Master’s in Data Analytics for Government application guidance

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Guidance for applying for the Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) students
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Science Campus
Advanced Collaborative Programmes

Created on 9 July 2023
Updated on 13 September 2023

Contents


Applying to study

This guidance provides information on applying for the programme, including CPD modules, at each of our partner universities. To access information most relevant to you, please:

1. Read the section of the document for the university that you are applying to:

  1. Cardiff University
  2. University of Glasgow
  3. Oxford Brookes University
  4. University of Southampton

2. Complete the MDataGov applicant checklist before submitting your application.

The answers to most applicant questions can be found in this document. If you can’t find the information you need, please contact your chosen university directly or email the Advanced Collaborative Programmes team in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Data Science Campus.

We wish you the very best with your application and studies!


MDataGov applicant checklist

Please ensure that you can tick off each of the following before submitting your application:

Are you aware of the mode of delivery (e.g., online, in-person) and time commitment of your chosen course? If unsure, links to each of our university partners can be found on the ONS Data Science Campus website
Do you meet the prerequisites for this course (i.e., the required knowledge and qualifications/experience) as described in the university’s module information?
Have you obtained approval from your line manager to take this course? If not, are you aware of the number of hours required to complete this course in your personal time? Please direct your line manager to the MDataGov guidance for managers for more information on the benefits of the programme and ways to support you through it.
Have you checked the course fees for the course you are interested in? If taking a standalone module, please check that you have the correct fee information based on the number of credits for your module.
Has funding for this course been approved (unless you are self-funding). If not, please read the guidance on funding your study.
If you are being sponsored by your organisation, are you aware of your chosen university’s requirements for applicants to prove their sponsorship status during the application process? If not, you can find this information in the relevant section of this guidance.

Cardiff University

Standalone CPD modules

Modules are delivered in-person and the application window per academic year is from June to early September. Cardiff University website contains information on modules, admissions criteria and requirements for those wishing to accumulate credits towards full MSc. It is expected that all students will complete the assessments for each module.

How to apply:

  • Apply via the university website
  • Read the guidance notes on how to complete the online application
  • If you wish to continue your studies, you will need to re-apply every year

At the time of application, you will need to upload the following documents within the Personal Statement section. Please request these from your sponsor in advance:

  • Sponsorship letter
  • Purchase Order (PO) document

Full MSc

The programme is delivered in-person on a full-time or part-time basis, offered via a new flexible delivery route from September 2023. A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or postgraduate certificate (PgCert) are offered as alternatives to the full MSc. Cardiff University website contains information on the full programme, including admissions criteria.

How to apply:

Apply via the university website.

At the time of application, you will need to upload the following documents within the Personal Statement section. Please request these from your sponsor in advance:

  • Sponsorship letter
  • Purchase Order (PO) document

University of Glasgow

Standalone CPD modules

Modules are delivered online over the standard academic semesters and application deadlines are typically 3-4 weeks before the module start date. The University of Glasgow website contains information on modules, admissions criteria, and the difference between studying ‘For credit’ (assessed) or ‘Not for credit’ (unassessed).

How to apply:

Apply via the university website.

Read the guidance notes on what should be included in your award letter and what you will need to provide during financial registration. Please request your award letter from your sponsor in advance. 

Full MSc

The programme is delivered online on a part-time basis. A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or postgraduate certificate (PgCert) are offered as alternatives to the full MSc. The University of Glasgow website contains information on the full programme, including admissions criteria and online information sessions for prospective students.

How to apply:

Apply via the university website.

Read the guidance notes on what should be included in your award letter and what you will need to provide during financial registration. Please request your award letter from your sponsor in advance.


Oxford Brookes University

Standalone CPD modules

Modules delivered in-person over the standard academic semesters, with recordings of most sessions available to allow for remote attendance. The School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematics microsite contains information on modules and assessed and non-assessed study.

How to apply:

At the time of application, you will need to provide a Purchase Order (PO) number. Please request this from your sponsor in advance.

Full MSc

The programme is delivered in-person on a part-time basis, with recordings of most sessions available for students who cannot travel to site. Students are required to attend the university for any in-class assessments. A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) or postgraduate certificate (PgCert) are offered as alternatives to the full MSc. The Oxford Brookes University website contains information on the full programme, including admissions criteria.

How to apply:

Apply via the university website.

At the time of application, you will need to provide a Purchase Order (PO) number. Please request this from your sponsor in advance.


University of Southampton

Standalone CPD modules

Modules are delivered in-person as one-week blocks of intensive study and application deadlines are typically 4 weeks before the module start date. The Southampton Statistical Sciences Research Institute website contains the module schedule and application form.

How to apply:

Send your completed application form to the email address provided.

At the time of application, you will need to provide a sponsorship letter, with Purchase Order (PO) number. Please request this letter from your sponsor in advance.

Full MSc

The programme is delivered in-person on a part-time or full-time basis. The University of Southampton website contains information on the full programme, including module contents and admissions criteria.

How to apply:

Apply via the university website.

At the time of application, you will need to provide a sponsorship letter, with Purchase Order (PO) number. Please request this letter from your sponsor in advance.