The MSc Data Science at the University of Hertfordshire (Herts) is taught through the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, at Herts' twin campuses in Hatfield, about 20 minutes by train from central London. Herts isn't a Russell Group name and doesn't try to be one; it has built its reputation on strong graduate employability (it cites a 96% employment-or-further-study rate within 15 months of graduation), practical courses, and one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any UK university, drawing from over 110 countries. This guide covers exactly what it costs and takes to get into Herts' 1-year MSc Data Science.
Acceptance Rate
Herts does not publish an official, university-wide or course-level acceptance rate. This is standard across UK "post-92" universities: Herts is a widening-participation institution, not a selective one in the US sense. If you meet the published academic degree and English-language requirements for the MSc Data Science, you are very likely to receive an offer; there is no holistic committee weighing your file against a fixed number of available seats.
In practice, this means the real work for most applicants is making sure the English-proficiency requirement and financial/visa documentation are handled correctly, not competing against other candidates for a scarce spot.
Fees and Cost of Attendance
| Cost Item | Amount (GBP/year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (MSc Data Science, international) | £16,450 |
| Living expenses (Hatfield) | ~£12,000 |
| Total estimated annual cost | ~£28,450 |
The MSc Data Science is a 1-year full-time programme, so the figures above represent the full cost of the degree, before any scholarships. Herts offers a £1,000 discount to international students who pay their full year's tuition upfront, at or before registration, a real saving if you or your family can pay in full rather than by instalment. Postgraduate tuition at Herts ranges by course, from around £16,450 for MSc Data Science up to roughly £18,800 for the MBA, so Data Science sits toward the more affordable end of Herts' postgraduate offerings.
Admission Requirements
Herts assesses international Bachelor's degree classifications against UK degree-classification equivalents on a case-by-case basis, rather than using a GPA scale. For the MSc Data Science:
- Direct application via Herts' international application portal
- Bachelor's degree certificate and full transcript (a background with a strong quantitative component, such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering, is typical for competitive applicants, though Herts does not publish a formal prerequisite-subject list for this profile)
- Statement of purpose / personal statement
- One or two academic or professional references
- English language proficiency evidence (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), unless exempt
- No GRE/GMAT requirement for this course
Herts runs both September and January intakes on many courses, with applications processed on a rolling basis and country-specific document deadlines confirmed through individual offer letters.
How to Get Into Herts' MSc Data Science
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Lead with your quantitative background in your personal statement. Because Data Science admissions committees are evaluating readiness for statistical and computational coursework, a clear account of relevant coursework, projects, or professional experience with data carries real weight.
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Apply through the right channel. Herts' direct international portal typically gives faster turnaround and a direct line to international admissions than a general UCAS-style route.
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If your IELTS score is close but not quite at 6.5, ask about Herts' pre-sessional English options before resitting the test externally. Pre-sessional completion is designed to lead straight into the main master's course.
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Get your financial documentation ready well ahead of your CAS deadline. UK Student visa rules require proof of funds held for a set period before you apply.
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Use the January intake as a genuine fallback, not a downgrade, if you miss the main September cycle or need more time to arrange your visa and finances.
English Proficiency Requirement (IELTS/TOEFL)
Herts' standard postgraduate English-language policy applies to the MSc Data Science:
- IELTS: minimum 6.5 overall, no component below 5.5; recommended 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: minimum in the high 80s (Herts' published equivalency for its standard postgraduate requirement); recommended 88
- PTE Academic: accepted, approximate equivalent 62
- Duolingo: acceptance could not be independently confirmed at time of writing, contact Herts' international team directly if this is your only score
- Waiver: applicants with a Bachelor's or Master's degree taught and assessed entirely in English, including from a recognised majority-English-speaking country, are typically exempt
For borderline scores, Herts offers pre-sessional English options rather than repeated external resits. See University of Hertfordshire: Acceptance Rate, Fees, Requirements & How to Get In for the fuller breakdown of admissions process and requirements.
Career Outcomes
Herts reports a graduate employment or further-study rate of around 96% within 15 months of graduation, one of its strongest recruiting points relative to other post-92 UK universities. This is a figure the university publishes at the undergraduate level rather than broken out specifically for the MSc Data Science, and Herts does not publish a specific average starting salary or a Data Science-specific employer list, so treat any precise number you see elsewhere with caution.
MSc Data Science graduates, like all Herts degree-holders, are fully eligible for the UK's Graduate Route visa: 2 years of unsponsored work rights after the degree, with no employer sponsorship required during that period. Combined with Herts' proximity to London's tech and data-analytics job market, many international Data Science graduates use the Graduate Route to gain UK work experience before transitioning to a sponsored skilled-worker visa.
FAQ
Does Herts publish an acceptance rate for Data Science? No. Herts doesn't publish course-level or university-wide acceptance figures. It's a widening-participation institution, and most applicants who meet the published academic and English-language requirements receive an offer.
How much does Herts' MSc Data Science cost? Tuition is £16,450 for the full 1-year programme, with total annual cost (including living expenses) around £28,450. A £1,000 discount applies if you pay your full annual fee upfront.
What IELTS score do I need? An overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with no component below 5.5. TOEFL iBT in the high 80s is accepted as an equivalent.
Is the GRE or GMAT required for Herts' MSc Data Science? No. Herts does not require the GRE or GMAT for the large majority of its master's courses, including Data Science.
What is Herts' graduate employment rate? The university reports around 96% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, though this is a university-wide undergraduate figure rather than Data Science-specific.
Can I work in the UK after graduating? Yes. MSc Data Science graduates are eligible for the UK's Graduate Route: 2 years of unsponsored post-study work rights.