Direct answer
The MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at Goldsmiths, University of London requires a UK undergraduate degree at 2:2 standard or above in a numerate subject such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or quantitative fields like economics and finance. The programme does not assume prior programming experience but does require mathematical dexterity consistent with a numerate degree. For applicants whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0 is required. The official course page does not publish a specific grade-equivalence table for Chinese Bachelor’s degrees, so the exact Chinese qualification threshold must be confirmed through the university’s international qualifications page.
Entry requirements for the degree
The MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence sets one principal academic entry threshold. You must hold a BA or BSc Degree at 2:2 standard or above. The university lists acceptable subject backgrounds as computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or quantitative subjects like economics and finance. The programme team states: “We do not assume that you will have programmed before, but we do require a level of mathematical dexterity that is commensurate with having completed a numerate degree.” This means your undergraduate transcript must demonstrate sufficient quantitative content, even if your degree title does not exactly match the named subjects.
English language requirement
If English is not your first language, you must provide a recognised English language qualification. The published minimum is an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no individual element falling below 6.0. Goldsmiths accepts equivalent English language qualifications, and the official page directs applicants to a dedicated page listing those alternatives. The university also offers pre-sessional English courses that can help prepare candidates for postgraduate-level study if their current score falls short.
How to apply and required documents
Applications are submitted directly to Goldsmiths through the university’s online application system. Before you begin, you must have the following ready:
- Details of your academic qualifications.
- The email address of your referee, from whom Goldsmiths can request a reference, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference.
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates.
- A personal statement, which can be uploaded as a Word document or PDF, or completed directly in the online form.
The university provides separate guidance on writing a postgraduate personal statement. You can save your progress at any point and return to the application by logging in with your username, email, and password.
Programme structure and focus
This is a one-year full-time or two-to-three-year part-time Master’s programme. The compulsory modules carry 135 credits and cover Data Programming, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analysis, Neural Networks, and a Final Project in Data Science worth 60 credits. You then choose three optional modules totalling 45 credits from a list that changes annually. Recent optional modules have included The User Experience of Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualisation, Natural Language Processing, Critical AI, Applied AI for Industry, Large Language Models, Cognitive Neuroscience, Econometrics, Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing and Branding, Marketing Analytics, and Advanced Econometrics. The programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from both the School of Computing and the School of Creative Management.
Fees for the 2026/27 academic year
The published tuition fees for students starting in the 2026/27 academic year are:
- Home full-time: £11,800
- Home part-time: £5,900
- International full-time: £21,000
The official page notes that it is not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you believe you may be eligible to study part-time on another visa type, you should contact the Admissions Team for more information.
International qualifications and Chinese applicants
The course page states that Goldsmiths accepts a wide range of international qualifications and links to a separate page detailing the qualifications accepted from around the world. That linked page is the authoritative source for country-specific equivalences, including any grade or percentage requirements for Chinese Bachelor’s degrees. The core course page itself does not publish a China-specific grade conversion, so the exact threshold for a Chinese undergraduate degree must be verified on the international qualifications page. The English language requirement of IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0 applies uniformly to all applicants whose first language is not English.
Scholarships and funding
Goldsmiths offers MSc Data Science and AI Scholarships in the form of partial tuition fee waivers for new full-time students on this programme. The university’s scholarships finder lists additional funding opportunities for which you may be eligible. UK students may also qualify for a postgraduate loan. The Careers Service can offer advice on finding work during your studies. You should budget for additional costs beyond tuition fees, such as stationery and photocopying, and check the programme specification for any specific additional costs like field trips or specialist materials.
FAQ
What is the minimum UK degree classification required?
The minimum requirement is a 2:2 standard or above in a relevant numerate subject.
Do I need prior programming experience?
No. The programme does not assume you have programmed before, but you must demonstrate mathematical dexterity consistent with having completed a numerate degree.
What IELTS score do I need?
You need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no element lower than 6.0. Equivalent English language qualifications are also accepted.
Can international students study part-time?
It is not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. Contact the Admissions Team if you hold a different visa type that might permit part-time study.
What documents must I submit with my application?
You need details of your academic qualifications, a referee’s email address or a copy of your academic reference, copies of your educational transcripts or certificates, and a personal statement.
Does the course page list a specific grade requirement for Chinese Bachelor’s degrees?
No. The course page refers applicants to the university’s international qualifications page for country-specific equivalences. The exact Chinese qualification threshold must be confirmed there.
Further reading
Official sources
- MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence course page
- International qualifications accepted by Goldsmiths
- Equivalent English language qualifications
- Pre-sessional English courses
- Postgraduate fees guidance
- Goldsmiths scholarships finder
- Careers Service
- Study costs page
For broader context on international study pathways, see our guides on agriculture and environmental studies in Australia, studying in Germany, international education agency rankings, and agency recommendations for the University of Adelaide.