MSc Data Science (Computer Science Data Informatics) / Entry requirements

Year of entry: 2024

Academic entry qualification overview

High 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent) 

We require that all applicants have a strong background in Computer Science reflected, for example, in solid programming and software development skills. We typically expect a First or strong Upper Second class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent, in Computer Science, or in a joint degree with at least 50% Computer Science content. We may consider a lower proportion where a student has performed consistently strongly in their computer science modules. Applicants with extensive Computer Science industrial experience and an honours degree in Computer Science, or its overseas equivalent, may also be considered for admission.

In your application, you should demonstrate aptitude, knowledge and/or interest in three areas: 

  • data analytics and/or statistics;
  • computational subjects; and
  • pathway specific requirements.

These can be demonstrated by course units taken at undergraduate level and high school level, or professional experience.

Please see our application and selection page for more detailed information.

English language

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:

  • IELTS Academic test score of 7 overall with no component score below 6.5
  • TOEFL IBT 100 with no score below 22 in each section. TOEFL code for Manchester is 0757
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 76 overall and no component score below 70

Pre-Sessional English Courses

We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.

To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:

6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each sub-skill  

10 Week Pre-sessional Course : IELTS 6.0 overall with 6.0 in three sub-skills, and 5.5 in no more than one sub-skill  

If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate to ensure that you are eligible for a separate visa for the English language course.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Applicants from Majority English-speaking countries

If you are a national of a   majority English-speaking country   (or have studied for a full bachelor's degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.