This conversion MSc introduces graduates without a computer science related degree to Data Science and AI principles, with a thorough grounding in mathematics and statistics, data mining, artificial intelligence and the fundamentals of programming, to enable you to develop a toolkit of skills in data science and emerging technologies.
Please note, if you’re applying for January 2027 entry, your course welcome starts on 25 January 2027. Teaching starts on the 1 February 2027.
With organisations increasingly reliant on data science and artificial intelligence (AI), understanding how to analyse, validate and interpret data can significantly enhance your employability.
If you’re a graduate in a subject that’s not related to computer science, this conversion MSc will complement your first degree and prepare you to meet the high demand for professionals in data science and AI technologies.
With the roots of data science embedded in mathematics, we’ll start by introducing you to linear algebra, differential calculus, probability theory and statistics. This will prepare you for working with data mining algorithms and experimenting using real-world data.
You’ll receive an overview of how to design and create software, including an intensive introduction to programming, and explore key topics in AI. We’ll also provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research in preparation for your dissertation.
Further opportunities to specialise and enhance your knowledge of big data, web programming, bio-inspired algorithms and modern information systems are available through a range of optional modules.
This is a conversion MSc, designed for those without a computer science related degree, who are seeking to develop their maths skills and their knowledge and technical expertise in the areas of Data Science and AI. If you do have a Computer Science related degree, you may want to consider applying for the Advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence MSc.
The Department of Computer Science offers master’s programmes for students with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and other disciplines.
If you have a Computer Science related degree, you could be eligible for the following master’s courses:
Computer Science related degrees may include degree titles such as: Computer Applications, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Applications and Engineering, and Software Engineering. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Any Computer Science related degree should contain a significant amount of computer science related modules to be relevant (as assessed by the Department of Computer Science).
If you don’t have a Computer Science related degree and you are interested in learning more about the field, you may be eligible to study:
Please check individual course pages for detailed entry requirements.
This course is pending accreditation by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
The course is available to start in September or January. If you choose to start in September, you’ll undertake taught modules from September to May. This will be followed by your MSc project over the summer.
You study four compulsory taught modules and four optional taught modules.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The course is available to start in September or January. If you choose to start in January, you’ll undertake taught modules from January to May. This will be followed by your MSc project over the summer and then your final set of modules from September to January. On successful completion of the course, following a January start, you can expect to graduate at our summer graduation ceremonies.
You study four compulsory taught modules and four optional taught modules.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your final project, undertaken over the summer, will give you the opportunity to work independently to explore a substantial problem in depth, making practical use of principles, techniques and methodologies you have acquired during the programme.
You’ll create a proposal, deliver a presentation with a Q&A, and submit a final dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PROJECT (COMP702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching comprises formal lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions in computer laboratories. You may also take part in one or more group projects. In addition, you complete an individual project under academic supervision.
Taught modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. You’ll sit examinations at the end of each semester, which are typically in-person written assessments, usually completed over 2 or 2.5 hours. You will complete coursework throughout the semester, typically class tests, programming assignments or small projects.
For your final project, you will create a proposal, deliver a presentation with a Q&A, and submit a final dissertation, all of which will be assessed.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning. It's a great way to gain insight into potential career options and start building your professional network. Completing this programme with a year in industry usually takes two years, with the placement typically running for 30 weeks from September to June.
View Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with a Year in Industry MSc
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
The School of Computer Science and Informatics (with history going back to the 1960s) is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and research. The latest Research Excellence Framework rated 100% of our research outputs as being world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any Computer Science school/department in the UK.
Dr Terry Payne talks you through what you can expect studying computer science at the University of Liverpool and shows you some of the facilities and equipment you will be using.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
My course has undoubtedly helped my career prospects because it has equipped me with valuable skills and tools in data science and machine learning. The course has also given me an opportunity to secure research avenues and employment opportunities with global entities.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Data science and artificial intelligence driven technologies are becoming integral parts of our lives and changing the ways people do business.
Nearly every organisation uses data science and artificial intelligence to refine and streamline their business practices. The significant opportunities afforded by the application of data science and artificial intelligence across so many different sectors, from IT and healthcare to government agencies, mean that professionals in this area are in high demand, with job opportunities far outstripping supply.
This MSc addresses this skills gap by preparing you for an exciting career in data science and artificial intelligence. This includes interdisciplinary opportunities tailored to your individual expertise, achieved by coupling knowledge of data science and artificial intelligence with the knowledge that you acquired from your first degree.
You’ll be well placed on graduation to secure a variety of roles, including:
Your expertise working with data will also provide ideal preparation for potential PhD study.
In the UK, graduate schemes in data analysis and business intelligence at larger companies tend to offer a starting salary of around £30,000.
Salaries for data analysts are typically between £30,000 and £40,000.
Experienced, high-level and consulting jobs can attract salaries of £60,000 or more.
source: Prospects, Sept 2024
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Full-time place, per year - £34,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a subject that’s not related to computer science. Students on this conversion programme come from various academic backgrounds, therefore we strongly recommend that you review the pre-reading for the topics being introduced, to help prepare for studying this MSc. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 95. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 18 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions