with course choice and the written application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London 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 the UCL Data Science MSc ask for?
An upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Do I need programming experience?
Yes. The page says prior experience in a high-level programming language, such as R, Matlab or Python, is a requirement.
When do applications close?
For applicants who require a visa, at 5pm UK time on 22 March 2027; for those who do not, at 5pm UK time on 27 August 2027.
How many references are needed?
The page says the course requires one reference.
Is it taught by computer science?
It is run by the Department of Statistical Science. Students take up to two additional modules in computer science, with the rest mainly in statistical science.
Students and families
Talk to us about the UCL Data Science MSc
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.