Cardiff University MSc Data Science and Analytics: Fees, Living Costs, Test Scores, Visa Process, Work during Study, Entry Requirements.

Cardiff University MSc Data Science and Analytics Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Cardiff, WalesLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1883established year
24245enrollment
Public
8.0/10

Master of Science [MS] (Data Science and Analytics)

1 year
Full Time
On Campus
8.3 1 Review | Ranked #27 out of 500 by ARWU Global Ranking 2022

$42,834 /Yr

£32,450 /Yr
3 Students Applied
3 Students Admitted
Sakshi.Collegedunia's profile photo

Sakshi.Collegedunia

Updated 3+ months ago

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.
- Work Experience: No work experience needed.
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall (min 5.5 per section) or TOEFL(iBT) 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking, PTE Academic 69 with no less than 59 in all four skills.; exemptions for English-medium Indian degrees.
- Other: Personal statement, 2 references, CV; no GRE/GMAT. Interviews are rare, for unclear cases.

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

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$42834 (GBP 32450)

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Living Expenses$18480 (GBP 14000)
Total Cost$18480 (GBP 14000)

Per Credit Cost: £180

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year1st 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.

EventApplication Date
Start Date for September 2026 Intake Sep 22, 2026

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  • Accomodation was really lovely , i used amberstudent, 750 gbp per month

academic: 8/10
faculty: 8/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 4/10
extracurricular: 10/10

Scores Required

6.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

90 / 120

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

69 / 90

Avg. Score in

PTE

180

ECTS Credits

TOP Scholarships

Scholarship nameAward amountEligibility
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship£3,500 - £10,000All Admitted Students

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application---
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 69/90TOEFL - 90/120IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 72/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 61314Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 53676.48Total 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)
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