MSc in Data Analytics for Government
Updated 8 June 2020: Sponsorship to study the Master’s in Data Analytics for Goverment.
Applications are now open for sponsorship to begin studying the Master’s in Data Analytics for Government in the 2020-2021 academic year.
Overview
The MSc in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) is a collaborative project between the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and academic partners across the UK. Launched in October 2017, the programme aims to build advanced data science capability by equipping civil servants with the skills required from a modern government data analyst.
The MDataGov is a unique and flexible part-time MSc programme that combines modules in statistics and data science. Its structure includes a range of non-core modules in statistics and data science as well as four core modules:
- Data Science Foundations
- Statistics in Government
- Survey Fundamentals
- Statistical Programming
In 2020, we expanded the MDataGov provision with Cardiff University and University of Glasgow (Online Distance Learning) joining current providers University of Southampton, Oxford Brookes University and University College London in the MDataGov Framework. More information on modules is available from each partner university.
The programme duration is from one to five years. The modules can be taken as part of the full MSc programme or as individual (assessed or unassessed) courses for continuing professional development (CPD).
MDataGov modules are also usually offered at ONS sites (Titchfield and Newport) in a week-long format, but this provision has now been paused because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The latest information is available on our dedicated page for individual modules.
To apply, please contact the universities directly.
Data Science Campus sponsorship
Over the past four years the Campus has sponsored more than 35 public sector analysts to take the MDataGov. We are pleased to sponsor another cohort to start the programme in the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
Eligible universities
Applications for the 2020 to 2021 academic year will be considered for the following universities:
Cardiff University
Fees: £8,730
Please note that only the four core modules are available to part-time students in the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
University of Glasgow (Online Distance Learning)
Fees: £10,000
University of Southampton
Projected fees: £9,000
New modules available for the 2020 to 2021 academic year include: Data Mining, Data Visualisation, Machine Learning and Geographic Information Systems. Please see the 2019 to 2020 timetable for information.
Requirements
The Data Science Campus sponsorship is subject to the MDataGov application being accepted by one of the eligible universities.
Successful candidates are required to take at least half of their non-core module credits in data science related topics and take no more than four modules in their first year of study (2020 to 2021). More information can be found in the application form.
Campus-sponsored students of the MDataGov programme are expected to act as data science ambassadors and evangelists across government. You will have access to the MDataGov Slack channel to network, and you will work with fellow students across the programme to promote the use of data science in government for the benefit of public good. You will also support the annual MDataGov symposium by giving a talk and/or organising the event. More information is available in the application form.
How to apply
To apply for the Data Science Campus sponsorship:
- complete the application form.
- email the form to datasciencecampus@ons.gov.uk by 23:59 on Sunday 28 June 2020.
We will inform successful candidates in the week starting 29 June 2020.
Find out more
In March 2019, current and past students showcased their work at the MDataGov symposium in Manchester. The blog provides highlights from the day, including the students’ presentations. We are currently planning an online MDataGov showcase for September 2020.
Dissertation topics from Campus-funded Master’s students
| Title | Author | Completion date |
| Understanding how preference data could be used to predict future demand for schools | Dean Gordon, Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency | November 2019 |
| How can DfE most effectively contribute to improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in England? | Jack Tattersall, Department for Education | September 2019 |
| An On-Demand Satellite Earth Observation Imagery Retrieval and Analysis Pipeline | Joshua Stephenson, HM Revenue and Customs | September 2018 |
| Where did you come from, where did you go, where should you go to treat that broken elbow: A tool exploring proximity to and demand on health services | Katie Davidson, Department of Health and Social Care | September 2018 |
| Automated Vehicle Detection and Tracking using CCTV Surveillance Video | Mustafa Ellam, HM Revenue and Customs | January 2018 |