MSc Data Science for Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Data is shaping the future of global development, and the demand for professionals with expertise in data science, impact evaluation, and quantitative analysis has never been higher.
Our cutting-edge MSc in Data Science for Global Development is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this rapidly evolving field. This innovative, first-of-its-kind programme bridges a critical gap in the academic landscape, offering a comprehensive, industry-aligned curriculum tailored explicitly for global development.
Throughout the course, you'll build a strong foundation in Python programming, data mining, and advanced causal analysis, enabling you to assess the impact of policies, projects, and behavioural interventions. You'll also have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your interests by selecting from a range of modules offered by the School of Global Development and the School of Computing Sciences. Additionally, you'll hone your research skills through a dissertation in an area of your choice, allowing you to specialise in the topics that matter most to you.
You'll be taught by renowned experts from the School of Global Development and the School of Computing Sciences, recognised for their leadership in data science, behavioural development economics, and applied policy analysis.
Upon graduation, you'll have an enviable set of in-demand skills and be ready to pursue a variety of exciting careers both within and beyond global development.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll study data science, including programming in Python and data mining.
In addition, you'll be introduced to advanced methods of data analysis for causal analysis, which allows you to use data to analyse the impact of policies, projects, or behavioural interventions.
You’ll have the flexibility to tailor the course to your interests by selecting module options from the School of Global Development or the School of Computing Sciences.
For your final project, you'll develop your research skills through a dissertation in an area of your choice. Upon graduation, you’ll be well equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Key Skills and Experience
The course is designed to equip you with the following key skills and expertise:
- Comprehensive Understanding: You’ll develop a profound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in data science, and data analysis for policy formulation.
- Expert Data Science: You’ll acquire advanced approaches, skills, and capacities for data science, ensuring proficiency in the interpretation of evidence.
- Policy Analysis Proficiency: You’ll cultivate skills for policy analysis and advice across a diverse array of global development sectors, including health, education, labour, poverty alleviation, agriculture, financial decision making, climate mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.
- Interdisciplinary Application: You’ll foster an interdisciplinary mindset, enabling you to apply your acquired knowledge and skills seamlessly across various fields within global development.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: You’ll develop critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in global development.
- Effective Communication: You’ll hone effective communication skills for conveying complex behavioural analyses, data interpretations, and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical Considerations: You’ll develop a strong awareness of ethical considerations in data analytics, behavioural science, and policy development within the context of global development
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through lectures and seminars. Your lectures will go beyond the customary “chalk-and-talk” approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g. through statistical programmes). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll develop essential transferable skills such as articulating an argument orally and in writing, and how to present academic information lucidly and cogently.
Independent study
You’ll read suggested academic articles and books, submitting assignments for each module. Your independent study will give you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments, concentrating on the areas that interest you most.
Assessment
You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, and a dissertation. Additional assessment formats may vary depending on the optional modules you choose.
You'll receive ongoing feedback through formative assessments, helping you refine your understanding and build confidence. Summative assessments enable you to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise.
To help you excel, you'll receive constructive feedback during seminars, giving you the opportunity to sharpen your ability to articulate ideas and arguments effectively. You'll be encouraged to prepare essay plans in advance and discuss them with your lecturers, ensuring you feel confident heading into your assignments. Plus, you'll typically receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial coursework assignment before your main deadline, giving you the opportunity to refine your work.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Sciences preferred. Applicants should have studied Economics with a commensurate level of mathematical and statistical training, or to have reached an equivalent level of skills and understanding through professional experience.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £11,775
-
International Students: £24,500
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be well equipped with a range of invaluable transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond global development.
Previous graduates have gone on to work at development banks, international charities, national governments, international organisations, international research organisations, and consultancy companies.
You’ll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing to an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Policy maker at local or national governments
- International organisations or development banks
- Non-governmental organisations or charities
- Consultancy companies
- National or international research institutes
Discover more on our Careers webpages.