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MSci Mathematics and Data Science

Course details
  • MSci
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 10/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Colchester Campus

Course summary

Data is the lifeblood of our society and mathematics is the language that underpins the science of understanding that data. From medicine to government offices, and market research to the environment, the collection and analysis of data is crucial to understanding how to improve, create and guide products and services across the globe. The techniques we use to model and manipulate data guide the political, financial and social decisions that shape our modern society and are the basis of growth of the economy and success of businesses. Technology is growing and evolving at an incredible speed, and both the rate of growth of data we generate and the devices we use to process it can only increase.

Our MSci Mathematics and Data Science is an Integrated Masters course that will cover key skills in mathematics and data science giving you the opportunity to apply theory and methods to real-world problems. You will foster your understanding of mathematics, develop skills to use smart devices efficiently and use statistical techniques and methods to interpret and exploit big data.

Skill with programming is crucial in managing processes and databases, analysing data sets and developing data processing pipelines. This course will introduce you to Python and R for statistical analysis and data visualisation. In the latter years of your degree, you will undertake a Capstone project, allowing you to apply the techniques you’ve learned to a data science topic of your own.

Topics include:

  • Mathematical skills including, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and optimisation

  • Computer science and programming

  • Statistics and operations research

  • Artificial intelligence, databases and information retrieval

  • Ethical issues around the use and processing of data

  • Specialist skills in the areas of big data, data analytics and data science

Our Integrated Masters gives you the opportunity to fast track your degree and complete your final year in nine months compared to a regular MSc which usually takes twelve months. Combining your undergraduate and postgraduate study in one degree will give you a strong theoretical background as well as specialist expertise through independent research. This combination makes graduates from our course attractive candidates for many employers.

Our interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. You therefore can gain an exceptional range of knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment; in business, commerce, industry, government service, education and in the wider economy.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
G199
Institution code:
E70
Campus name:
Colchester Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

120 - 128 points
128 - 120 tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels

A level

ABB - BBB
ABB- BBB or 128 - 120 tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM
Only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics. Entry requirements for students studying BTEC qualifications are dependent on subjects studied. Advice can be provided on an individual basis. Please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice on acceptability

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

33 points
Or three Higher Level certificates with 665. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

T Level

D
We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core. T-levels are only acceptable for this course in conjunction with A-level Mathematics

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Essex we consider your whole application – not just grades. If you don’t meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
We’re dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.

Learn more on the University of Essex website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9250Year 1
Northern Ireland£9250Year 1
Scotland£9250Year 1
Wales£9250Year 1
Channel Islands£9250Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9250Year 1
EU£21525Year 1
International£21525Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.

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