Data Analytics for Government (MSc)

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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:

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

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.

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. 

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

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,495.
• EU and international students pay £9,865.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

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, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, 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