Applied Data Science (Conversion)
Master advanced data science tools and techniques and learn to apply them across a range of industries. Gain a new specialism at ARU in Cambridge.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
If you’re looking to transition into data science but haven’t studied it previously, this is the course for you. You’ll gain core maths, programming, and data analysis skills before getting to grips with more advanced tools and techniques, applying what you’re learned to real-world datasets throughout.
You’ll also undertake a one-week placement in an area of the University, giving you valuable experience and setting you up for your dissertation.
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Move into data science – no computing or data-related degree required
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Study and explore career opportunities in Cambridge’s ‘Silicon Fen’, known for its tech innovation
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Gain skills in areas such as data mining, machine learning, and statistical modelling
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Learn through real-life datasets and industry projects
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Gain in-demand skills applicable to a range of careers.
On this course, you’ll gain highly marketable skills such as programming, data acquisition and cleaning, data analysis and feature extraction, data visualisation, data mining, and machine learning. You’ll also become proficient in advanced data science tools and techniques too such as deep learning and predictive models, and learn about artificial intelligence.
Graduation doesn't have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to continue your academic career and join a research programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Build up your knowledge and skills in data science.
You'll start by exploring the core maths concepts used by data analysts. You’ll then look at high-level computer programming using Python, and how it can be used to design and develop data-driven prediction models. At the same time, you’ll explore data mining and machine learning.
You’ll spend a week on placement in an area of ARU, helping you identify the topic of your Major Project. For this 10,000-word report, you’ll make appropriate use of your new skills to evaluate and suggest solutions to a particular issue.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Analytical Techniques
- Programming with Python
- Principles of Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Applied Data Analysis and Research Methodology
- Data Analytics Major Project
- Prompt Engineering and Generative AI (30 credits) *
- Advanced Time Series Analysis (15 credits) *
- Research Methods (15 credits) *
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.