MSc Data Science

Entry requirements

Accepted English tests

English language band B (postgraduate list correct as of September 2026 for 2027/28 entry, https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements): IELTS Academic or IELTS Online 7.0 overall with minimum 6.5 in each skill; TOEFL iBT (incl. Home Edition, code 0394) taken before 21 January 2026: 100 overall with minimum 25 in writing and 23 in each other skill, taken from 21 January 2026: 5 overall with minimum 4.5 in each skill; PTE Academic (incl. UKVI, not PTE Academic Online) 69 overall with minimum 62 in each communicative skill; Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 185 overall with minimum 176 in all skills; Oxford Test of English Advanced 150 overall with 140 in each component; Trinity ISE III merit in each skill; King's Pre-Sessional English pass with Band 7. Tests valid if taken within two years of the programme start (1st of the start month); all scores from one test (no TOEFL MyBest, no IELTS One Skill). Not usually required for nationals of UKVI majority English speaking countries who have permanently resided there, or for applicants who completed an undergraduate degree (at least three years), a taught postgraduate degree (at least one year) or a PhD in a UKVI majority English speaking country within five years of the course start date.

How grades are compared

China: Bachelor degree from a prestigious institution (classified by UK ENIC or within the Project 211/Double First Class list) with an average score of 85%, or from a recognised institution with an average score of 88%, evidenced by degree certificate and final transcripts with official English translations (https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/data-science-msc/entry-requirements, country selector: China)

Expectations about your university

Prestigious institution = classified as such by UK ENIC or within the Project 211/Double First Class list. Offers for King's Business School programmes and some others (Data Science MSc, LLM, Political Economy MA, Public Policy MA) usually only made to applicants from universities considered prestigious by UK ENIC.

Other requirements

UK standard: high 2:1 (minimum 65%) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline. Lower classification or unrelated degree may be considered with significant relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee an offer, the programme is very competitive. For Chinese degrees, Data Science MSc is named among programmes where offers are usually only made to applicants from universities considered prestigious by UK ENIC (88% from a recognised institution is listed but offers are unlikely). Personal statement answered as short questions on the application form (why this programme and future plans, suitability from experience and education, contribution to the computer science community, max 250 words each). Apply online via King's Apply, non-refundable application fee GBP 130. One academic reference required (professional reference accepted if qualifications completed over five years ago). Official transcripts and degree certificate with official translations. CV optional. The programme operates a partial gathered-field process: some applicants meeting the requirements may not get a decision until after February, where possible by May. 1 year full-time, Department of Informatics, Strand Campus.