Master of Science [MSc] (Data Science)
Field of Study:
₹57 L/Yr
University of Edinburgh MSc Data Science is a one-year, full-time postgraduate programme delivered by the School of Informatics. The programme is ranked 24th globally for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence by QS World University Rankings 2025. You will study in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, regularly voted one of the UK's most desirable places to live. The School of Informatics is ranked 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. You will be part of a large, vibrant department with around 1,750 students across undergraduate, masters and research programmes and 150 academic staff.
Current Admission Status:
Applications for September 2026 intake are not currently open. Applications typically open in October 2025 and close on 31 March 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Decisions are expected by 31 May 2026. The programme starts on 14 September 2026.
- Why Study MSc Data Science at University of Edinburgh
- MSc Data Science Fees 2026-2027
- Cost of Living in Edinburgh for International Students
- Admission Requirements for MSc Data Science
- English Language Requirements for MSc Data Science
- MSc Data Science Ranking
- Scholarships for International Students Studying MSc Data Science at University of Edinburgh
- Placement Data and Job Outcomes for MSc Data Science Graduates
- Return on Investment for MSc Data Science (Indian Students)
- Visa Sponsorship and Work Rights for International Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Study MSc Data Science at University of Edinburgh
- Graduate Visa Pathway: Complete your MSc and access the UK Graduate Visa, allowing you to work in the UK for 2 years at any level without employer sponsorship.
- Research-Driven Teaching: Learn from internationally leading academics at the forefront of data science research; the School ranked 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science.
- Flexible Course Selection: Choose from three specialization areas (Machine Learning, Databases, Applications) with at least 10 credits required in each; tailor your learning to your career goals.
- Strong Industry Connections: Recent graduates work at European Central Bank, Barclays UK, Morgan Stanley, and DataArt; the university has produced unicorn startups including FanDuel.
- Cost-Effective for Indians: At GBP 45,410 (approximately 55.6 Lakhs INR), the one-year duration makes this more affordable than two-year programmes at comparable universities.
MSc Data Science Fees 2026-2027
International tuition fees for full-time study (1 year): GBP 45,410
All INR conversions based on exchange rate of GBP 1 = INR 122.40 as of 4 April 2026. Exchange rates are subject to change.
| Fee Component | Amount (GBP) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fee (Full-time, 1 year) | 45,410 | 55.6 Lakhs |
| Deposit (Refundable, credited towards fees) | 1,500 | 1.83 Lakhs |
Key Fee Information:
- The deposit of GBP 1,500 is refundable and will be credited towards your tuition fees once you accept your offer.
- You must pay the deposit to secure your place after receiving an unconditional offer.
- If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you are eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees.
- Part-time options are available: 2-year part-time (GBP 22,705 per year) or 3-year part-time (GBP 15,140 per year).
Cost of Living in Edinburgh for International Students
We estimate that you might spend GBP 1,167 to GBP 2,330 per month (approximately 1.43 to 2.85 Lakhs INR) if you are a single student.
The amount you spend largely depends on the type of accommodation you choose.
| Cost Category | Per Month (GBP) | Per 51-week Lease (GBP) | Per Month (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Accommodation | 373 to 1,536 | 4,280 to 17,630 | 45,600 to 1.88 Lakhs |
| Food | 400 | 5,200 | 48,960 |
| Mobile Phone | 40 | 520 | 4,896 |
| Health and Wellbeing | 300 | 3,900 | 36,720 |
| Travel (Minimum) | 54 | 702 | 6,610 |
| Total | 1,167 to 2,330 | 14,602 to 27,952 | 1.43 to 2.85 Lakhs |
Accommodation Options for International Students
On-Campus University Accommodation
University of Edinburgh guarantees accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK who apply by 31 July and accept an unconditional firm offer by 31 July.
Available halls include:
- Buccleuch Place/Buccleuch Place Lane: Singles from GBP 12,521 per year (1.53 Lakhs INR); located beside central university campus and main library.
