About this course
Develop the specialist skills and knowledge to carry out official statistics work on this flexible Data Analytics for Government MSc at the University of Southampton. Learn the survey methods and social data analysis skills to work for the UK government, an overseas government, or a non government organisation conducting large-scale statistical or analytical work.
This UK social data science master’s course is ideal if you are currently working in official statistics or the Government Statistical Service (GSS). You can choose to study part time over 2 to 5 years or full time over 1 year.
You'll strengthen and update your professional skills and knowledge of survey methods, data science and data analysis.
Compulsory topics you’ll cover include:
- the use of statistical software, such as R and Python, for data manipulation, analysis and simulation
- dealing with administrative and big data sources
- the scope and organisation of official statistics
- statistical acts and codes and practice
You’ll be able to fit the course to your personal interests or career plans through a range of specialist optional modules.
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
a full-time master's - study the same course content over 1 year
You can also choose to study any of the course modules as part of continuing professional development (CPD). If you later apply for the part-time master's, you can transfer up to 4 modules onto your academic record as part of the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme. Explore modules that are available as CPD.
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Paul Smith, Professor of Official Statistics. He is a member of the Royal Statistical Society, and has a special interest in sampling and estimation methods in government surveys. Read Professor Smith’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 in a subject with some statistical methods content, such as:
- geography
- psychology
- population sciences
- economics
- econometrics
- statistics
- maths
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
If your degree doesn’t have any statistical content, we’ll ask you to show that you have the necessary background knowledge to the level of the Royal Statistical Society Higher Certificate in Statistics.
You should be currently employed in official statistics, but previous professional experience might be taken into account.
If you’re successful in your application to join this course, we'll ask you to attend an introductory revision module covering basic maths and statistics before the course starts.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Part-time study
If you choose to study the course over 2 to 5 years, you must:
- complete 2 modules each year
- complete all modules by the end of semester 2 in your fourth year of registration
Your optional modules take place in 1 week slots throughout the year. We rotate these modules over a 4 year cycle, so not all optional modules are available in each year.
Full-time study
If you choose to study full-time over 1 year you'll focus on the taught part of your course for the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2). For the remainder of the degree, you’ll work independently on your dissertation.
Compulsory modules are available each year. Only the scheduled optional modules for a particular year will be available.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following module:
The module will support students in carrying out independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of Official/Social Statistics.
You must also choose from the following modules:
Data analysis is changing. New sources of data in a wide range of formats contain valuable information, but extracting this information is often challenging using traditional tools. This module introduces modern techniques for mining such data and demonst...
The aim of this module is to present a range of data science concepts, including dealing with administrative and big data sources, and to present some basic methods for data analysis.
Data visualisation is the process of summarising and communicating the information in a dataset through graphics. This course examines what makes good visualisations, and how this depends on the audience and purpose of the visualisation and the type of da...
The module will cover a range of more advanced methods of demographic analysis, including multiple decrement life tables, health expectancies, an introduction to event history analysis, the use of type 1 and type 2 rates in demography and sources of bias ...
This Module provides an introduction to the technical basis of demography. It focuses on concepts and methods underpinning demographic analysis and provides a practical introduction for those professionally engaged with demographic work (in government de...
The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of the nature of studies to monitor and evaluate intervention programmes, using examples from Government and other related areas. There is a particular focus on the contribution of statistical m...
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides the tools for spatial data capture, editing, processing, analysis and presentation (in map and online output formats). This course provides the basics of the GIS environment and the functional requirements for...
The module aims to equip students with the necessary foundations to make practical and effective use of machine learning methods on complex datasets. This course uses R and is delivered as an intensive one-week module for the MSc in Data Analytics for Gov...
This module will provide an overview of statistical methods for linear and logistic regression. Pre-requisite for: STAT6087, STAT6089, STAT6090, STAT6102 and STAT6103 One of the pre-requisites for STAT6091
The module covers methods of disclosure control for tabular data and microdata, and how the utility of the resulting data is traded off against the risk of disclosure.
This module aims to give students a grounding in the use of statistical software for data manipulation, analysis and simulation. It uses the R software as a basis, but also introduces students to the Python programming language, as both tools have wide fu...
The module provides an overview of issues and ideas concerning the scope and organisation of Official Statistics and its processes and products, including Statistical Acts and Codes of Practice. The module provides a general foundation for the more det...
This module presents the different types of data collection instrument, and examines the different approaches to testing questions and questionnaires. It also shows the relationship between data collections methods and data quality.
To provide an overview of basic sampling and estimation methods. One of the pre-requisites for STAT6091 and STAT6094
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- discussions
- group work
- project work
- independent study
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- coursework
- written exams
- a dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll research and write a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor.
Dissertations usually involve the application of methods you’ve learned during the taught part of the course. They’re a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of a particular topic.
You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.
Academic Support
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
As a graduate of this course, you’ll have the specialist skills and knowledge to conduct professional statistical work within government, either in the UK or overseas.
You’ll be able to specialise further in your current organisation or take on a fresh challenge with a new employer.
Many of the skills taught on the programme, such as survey methods and data analysis, are also in great demand by employers outside government.
Data analysis skills are in demand in sectors such as:
- education
- the environment
- finance
- forensics
- health
- market research
- transportation
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,495.
- EU and international students pay £9,865.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
ONS Data Science Campus sponsorship
If you're working as an analyst in the public sector, you might be eligible for sponsorship by the ONS Data Science Campus.
Successful students are expected to act as data science ambassadors and evangelists across government.
Find out more on the MSc in Data Science Campus website.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
