Frequently asked questions
Are there any additional requirements for international students?
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification. We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College. If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
How do I submit international transcripts?
The application portal will allow you to submit all transcripts and documents needed.
Is work experience required?
Work experience is not essential but will be considered as part of the review process. Applications will be considered for the programme based on the entry requirements, which will need to be met, but also the strength of the supporting statement plus other work or relevant experience.
What if I don't meet admissions requirements?
Applications will be considered for the programme based on the entry requirements, which will need to be met, but also the strength of their supporting statement, plus other work, research, or relevant experience.
Master’s level study is a progression from undergraduate work and is usually more specialised, interdisciplinary, or orientated to a specific profession. It is more intellectually demanding and challenging than undergraduate study. Students sometimes fail to appreciate the intense and demanding nature of Master's level programmes. There is no gradual introduction – the pace is fierce from the outset and it does not subside until the end. This requires a commitment to a sustained period of intensive work right from the start. In addition:
• the pace of lecturing is likely to be significantly faster • you will be expected to undertake more directed background reading during the course • you will be expected to arrive at solutions for yourself
For this reason the College requires a high academic standard of those seeking admission. International students, in particular, should also recognise the need to be proficient in English at the start of the course, hence the College's English language requirement.
Do I need a data science background?
Applicants are expected to have a quantitative undergraduate degree in a subject like Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or Physics to ensure there is an appropriate level of understanding to be best to cope with the demands of the programme.
Are internships part of the programme?
No, the MLDS does not currently offer internships or placements within the degree programme structure.
How many courses can I take at a time?
Students must take the assigned number of modules per term following the schedule below:
- Year 1: 3 modules (12.5 ECTS) 2 modules (12.5 ECTS) 3 modules (15 ECTS)
- Year 2: 2 modules (15 ECTS) 3 modules (15 ECTS) 1 module* (20 ECTS)
*Research project
Note: Ethics module is split into 3 parts (T1,T3,T5)
How does the online format work?
The Master of Machine Learning and Data Science programme will be delivered as a fully online degree. The online learning format allows learners to flexibly study around their own commitments, like employment, family, hobbies etc. The programme is designed in a way to allow learners to independently study for the majority of the programme, watching teaching sessions and returning to them around their daily schedule. There will be live and scheduled sessions, or group based work which require pre-organised attendance and engagement throughout. Assessments will also have deadlines and require learners to engage and submit when stated.
Are there online office hours with instructors?
Yes. There will be regular office hours with programme team staff and Faculty members. Outside of this there will be scheduled sessions and webinars where you will have access to Faculty staff who will instruct and support your learning.
Will my diploma state that I was in an online programme?
No, your diploma will not state that this is an online degree.
What is the time commitment required?
The Machine Learning and Data Science master’s degree is a fully online degree part-time programme, delivered and structured over two-years, with three terms per academic year. You will complete twelve modules over two years, including a research portfolio. On average, you will dedicate 21 hours per week to study working toward key assessment deadlines and dates.
The majority of this time will be independent study- watching videos, reading core material, participating in discussion forums, and completing quizzes and peer reviews, though you can also expect to participate in weekly webinars, office hours, and Q&A sessions. These will be scheduled in advance to help you plan your study time around your other commitments.
What career options will I have with this degree?
This degree prepares students to move their engineering or data science career forward across a wide variety of roles, such as a data scientist, machine learning engineer, or computational statistician. Students will be trained to become deep thinkers, going beyond algorithms to turn data into actionable insights, contribute to strategic decision making, and become responsible, ethical members of this rapidly growing profession.
What are the prerequisites and application requirements?
Our minimum requirement is at least a 2.1 UK Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering or Physics. The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification. We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications. For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed here are the minimum for entry to the College. If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact a member of the MLDS MSc Team via ml-online-msc@imperial.ac.uk.
Is there a deadline to reply to my offer?
You must reply to your offer within 28 days of the offer being made, otherwise it will automatically be withdrawn by the Admissions system. Once you accept your offer you will be invoiced to pay a deposit and will have 28 days to complete payment. If the deposit payment has not been made in the allocated time frame, your offer will be withdrawn.