Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen MSc Data Science requires a 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject. For 2026/27, the published international tuition fee is £26,250, with a self-funded rate of £18,250 after the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. The programme accepts September and January starts and runs for 12 or 16 months full-time on campus.
Degree classification requirement
The programme page states that a 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject will be considered. The University describes this as a guide only and does not guarantee entry. Applicants from a wide range of academic or professional backgrounds are welcomed, including science, technology, engineering and medicine as well as the humanities, business and social sciences.
Country-specific entry requirements
The official page provides a country selector tool labelled “Country or Territory”. When China is selected, the page displays entry requirements specific to Chinese qualifications. Because the selector requires a live lookup, the exact Chinese equivalence for the 2:2 requirement must be rechecked directly on the University of Aberdeen website at the time of application.
English language requirements
The University sets the following minimum scores for the MSc Data Science:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169
Document requirements
Applicants must supply the following documents with their application:
- An up-to-date CV or resumé
- A degree certificate showing qualifications
- A full transcript showing all subjects studied and marks achieved, with an original and official English translation
- A detailed personal statement explaining motivation for the programme
If the current programme of study is not yet complete, the degree certificate can be provided at a later date.
Programme structure and start dates
Two study options are available: a 12-month full-time route starting in September, and a 16-month full-time route starting in January. Both are delivered on campus in Aberdeen. The programme covers machine learning, big data analytics, data visualisation, and data management, and is designed in collaboration with industry partners including Wolfram Research.
Fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
For the 2026/27 academic year, the published tuition fee for EU and international students is £26,250. The page states that the fee for self-funded students is £18,250, which includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. The scholarship is described as available to all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students. Full terms and conditions apply and are referenced on the official scholarship page.
What the official page does not confirm
The evidence does not include a fixed Chinese qualification percentage or grade-point average. The country selector requires a live lookup, so the exact Chinese equivalence for the 2:2 requirement must be verified on the University of Aberdeen website. The page also does not list application deadlines, deposit amounts, or CAS issuance timelines.
FAQ
What is the minimum degree classification for the MSc Data Science?
A 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in any subject will be considered. The University states this is a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is not in a science subject?
Yes. The programme welcomes applications from a wide range of academic or professional backgrounds, including the humanities, business and social sciences, as well as STEM fields.
What is the tuition fee for international students in 2026/27?
The published international tuition fee is £26,250. Self-funded international students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, bringing the fee to £18,250.
Does the programme offer a January start?
Yes. A 16-month full-time on-campus route starting in January is available, alongside a 12-month full-time route starting in September.
What English language tests are accepted?
IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency are accepted. Minimum overall and component scores are listed on the programme page.
Are there any additional fees beyond tuition?
The University states that in exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Applicants should check the Student Terms and Conditions page for details.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the University of Aberdeen’s official MSc Data Science programme page and the postgraduate taught study overview page. For the most current details, including country-specific entry requirements and scholarship terms, consult these sources directly:
- MSc Data Science programme page
- Postgraduate taught study overview
- Funding Database
- Aberdeen Global Scholarship page
For broader context on UK study options, you may also find these articles useful: Anglia Ruskin University 2026 guide, cost of studying in Australia and the UK compared, choosing an insurance company for study abroad, and whether there are agents who do not charge intermediary fees.