- Gilmore Place: Singles from GBP 13,457 per year (1.65 Lakhs INR); close to The Meadows; refurbished accommodation with new build blocks.
- O'Shea North (Cluster Flats and Studios): Singles from GBP 10,179 per year (1.25 Lakhs INR); adjacent to Moray House campus near historic Old Town.
- O'Shea South: Singles from GBP 9,578 per year (1.17 Lakhs INR); near historic Old Town.
- McLeod Street: Singles from GBP 11,891 per year (1.45 Lakhs INR); 30-minute bus ride or 12-minute bike ride from central campus; excellent cycle routes.
- Ratcliffe Terrace: Singles from GBP 9,388 per year (1.15 Lakhs INR); 15 minutes' walk from George Square, 20 minutes' walk from King's Buildings.
Off-Campus Private Accommodation
Private student accommodation typically costs GBP 750 per month minimum (9.17 Lakhs INR per year), with utilities charged separately.
Most Indian students prefer private shared flats in areas like Newington, which are 10-15 minutes' walk from campus and offer better value than university halls.
Note: University accommodation costs are included in the living cost estimates above. Private accommodation utilities (gas, electricity, internet) are typically GBP 200 per month additional.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
International students on a Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
The UK National Living Wage (for workers 21+) is GBP 12.21 per hour as of April 2026.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students:
- University Library Assistant: GBP 12.21-13.50 per hour; flexible shifts around study schedule.
- Retail/Hospitality (Cafes, Restaurants): GBP 12.21-14.00 per hour; popular in Edinburgh's city centre.
- Tutoring/Academic Support: GBP 15.00-20.00 per hour; leverage your data science knowledge.
- Campus IT Support: GBP 12.50-14.00 per hour; work within university IT services.
- Data Entry/Administrative Work: GBP 12.21-13.50 per hour; often available remotely.
Earning Potential: Working 15-20 hours per week at minimum wage, you can earn GBP 900-1,200 per month (1.1 to 1.47 Lakhs INR), which can offset a significant portion of living costs.
Admission Requirements for MSc Data Science
Academic Eligibility:
You must hold a UK 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in informatics, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, computer science, econometrics, electrical engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics, psychology or another quantitative discipline.
Entry to this programme is competitive; a typical offer will normally require a UK first class honours degree.
For Indian Students: If you studied at a university on the University of Edinburgh Indian Universities List, you should achieve 55% or more / GPA of 7.0 on a 10-point scale. For other Indian universities, you typically need 60% or more / GPA of 8.0 on a 10-point scale.
Mathematics Requirements:
You should have completed the equivalent of 60 SCQF credits or 30 ECTS credits of mathematics during your degree, typically covering:
- Calculus (differentiation and integration)
- Linear algebra (vectors and multi-dimensional matrices)
- Discrete mathematics and mathematical reasoning (induction, graph theoretic models, proofs)
- Probability (discrete and continuous probabilities, Markov chains)
Programming Experience:
You must have experience of computer programming equivalent to an introductory programming course.
Admission Process:
- Submit online application through the University of Edinburgh application portal.
- Provide personal statement (500-1,000 words) highlighting your motivation and relevant experience.
- Submit degree certificates and academic transcripts confirming your current or final marks.
- Provide two academic references.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).
- Provide certified translations if your original documents are not in English.
- You have 28 days from submitting your application to supply supporting documents; applications are automatically rejected after this deadline.
English Language Requirements for MSc Data Science
Mandatory English Language Test Scores:
You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.
- IELTS Academic: Total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
- TOEFL-iBT (from 21 January 2026): Total 100 with at least 23 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (from 21 January 2026 onwards): Total 5.0 with at least 5.0 in each component.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): Total 185 with at least 176 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- Oxford ELLT: Total 8 with at least 7 in each component.
- Oxford Test of English Advanced: Total 155 with at least 145 in each component.
