Master of Science [MS] (Data Science and Analytics)
Field of Study:
$42,834 /Yr
The Master of Science (MSc) in Data Science and Analytics at Cardiff University is a 1-year full-time program offered through the Data Science Academy, a collaboration between the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Mathematics. It focuses on equipping students with theoretical and practical expertise in handling 'big data', statistical modeling, machine learning, and analytics tools to drive decision-making in business and public sectors. The curriculum includes compulsory modules in data mining, visualization, and programming (e.g., Python/R), optional electives like advanced machine learning or Bayesian methods, and a 60-credit dissertation project often partnered with industry (e.g., analyzing datasets for Lloyds Banking Group or the NHS). Delivered in the state-of-the-art Abacws building, the program emphasizes real-world applications, ethical AI, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, with hands-on workshops and guest lectures from data practitioners. Graduates are primed for roles like data analyst or AI consultant, with strong links to Cardiff's tech ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- Duration & Mode: 1 year full-time (no part-time for September start); September 2026 intake (January option available).
- Location: Cardiff campus, UK – an affordable, vibrant city with a growing tech scene (e.g., proximity to BBC Cymru Wales and fintech hubs).
- Class Profile: 20-40 students per cohort; highly international (50%+ non-UK), with backgrounds in STEM; 10-15% South Asian, including Indians from IITs/NITs.
- Unique Features: Industry-integrated dissertation (e.g., placements with Admiral Insurance), access to high-performance computing labs, and DSA's cross-school expertise; project-based learning with real datasets.
- ROI Potential: 95% employability within 6 months (HESA data); average starting salary £35,000-£50,000; alumni at UK firms like British Airways and Indian MNCs like TCS.
- Indian Student Focus: India-specific entry equivalencies, dedicated visa support via the International Office, and scholarships targeting South Asian talent in STEM.
- No change in tuition fees between the 2024 and 2025 academic years,as both academic years have the same fee structure: £32,450 GBP (Equivalent: ≈ ₹38.94 Lakh INR)
Entry Requirements for MSc in Data Science and Analytics at Cardiff University for Indian Students
| Category | Details for Indian Students |
|---|---|
| School | School of Computer Science and Informatics & School of Mathematics |
| Application Deadlines | Rolling admissions; apply early (by May 2026) for scholarships/placements. Final deadline: End of August 2026 (September 2026 start), but closes sooner if full (50 spots). Submit online via university portal (no fee); decisions in 4-6 weeks; deposit £2,500 within 14 days of offer. January 2026 intake: Classes Start Date 12 January 2026, allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. |
| Tuition Fees | £32,450 GBP (full program).Equivalent: ≈ ₹38.94 Lakh INR (at 1 GBP = 120 INR, as of November, 2025). Additional: £12,000-£14,000/year living costs; deposit counts toward fees. |
| Entry Requirements |
- Academic: Bachelor's (2:2 equivalent) in relevant fields (e.g., Math, CS, Engineering, Science) – 55-60% from recognized Indian universities (e.g., IITs/NITs: 50%+; state unis: 60%+). GPA 3.0/4.0 min; transcripts required. |
| Application link | Application link |
| Total Credits | 180 |
| Course Duration | 1 Year< |
| Application Fee | 0 |
| Documents Required | - Online application - Transcripts - English language Proficiency score - Copy of passport - Resume - Letter of Reference |
| Scholarships | - Cardiff India Scholarship: £5,000 tuition reduction; automatic for eligible Indians meeting entry reqs. Apply by course deadline (e.g., May 2026 for Sept); 50+ awards annually. - Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: £3,500-£10,000 merit-based; for high-achieving Indians in STEM. Automatic consideration post-offer; deadline aligns with app (Aug 2026). - Data Science Academy Bursary: Up to £4,000 for project-focused applicants; targeted at internationals. Apply post-offer by June 2026. - GREAT Scholarships India: £10,000 via British Council; for PG STEM. Separate app by May 2026. |
Tips and Tricks for Indian Applicants
- Tailor Your Academic Proof: If your degree is in a non-core field (e.g., commerce), bolster with online certs like IBM Data Science on Coursera—highlight in SOP how it bridges to analytics. Aim for 60%+ to hit the sweet spot for scholarships.
- Early Bird Edge: Apply by March 2026 to secure dissertation spots with top partners like ONS; use the portal's preview feature to refine docs. For Jan intake, hit Dec 10 deadline for faster visa processing.
- Visa Mastery: Prove funds with loan sanction letters (e.g., from HDFC Credila) for Tier 4—covers £1,334/month x9 + fees. Book VFS appointment in Mumbai/Delhi by July; mention DSA's industry links in your statement for credibility.
- Scholarship Stacking: Qualify for India + Vice-Chancellor's by excelling in academics (65%+); in your SOP, tie projects to India's data challenges (e.g., Aadhaar analytics). Track via internationalscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk.
- Affordability Hacks: Snag university halls (£450-£650/month) via early ballot; join Indian Society for carpooling/groceries. Use TransferWise for fee payments to save 1-2% on forex vs. banks.
- Prep Pro Move: Attend virtual DSA webinars (sign up on site) and network with Indian alumni on LinkedIn ("Cardiff Data Science Indians")—get tips on modules like Bayesian stats.
FAQs
Ques 1: Do I need prior programming experience?
Ans: No, beginners are welcome—the program starts with foundational modules in Python/R. If you have basics (e.g., from undergrad), you'll breeze through electives like Machine Learning.
Ques 2: What work rights apply post-graduation?
Ans: Indian graduates get the UK Graduate Route visa for 2 years of full-time work. Cardiff's careers service connects to roles at local tech firms or remote for Indian companies like Wipro; many extend to PhDs.
Ques 3: How competitive are spots for Indians?
Ans: Acceptance rate ~60%; 8-12 Indians admitted yearly. Stand out with quantitative projects in your app—e.g., a Kaggle portfolio helps if scores are 55-59%.
Important Alert
- Start Date for September 2026 Intake - Sep 22, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $42834 (GBP 32450) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | $18480 (GBP 14000) |
| Total Cost | $18480 (GBP 14000) |
Per Credit Cost: £180
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $42834 (GBP 32450) |
| 2023 | $42834 (GBP 32450) |
| 2021 | $41806 (GBP 31671) |
Important Dates
Applications are normally closed by August, but students should apply as early as possible.
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date for September 2026 Intake | Sep 22, 2026 |
Reviews
20 Reviews Found
Likes
- Uni Culture and uni trying to help everyone and the societies being made for every community so that a student feels homely and engaged.
- The professors are really helpful and they try to help ypu out with any issues you go to them.
Scores Required
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | £3,500 - £10,000 | All Admitted Students |
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Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 27 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 | # 141 for Sciences by Times Higher Education 2022 # 201 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 | - |
| application | - | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 90/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 72/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 61314 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 53676.48 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 22308 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | - | Aug 3, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Sep 21, 2026 (Course Start Date for Fall 2026 Intake) | - |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
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