MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Business and Management)
Year of entry: 2027
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Duration
- TBA
- Entry requirements
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High 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent)
For this pathway, we normally expect applicants to hold a degree in a quantitative or computational subject such as mathematics, statistics, management science or economics, physics, engineering or computer science. Applicants with extensive Business and Management industrial experience combined with an honours degree in a quantitative subject may also be considered for admission.
In your application, you shoulddemonstrate 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.
- How to apply
TBA
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | N | N | N | N |
Course overview
Learn how to turn complex data into evidence-based business decisions.
- Develop analytical, computational and data skills for careers across policy, business, research, and more.
- Apply real-life data using methodologies and generative AI models, including R, Python, SQL and Excel, with insight linked to operations, finance, marketing and management.
- Seamlessly transition from master's to PhD study through a fully-funded 1+3 pathway with our prestigious ESRC North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP).
- 91Ö±²¥ Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at a university ranked Top 10 in the UK for Computer Science (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Our students. Real experiences. Visit the to hear from our students as they share what it’s really like to study here
Open days
The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master's Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.
We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.
For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page: /study/masters/meet-us/
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.
Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.
Graduates of The University of Manchester and 91Ö±²¥ Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our 91Ö±²¥ Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme
Contact details
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Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
High 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent)
For this pathway, we normally expect applicants to hold a degree in a quantitative or computational subject such as mathematics, statistics, management science or economics, physics, engineering or computer science. Applicants with extensive Business and Management industrial experience combined with an honours degree in a quantitative subject may also be considered for admission.
In your application, you shoulddemonstrate 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 91Ö±²¥ is 0757. From 2026: 5 overall, with no subskill below 4.5
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
Application and selection
How to apply
TBA
Course details
Course description
In an increasingly data-driven world, organisations need better evidence to make better decisions. 91Ö±²¥ MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Business and Management pathway) and learn how to apply data science to business and management challenges, turning complex data into strategic insight.
Throughout your studies, you will
learn how data can support real business decisions and how analytical insight can be applied to areas such as operations, finance and marketing.
You will build skills in data analysis, project design, computational methods, managing agentic AI, data stewardship, business analytics, and more.
You will receive rigorous training in statistics and machine learning, databases, data environments and applying data science to solve problems. Your focus will largely be on the data techniques and uses that are most relevant to business and management, with optional course units exploring themes with optional course units exploring themes such as decision making and AI in finance.
You will be taught by an interdisciplinary team through lectures, computer-based practicals, e-learning, meetings with industry partners, workshops, group work and individual research.
We welcome applicants from a range of STEM, business and humanities backgrounds, allowing us to create a diverse cohort and enrich discussions around the uses and potential of data.
By the end of your studies, you will have developed a highly valued skillset, enhancing your employability across countless sectors such as policy, business, research and more.
This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD.
Course unit details
A master’s degree is formed of 180 credits.
On the MSc Data Science (Business and Management), there are six mandatory course units, including an extended research project worth 60 credits. This project is a compulsory research component of around 8,500-words, including replication code and an accompanying overview video. Your project must be within the area of one of the course units you have chosen and will mirror a real-world data science investigation. Your research will be supported by weekly methodology lectures designed to improve your academic, research and writing skills.
You will also choose three optional course units, which range from statistical foundations to data analysis and GIS, preparing you with a varied and strong foundation in data and business and management.
The availability of individual optional course units may be subject to change. Information that is sent to you in August about registration onto the course will clearly state the course units that are available in the academic year ahead.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).
Our MSc in Data Science gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in:
- banking and financial services;
- charities and research organisations;
- the Civil Service;
- the IT and tech sector;
- high-performance sports analysis;
- large retail chains;
- the pharmaceutical industry.
You will acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, and communication and teamwork. You could also progress to a PhD in Social Statistics at 91Ö±²¥ or another university.
Careers support
At 91Ö±²¥ you will have access to a number of  opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated  . As a student at 91Ö±²¥, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.