Key information
For:
starting September 2027
Typical offer:
A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications
Study mode and duration
- 2 years part-time (January start)
- 2 years part-time (September start)
Start date
- September 2027
- January 2028
Showing content for section Overview
This course is subject to approval. For further information, please email [email protected].
Overview
Develop the skills to transform data into meaningful insight on our flexible MSc Data Analytics (Distance Learning) course.
You'll learn how to collect, manage, analyse and visualise data using industry-standard tools and techniques, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, business intelligence and predictive analytics. Through practical learning and real-world applications, you'll build expertise in programming, data management and analytical problem-solving.
Studying entirely online, you'll benefit from the flexibility to fit your degree around existing commitments while preparing for careers in data analytics, data science, business intelligence and related fields across a wide range of industries.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
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Learn to uncover trends, patterns and insights from complex datasets using advanced analytics, machine learning and AI techniques.
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Build practical experience with industry-standard tools and technologies including Python, R, SQL, Tableau and big data platforms.
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Develop specialist skills in data visualisation, business intelligence and predictive analytics to support data-driven decision-making.
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Complete an independent research project, allowing you to investigate a real-world data challenge in an area that interests you.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2027 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
January 2028 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
- Relevant subjects: Computing, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2027 / January 2028 start)
Please note, we’ll confirm 2027/28 course fees soon.
Please note, we'll confirm 2027/28 course fees soon.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
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Data Management
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Programming for Data Analytics and AI
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Business Intelligence
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Data Visualisation and Exploratory Analytics
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Intelligent Data and Text Analytics
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Big Data and Machine Learning Applications
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Research Project Methods
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Project
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
I knew about mathematics, statistics and data analysis tools, but I didn’t have the skills to deal with Big Data. I looked for the right degree to get these skills and the University of Portsmouth was the choice that suited my aspirations and needs.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take 12 months (full-time study).
You can expect:
- 8 to 12 hours of teaching per week. We do our best to keep all teaching within three days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 20 hours of independent study each week.
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- tutorials
- lab sessions
Assessment
You’ll be assessed primarily through coursework on this programme, but there is a small number of exams.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Your facilities
SCIAMA Supercomputer
Find out how the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation's SCIAMA Supercomputer is helping answer questions about the origins of the universe, and much more.
Cisco Networking Academy
Use our bespoke network laboratory with in-lab and remote access to over 200 routers and switches in a data-centre environment. The lab also has specialist dual-boot (Linux and Windows) PCs and a private cloud, for implementing and testing virtualised computing and network infrastructures.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
As organisations increasingly rely on data to inform strategy, improve performance and drive innovation, the demand for professionals with advanced analytical skills continues to grow. This course will equip you with the knowledge and practical expertise to interpret complex datasets, generate meaningful insights and support data-driven decision-making across a range of sectors.
You'll develop sought-after skills in data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, business intelligence and data visualisation, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges using industry-relevant tools and techniques.
Throughout your studies, you'll also strengthen transferable skills in critical thinking, problem solving, communication and project delivery, helping you stand out in a competitive global job market.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Data Scientist
- Data Architect
- Analytics Consultant
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- PhD Researcher
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events, including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Personal Tutor
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
Learning Support Tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
Student Success Advisors
These are the team that are your first point of call to help with any pastoral concerns and to link you in with all areas of university life; from help with your mental wellbeing to improving your attendance.
Lab Support
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
Maths Cafe
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Support with English
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Wellbeing and mental health support
You can get personal and emotional support from student wellbeing to help with your university experience; from resources, workshops and courses to 1-2-1 advice sessions, we have multiple ways to help you with your mental health.
Disability advice and additional support
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Res Life team
As a support service for students living in University of Portsmouth Halls, they are here to empower you in your new community.
They'll help with
- health concerns
- homesickness
- relationship problems (e.g. with housemates)
- noisy neighbours
Library support
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Accommodation support
From Halls of Residence to living in the private sector, our dedicated housing team will help you decide where to live and manage your time while living in Portsmouth.
Financial support
For help managing your money effectively, our Student Money team can give you information, advice and support to keep your finances on track.
Careers support
Our Careers and Employability Service supports you to help find part-time jobs, career planning, work experience and volunteering, graduate jobs, further study or starting up a business.
They offer
- CV reviewing, application and interview support
- LinkedIn essentials
- Help to find your ideal career
- Student Startup support to help those looking to freelance or start a new business
IT support
You can get help with all your computer issues face-to-face at the IT help centre in the Library, and by phone, email and online chat.
As a student you'll get access to
- Free Wi-Fi across all University buildings
- Laptops on short-term loan
- Free Microsoft Office 365 download on your own devices and access to other essential software and apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud
- Open access areas, printing facilities and group working areas
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2027
Start this course in January 2028
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2025, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.