Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government
Latest News
Level 7 review of data science training
We are carrying out a Level 7 (Master’s Level) review of data science training across the public sector and are inviting participants complete a one-off questionnaire or attend a one-hour virtual focus group.
We are looking for participants who are:
- interested in upskilling colleagues in Level 7 Data Science within their organisation
- interested in Level 7 Data Science training for themselves
- interested in the development of a Level 7 Data Analytics Apprenticeship for the public sector (or potentially Artificial Intelligence)
- past or prospective students on the MDataGov, PgDip, PgCert and CPD modules
- line managers and colleagues of MDataGov, PgDip, PgCert and CPD students
- responsible for approving or managing the funding for learning and development within their organisation
To take part in the review, please complete this short questionnaire to provide your contact details.
MDataGov virtual open day
We held a virtual open day for prospective students of the Masters in Data Analytics for Government on 14 July.
You can find all the presentations on the virtual open day page and you can also read through FAQ’s for each of the universities. (University of Southampton, Cardiff University, University of Glasgow and Oxford Brookes University)
Overview
The Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government (MDataGov) is a joint initiative between the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and academic partners across the UK. Launched in October 2017, the programme equips public sector employees with the skills required from a modern public sector data analyst, helping to increase the data science capacity of public sector organisations.
The MDataGov is a unique and flexible full-time or part-time master’s (MSc) programme that combines modules in statistics and data science. Its structure includes a range of core and non-core modules in statistics and data science. There are four core modules that are standard across all the universities offering the MDataGov. These are:
- Data Science Foundations
- Statistics in Government
- Survey Fundamentals
- Statistical Programming
In addition to the core modules, each partner university delivers their own distinct set of additional core and non-core modules, making each university’s offering unique.
In 2020, we welcomed Cardiff University and University of Glasgow (Online Distance Learning) as new partners, joining existing providers University of Southampton and Oxford Brookes University in the MDataGov Framework. The following universities will be offering the MDataGov in the 2021 to 2022 academic year:
- University of Southampton
- Oxford Brookes University
- Cardiff University
- University of Glasgow (online delivery only)
The programme duration can be from one to five years. The modules can be taken as part of the full master’s (MSc) programme or as individual (assessed or unassessed) courses for continuing professional development (CPD). Our university partners also offer PgCert and PgDip programmes in Data Analytics for Government.
Each university offers different delivery options, with some requiring in-person attendance, and others offering delivery as an online option. Please check with your chosen university for further details.
How to apply for the MDataGov programme
Applications for the MDataGov should be made directly to your chosen university. Before applying we recommend that you discuss with your line manager the time commitments required to read for the MDataGov as the programme will form part of your work-based learning and development time.
Sponsorship
Employees of UK public sector bodies may obtain full or part sponsorship for the MDataGov from their respective organisation. Please speak to your organisation about funding for the full MDataGov, PGCert, PGDip or the individual CPD modules and ensure that you have confirmation of funding before you apply.
The Data Science Campus will not be sponsoring MDataGov students for the 2021 to 2022 academic year.
Some of the universities also offer their own scholarships and bursaries. Please refer to individual university websites for further information.
If organisational funding is not possible for the full programme, you have the option to self-fund the course, resubmit your request for the next academic year or start by taking individual CPD modules, a PGCert or PGDip. Some universities may offer the public sector rate to students who are self-funding.