Data Science

Our Integrated PhD is designed for ambitious students who are ready to take the next step into doctoral research without first completing a separate Master’s degree.

In your first year, you’ll study postgraduate-level modules that develop advanced subject knowledge, research methods and academic skills. This taught phase provides a strong foundation for doctoral success and a clear progression route into the PhD stage of the programme.

You’ll develop advanced coding and machine learning expertise to design innovative AI solutions and address real-world challenges aligned with your interests and professional background. Through hands-on applications, you’ll build intelligent models capable of predicting outcomes, generating content and uncovering valuable insights from complex datasets.

Once you’ve successfully completed the taught element, you’ll move on to developing your research proposal with support from expert supervisors. Following approval, you’ll undertake original doctoral research, culminating in the submission and defence of your thesis.

You’ll join a thriving research community and benefit from the expertise of more than 50 academic staff. Through our collaborative and internationally connected research environment, you’ll have opportunities to engage with a diverse network of researchers, scholars, and emerging academic leaders, helping you develop both your research profile and professional network. Whether your ambition is a career in academia, research, teaching or professional practice, our Integrated PhD will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and research expertise to make a meaningful contribution to your field.

Our Integrated PhD combines structured postgraduate training with independent, supervised research, enabling you to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for doctoral-level study and future research leadership.

During the taught phase, you’ll attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and discussions, along with independent study to enhance your critical thinking, analysis, and research skills. A coaching-based supervision model adapts to your needs, helping you become an independent, confident researcher.

Working with data drawn from sectors at the forefront of AI and data science – including biomedicine, finance and social media – you’ll gain a strong understanding of organisational data ecosystems and the methods used to transform large-scale data into actionable knowledge.

Assessments support your progression from taught modules to developing your research proposal and completing your doctoral thesis, including the viva voce. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from personalised training plans, research seminars, conferences, and opportunities to engage with national and international research communities.

An Integrated PhD in Data Science prepares you for careers in academia, industry and the public sector. Whether you aspire to become a researcher, lecturer, consultant, data scientist or strategic decision-maker, you’ll graduate with advanced analytical and research expertise that is highly valued worldwide.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop skills in research design, critical evaluation, project management, data analysis and evidence-based decision-making. These capabilities will enable you to tackle complex challenges, generate new knowledge and deliver meaningful impact across professional and research settings.

With organisations increasingly relying on data-driven insights, demand for highly skilled data scientists continues to grow across sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, government and business. You’ll gain advanced technical and analytical skills through working with real-world datasets, equipping you to solve complex problems, identify emerging trends and support innovation and strategic decision-making.

Working alongside internationally recognised researchers, you’ll build valuable professional networks and gain experience conducting original, impactful research. Opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences and collaborative projects will further enhance your academic and professional profile.

To support your career development, you’ll have access to dedicated careers guidance, CV workshops, one-to-one advice and employability resources, helping you confidently progress towards your chosen career path.