Waivers Available:
You can meet English language requirements without a test if you hold an undergraduate or postgraduate degree taught and assessed in English from:
- A majority English-speaking country (as defined by UK Visas and Immigration).
- A university on the University of Edinburgh's approved list of universities in non-majority English-speaking countries.
For Indian Students: If your degree was taught and assessed in English from an Indian university on the approved list, you do not need to take an English language test. Your degree must be no more than five years old on 1 September 2026 (the programme start date).
Test Validity:
IELTS Academic, TOEFL-iBT, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, and Oxford Test of English Advanced must be no more than two years old on 1 September 2026.
All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on 1 September 2026.
MSc Data Science Ranking
University of Edinburgh MSc Data Science is ranked 24th globally for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence by QS World University Rankings 2025.
| Ranking Body | Global Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings (Data Science and AI) | 24th | 2025 |
| Times Higher Education (Computer Science) | 35th | 2026 |
The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks in the top 30 globally for Computer Science.
Scholarships for International Students Studying MSc Data Science at University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers limited dedicated scholarships for international postgraduate taught students.
Available Funding Options:
- GREAT Scholarships 2026: Minimum GBP 10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate study; available to students from Thailand, Mexico, and Ghana only.
- University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships: Awards up to GBP 5,000 for international students; competitive; applications typically open in January.
- College of Science and Engineering Scholarships: Various subject-specific scholarships available; eligibility varies.
- External Funding: Students can explore funding from external organizations, government scholarships from their home country, and employer sponsorship.
Key Insight:
- Most international students fund their studies through personal savings, family support, or employer sponsorship rather than university scholarships.
- Apply early for any available scholarships; deadlines are typically in January-February for September intake.
Placement Data and Job Outcomes for MSc Data Science Graduates
Graduate Employment Outcomes
Recent MSc Data Science graduates from University of Edinburgh have secured positions at:
- European Central Bank
- United Airlines
- SSE PLC
- DataArt
- Barclays UK
- Morgan Stanley
- PT Toyota Astra Financial Services
Job Titles of Recent Graduates:
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Predictive Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Lead Data Analyst
- IT Application Development Specialist
Start-Up Opportunities
University of Edinburgh has a strong track record of start-ups founded by Informatics alumni, including FanDuel (unicorn company), Robotical, RISE Nutrition, Carbon Glance, and Predictiva.
The University's commercialisation service, Edinburgh Innovations, provides resources to help you launch your own enterprise.
Return on Investment for MSc Data Science (Indian Students)
Total Programme Cost (1 Year)
Tuition fees: GBP 45,410 (55.6 Lakhs INR)
Living costs (12 months): GBP 14,004 to GBP 27,960 (1.71 to 3.42 Lakhs INR)
Total Cost Range: GBP 59,414 to GBP 73,370 (approximately 72.7 to 89.8 Lakhs INR)
Graduate Salary Progression:
Data Science graduates from UK universities typically earn:
- Starting Salary (Year 1): GBP 27,500 to GBP 35,000 (approximately 33.6 to 42.8 Lakhs INR)
- Year 2-3 Salary: GBP 35,000 to GBP 45,000 (approximately 42.8 to 55 Lakhs INR)
- Senior Data Scientist (5+ years): GBP 50,000 to GBP 70,000+ (approximately 61.2 to 85.7 Lakhs INR+)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Programme Cost (GBP) | 59,414 to 73,370 |
| Total Programme Cost (INR) | 72.7 to 89.8 Lakhs |
| Starting Salary (GBP) | 27,500 to 35,000 |
| Starting Salary (INR) | 33.6 to 42.8 Lakhs |
| Annual Salary Increase | 8-12% |
| Break-Even Period | 2-3 years |
Key Insights:
- The one-year duration means you enter the job market faster than two-year programmes, reducing total cost of living expenses.
- The Graduate Visa allows you to work in the UK for 2 years post-graduation, enabling you to gain international experience and potentially offset education costs.
- Data science roles in the UK offer competitive salaries; many graduates transition to roles in India, US, or other countries with higher salary packages after gaining UK experience.
