Upskill for the Big Data age with our online data science course.
Data science spans information and computational science, mathematics, and statistics. It seeks to identify and understand phenomena as captured in structured or unstructured data.
Train in the data science techniques that are revolutionising the way we use data.
- Learn how to handle large datasets and extract meaningful insights from data.
- Explore the benefits these techniques can bring to businesses across all sectors.
- Generate data-driven predictions and recommendations to optimise processes, workflows, and equipment use.

Top 4 in the UK for Computer Science
We’re ranked 4th in the UK for Computer Science & Information Systems (Guardian University League Table 2022).

You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.

20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off this online course.
What you’ll study
You’ll gain an introduction to data science and study common data science techniques.
You’ll also consider the challenges and implications for data managers.
You’ll cover:
- Data analytics
- Data mining
- Challenges and solutions for large datasets, or ‘big data’
- Real-time data analysis
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Neural networks
- Data classification, pattern-recognition and cluster analysis
- Uncertainty quantification
- Data visualisation
- Data integration models for making predictions and recommendations
Data science is increasingly important in many different areas. You’ll explore wide-ranging examples, from Natural Language Processing (eg, analysing Tweets and Facebook posts), to Astro-Archaeology.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…
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Handle large datasets, or ‘big data’.
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Conduct cluster analysis of data.
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Identify and understand phenomena captured in structured or unstructured data.
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Carry out data analysis.
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Generate data-driven predictions that aid business optimisation.
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Produce reports based on data analysis.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This distance-learning Data Science course is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
This course is taught at Masters level.
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- videos
- online lectures and interactive lecture material
- quizzes
- projects
- reading materials
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from experienced data scientists from our School of Natural and Computing Sciences. As well as guiding you through the course, they’ll be on hand to discuss your work with you using online forums.
Your course coordinator

Professor Marco Thiel
Marco is an applied mathematician with a background in theoretical physics and dynamical systems. He works in Applied Mathematics and Physics at the University. Marco specialises in applying mathematical modelling and data analysis to a multitude of applications, from Alzheimer’s disease and population dynamics to the movement of newborns and the mating behaviour of fireflies.
View Marco’s profileWhere this will take you
Careers
Companies today need data scientists who are not only highly skilled in a wide range of statistical and data analysis tools, but who can go far beyond classical statistics and machine learning to gain real insights from data.
This course provides the practical training you need to extract those insights. You’ll learn to create data-driven solutions to problems across many disciplines and industries.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for CPD hours. Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.

Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
This course has no formal entry requirements. You decide if it’s suitable for you.
The course is delivered at Masters level. At this level, you’d usually have at least:
- a 2:2 (second-class) degree
- or relevant experience that supports this level of study.
You do not need a science or maths degree to take this course. It’s open to students and professionals across all academic backgrounds.
Apply for this course