Data and Decision Analytics (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield
Next course starts
September 2025

About this course

Develop the analytic and professional skills for success in the data science on this Data & Decision Analytics MSc. You’ll learn advanced level mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and computation.

This UK master’s course will give you the skills and knowledge to make better decisions based on data. There is also a strong focus on real work experience, with opportunities for summer projects in a range of industries.

Through this degree you’ll learn: 

  • programming skills in R and in Python 
  • advanced theory and methods of applied statistics 
  • practical application of operational research 
  • modelling of deterministic and stochastic systems 
  • industry career skills working on a project with an external organisation 

You'll take on 3-month summer project which can be in operational research, statistics, data science or a combination of each. This is excellent preparation if you want to go onto a PhD in one of these areas. 

There are 2 options for this project:

  • The opportunity to compete for a 3-month project with an external organisation
  • An internal project linked to the latest research led by one of our academics 

You'll also get the chance to meet with the CORMSIS Business Advisory Board which is represented by major companies including; Tesco, Shell, British Airways and HM Revenue & Customs. They ensure this MSc continues to be fresh and relevant to the needs of employers, so you’ll have excellent employment prospects.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

The leader for this course is Dr Hou-Duo Qi, who’s current research interest is on matrix optimisation with applications in finance and statistics. Examples include the (low-rank) nearest correlation matrix problem from finance and convex quadratic semidefinite programming in multidimensional scaling. Find out more on Dr Hou-Duo Qi’s staff profile page.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.