Visa Sponsorship and Work Rights for International Students
Student Visa Sponsorship
University of Edinburgh is a UKVI licensed sponsor and will sponsor your Student Visa for the duration of your MSc programme.
Work Rights During Studies
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
Work must be for an approved employer; self-employment is not permitted during term time.
Graduate Visa (Post-Graduation)
After completing your MSc, you are eligible for the UK Graduate Visa, which allows you to:
- Stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
- Work at any level without employer sponsorship
- Look for work or start your own business
- No minimum salary requirement
Skilled Worker Visa (After Graduate Visa)
If you secure a job offer after your Graduate Visa expires, you may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa if your employer is willing to sponsor you and the role meets the points-based requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Can I work part-time while studying the MSc Data Science at University of Edinburgh?
Ans: Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time on your Student Visa. Many Indian students work in retail, hospitality, tutoring, or university support roles, earning GBP 12.21-15.00 per hour. During holidays, you can work unlimited hours. This can help offset living costs significantly.
Ques: Is the IELTS 7.0 requirement waivable if my undergraduate degree was taught in English?
Ans: Yes, if your undergraduate degree was taught and assessed entirely in English from a majority English-speaking country or from a university on University of Edinburgh's approved list of non-majority English-speaking countries, you do not need to take an IELTS test. Your degree must be no more than five years old on the programme start date (1 September 2026).
Ques: What is the job placement rate for MSc Data Science graduates, and can I stay in the UK after graduation?
Ans: While the University does not publish an official placement rate, recent graduates have secured roles at major organizations including Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and the European Central Bank. After graduation, you are eligible for the UK Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years without requiring employer sponsorship. This gives you time to secure a permanent role or gain international experience before returning to India or relocating elsewhere.
Important Alert
- Course Start Date - Sep 14, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹5699409 (GBP 45410) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | ₹1757642 (GBP 14004) |
| Health Insurance | ₹489489 (GBP 3900) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ₹5434583 (GBP 43300) |
| 2024 | ₹5133359 (GBP 40900) |
| 2023 | ₹5133359 (GBP 40900) |
| 2022 | ₹4505809 (GBP 35900) |
| 2021 | ₹4292442 (GBP 34200) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Course Start Date | Sep 14, 2026 |
| Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| India Merit Scholarship | £5,000 | Merit Based |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
1 Year Masters Programs in UK for International Students
Masters in Data Analytics in UK: Deadlines, Fees, Eligibility, Jobs
Masters in UK: Top Universities, Admission Requirements, Tuition Fees, and Scholarships
MS in Data Science in UK: Top Universities, Requirements, Fees, Scholarships & Job Prospects
Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 24 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 | # 501 for Sciences by Times Higher Education 2022 | # 33 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 73/90TOEFL - 100/120 | IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 56/90 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 79/120 |
| application dates | Mar 31, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) | Jan 22, 2025 (UCAS Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) | Sep 30, 2026 (March 2026 intake Application Deadline) |
| application | - | - | - |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 7946540.14 | - | - |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
College Student Profiles
Options Available
| Program | Delivery Type | Duration | Program Type | Tuition Fees |
| MSc Statistics with Data Science | full time | 1 year | on-campus, Thesis Based | ₹4656421 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.3 L/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Saltire Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 10 L/Yr$8,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.5 L/Yr$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.5 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Course Start Date (14th Sep 2026) | INR 57 L/Yr GBP 45,410 /Yr |
| ||
Round 4 Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake (29th Apr 2026) Round 3 Decision Date for September 2026 Intake (6th May 2026) Round 4 Decision Date for September 2026 Intake (2nd Jul 2026) | INR 50.1 L/Yr GBP 39,900 /Yr |
| ||
Final Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (25th Jul 2026) | INR 45.1 L/Yr GBP 35,950 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for 2027 Intake (27th Mar 2027) | INR 58.6 L/Yr GBP 46,700 /Yr |
|
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments