MSc Data Science for Politics Policymaking
Course overview
The University of Strathclyde MSc Data Science for Politics and Policymaking is a postgraduate course aimed at graduates who are interested in applying data to address complex social and political problems.
The course is a cooperative programme between the School of Government and Public Policy and the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, which involves the application of advanced social science research and the ability to handle large datasets.
The curriculum includes courses like research design and public policy, data ethics, database management, and machine learning. Students are allowed to do a client-based project instead of a regular dissertation, which implies the practical use of what they have learned in a real-life situation.
Entry requirements
Candidates are required to submit a personal statement, a relevant academic and/or employer reference, and their CV along with their applications to demonstrate their work experience.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants need a first or upper second-class Honours degree, or its overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
English Proficiency:
- The university’s standard requirement for candidates who are from non-English speaking backgrounds is an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 overall, with no individual section score below 5.5. The university accepts other English language tests like TOEFL and PTE.
Scholarships
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Masters Study
The value of the scholarship award is £6,000 and will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Engineering: Dean’s International Excellence Award for Masters Study
Dean’s International Excellence Awards for Masters Study worth between £9,000 and £12,000 to exceptional applicants joining a postgraduate taught programme in September 2026.
Up to £9,000Faculty of Science International Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduate Taught Masters Students
The scholarships value will range from £7,000 to £8,000.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science International Masters Scholarship
Scholarships of £6,000 are available to new international fee-paying students.
Up to £6,000Faculty of Science International Scholarship for MRes Physics
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international students joining the MRes Physics in the academic year 2025/26.
Up to £7,000Faculty of Science Scholarship for Online Masters Students
Scholarships of £1,900 are available to new students joining one of our online programmes in September 2026.
Up to £1,900Humanities & Social Sciences Alumni Scholarship: Postgraduate Taught
Value: 20% tuition fee discount.
Up to 20% of feesHumanities & Social Sciences Dean's International Excellence Scholarship
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is delighted to offer a number of Deans Excellence scholarships worth £10,000 to international students.
Up to £10,000Humanities & Social Sciences: International Masters Scholarships
The scholarships will be awarded to the value of £6,000 or £8,000.
Law Postgraduate Community Bursary
Value: £700
Up to £700Masters Scholarship for Physics International Students
Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international fee-paying students joining a postgraduate taught masters degree in the Department of Physics in September 2026.
Up to £7,000MBA Part Time - Female Leader of the Future Scholarship
he value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500MBA Part time Visionary Scholarship
The value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.
Up to £6,500SBS International Masters Scholarship
Scholarship awards will range from £7,000 to £9,000, depending on the programme and course fee.
Up to £7,000Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Award for International Students
Value: Varies by course fee - Between £10,000 and £12,000
Up to £10,000Strathclyde Full Time MBA 60th Anniversary Scholarships
Value: 50% of Full Time MBA tuition fee.
Up to 50% of feesTuition Fee Reduction of 25% for NHS Employees
Up to 25% of tuition fees
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course work as:
- Policy Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Political Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Public Affairs Consultant
Cost of study
For international students, the fee for the MSc Data Science for Politics & Policymaking at the University of Strathclyde is £21,550.
Admission
Students interested in this course can apply directly to the university through their online application portal. Our trained advisors are available to assist you through the process.
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