The MSc in Data Science and Communication is designed for students who have an interest in the way data and data processing are shaping our communication practices as society becomes increasingly digitised. Whether you want to investigate how Big Data impacts our daily decision-making practices or learn how to create innovative communication chatbots, this MSc will provide you with the necessary means to successfully navigate the Networked Society.
The programme offers state-of-the-art empirical, technical and theoretical training. You will have the opportunity to learn cutting edge computational techniques to study social behaviours at scale, alongside a deep grounding in the principles of communication studies and the social sciences.
Substantial training will also be devoted to quantitative methods aimed at harnessing big data, especially when it comes to social and news media. You will learn the underpinnings of emerging communication technologies ranging from computer mediated communications to human computer interaction.
This programme is designed for students who want to combine a strong interest in communication and media with advanced data-driven and computational skills. It is ideal for those seeking to understand and shape how digital technologies, social media, and artificial intelligence influence society and communication today.
The skills you will develop as a computational communication scientist are highly valued across a wide range of sectors. Graduates are well prepared for careers as data analysts, data managers, or computational linguists in fields such as news media, AI industries, research organisations, and policy-making institutions. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for further academic research at doctoral level.
The programme is structured around three core modules that provide a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of data-driven communication and research. You will learn to:
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You will study four compulsory modules, including a dissertation; and three optional modules (one in Semester one, and two in Semester two).
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| INTRODUCTION TO DATA SCIENCE A (COMM741) | 30 |
| INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL SOCIAL SCIENCE METHODS (COMM742) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COMMUNICATION A (COMM766) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
During the summer you will complete a dissertation.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION (COMM716) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching is delivered through weekly workshops held on campus. These usually last for 2-3 hours per module per week. Depending on which module options are taken, there may be lectures and separate seminar sessions scheduled.
Class sizes for master’s programmes in the Department of Communication and Media tend to be small, but numbers can vary depending on what option modules are selected. A typical class in Data Science and Communication will include between 10-20 students.
The assessment strategy is designed to emphasise tasks which mirror those that students might undertake as professionals and researchers. The choice of privileging authentic assessement is in line with Curriculum 2021 and responds to the overall educational goal of endowing students with skills to navigate the complexity of the Networked Society by informing communication challenges through data science. Thus, each module shows assessements tailored to different disciplinary areas with the inclusion of empirical components. For example, in a module such as Introduction to Data Science students are asked to deliver an annotated computer code and elaborate on the results, while the module Data Visualisation requires the students to build a portfolio of visualisations and descriptions.
Feedback is given on all submitted work (formative and summative), with a view to the student’s reflective engagement with key issues in data science and communication, improved self-awareness and motivation to make progress for future exercises of the same sort, and towards the assessment activities.
Assessment is normally by coursework (test, essay), portfolios work online (blogs, reviews, media programming), and other research-led activities (reports, database management).
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
This programme is delivered by the Department of Communication and Media. The department is a close-knit community of dedicated, innovative teachers and researchers that extend a warm welcome to postgraduate taught and research students. You will benefit from a personalised approach which treats you as an individual and encourages you to become involved in the life of the department.
Join our MSc in Data Science and Communication to discover how data is used for communication in the age of AI.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The MSc in Data Science and Communication programme provides students with key skills which are in high demand both in the private and the third sector. There is a constant growth in the number of jobs that specifically call for an expertise in Data Science applied to communication environments. Such professional figures are required by a wide range of stakeholders including, among others, AI companies (from start-ups to multinational corporations), news media agencies, public health and cyber security institutions.
The interdisciplinary professional skills developed by the students will make them highly qualified, compared to single-discipline graduates, for a wide range of sectors dealing with Big Data and Society, ranging from data analysis and data management to natural language processing and communication diffusion. In addition, the programme’s focus on cutting edge methodologies for data analysis in response to social science issues will allow our students to become pioneers in solving novel problems arising in the Networked Society, tackling, for instance, misinformation as well as challenges both in human-computer interaction and computer-mediated communication. In this way, the MSc programme offers multiple opportunities in the fast-changing digital media sector. Examples of relevant careers include, but are not limited to:
Graduates wishing to continue academic studies will find a supportive and nurturing research environment that prepares them well for doctoral-level research activities. Career pathways that follow this route include employment in higher education (teaching and/or research), or teaching at secondary and further education levels.
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 - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,000
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 £12,167 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.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on an eligible postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background. Complementary subject eligibility also applies.
Studying a masters in any subject and aspiring to a career using data and digital skills in the public sector or within public missions such as health, renewable energy or climate change ? If you live in the Liverpool City Region, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000. Two awards are available per academic year.
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 | Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. This degree should be in Communication Studies, social sciences or humanities subjects, or a technical discipline such as Computer Science or Information Technology. Applicants with a degree in another subject, who also have appropriate professional experience, will be considered on an individual basis. On receipt of your application, we’ll discuss a possible research topic with you, either in person or via email. This will help us to match you to a suitable dissertation supervisor and aid your choice of optional modules. |
| 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 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| 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 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 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 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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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.
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If you have any questions about the course content, please get in touch with the programme director.
Last updated 13 November 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions