London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are a world-leading university, dedicated to the social sciences.
Federation member
GradDip Data Science
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Key features
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World-class academic direction
The programme is developed, examined and assessed by expert academics at LSE, a federation member of the University of London and one of the world’s leading social science universities.
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Boost your career prospects
Get equipped to meet the ever-growing demand for analytical skills. You'll learn the techniques and computing tools used to turn large and complex datasets into the basis for informed business decisions, preparing you for a successful career in a wide range of industries.
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Study closer to home
Study at a local teaching centre near you and gain a prestigious University of London qualification with no international travel, relocation or accommodation costs. Benefit from in-person academic support and all the facilities of a campus environment.
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Unparalleled resources at your fingertips
Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) gives you access to a range of engaging content, from study materials to revision guides, and forums to connect with your tutors and fellow students. You can also access our Online Library containing a wealth of e-journal articles, ebooks and much more.
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Join our global alumni network
After you graduate, you'll continue to benefit from a lifelong connection to the University of London. Our worldwide alumni community includes industry leaders and Nobel Prize winners.
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Enhance your employability skills
Throughout the course you will be developing and strengthening the Global Employability Skills, highlighted by the University of London Careers Service that will help you progress your career. Your programme has been mapped against these key skills which you can showcase to employers.
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Teaching Centre Support
General entry requirements
Course overview
You complete four courses to complete the diploma.
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
(IS2184)
(ST3189)
No more than one of the electives chosen can have the prefix IS
(EC2020)
(MT2116)
(MT2175 - Half course)
(MT2176 - Half course)
(MT3040 - Half course)
(ST2195)
(MT3042 - Half course)
(MT3043 - Half course)
(ST2187)
(ST2133 - Half course)
(ST2134 - Half course)
(ST3188)
(IS2182)
(IS3159)
(IS3167)
(IS3183)
Study at a Recognised Teaching Centre
This programme is only available to study at a Recognised Teaching Centre and cannot be studied independently.
If you prefer to study independently, a selection of programmes with academic direction from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) are available to study fully supported online.
Study materials
Your study materials are available through the Student Portal and are specially written by academics appointed by LSE. These include a Student Guide and the programme handbook; online course materials for each course studied; past examination papers and examiners’ commentaries; and Programme Regulations containing full details of syllabuses, programme structures and degree classification criteria.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
- If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by an unseen written exam, which is usually held in May or June. You can sit your exams at any approved centre around the world. These centres charge a fee for hosting the exams.
Your exam is set and assessed by academics at LSE, ensuring that your degree is of the same standard as those studying on-campus in London.
LSE provides academic direction for this programme. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.
Academic co-ordinator
Professor Irini Moustaki is Professor in Social Statistics at the Department of Statistics at LSE. Professor Moustaki’s research focuses on the development of methodology and applications in the areas of education, psychology, behavioural sciences, cross-national studies, and epidemiological studies related to rare diseases.
About the LSE Summer School
LSE’s Summer School is the most well-established and the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe, with over 80 academically rigorous courses on offer. Each year over 6,000 students from 120 nations study at the LSE campus in the heart of Central London.
Courses are taught by LSE faculty and complement the content of this degree. If you complete two Summer School courses you may be able to earn credit equivalent to one course on the degree. As a student on this programme you will receive a 15 per cent discount on tuition fees to attend the LSE Summer School.
Full details and how to apply are available on the LSE Summer School website.
Key dates
| Applications open | |
|---|---|
| Applications close | |
| Registration deadline | |
| Programme starts | November 2024 |
Admissions
For access to this Graduate Diploma programme you must have one of the following:
- An acceptable Bachelor's degree, either in a quantitative subject or where you have passed at least two courses in satisfactory mathematical subjects.
- An acceptable Master's degree (or any other appropriately accredited Level 7 award) of at least one year full-time duration, either in a quantitative subject or with at least one course in a satisfactory mathematical subject.
- An acceptable Level 5 or Level 6 award (e.g. HND or Graduate Certificate) of at least 1 year full-time duration, either in a quantitative subject or with at least two courses in satisfactory mathematical subjects. You also need at least two years' relevant work experience.
Quantitative subjects
Acceptable quantitative degree/award titles include: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology, Quantitative Management, Quantitative Finance, and Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods or Statistics.
Mathematical subjects
Satisfactory mathematical subjects include: Algebra, Algorithms, Business Mathematics, Business Statistics, Calculus, Computer Mathematics, Differentials, Engineering Mathematics, Geometry, Mathematics, Quantitative Methods, Quantitative Techniques, Statistics or Trigonometry.
If you hold qualifications in subjects other than those listed, contact us for advice on eligibility before you apply online.
English Language requirements
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case.
Do I meet the language requirements?
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need to be able to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
| Academic year | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | £60 |
| Fee per course (inclusive of first assessment entry) | £628 |
| Fee per half course (inclusive of first assessment entry) | £314 |
| Assessment re-entry fee per half course | £207 |
| Assessment re-entry fee per course | £413 |
| Online examination fee* | £11 |
| Indicative total | £2572 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool
*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions. This fee will be charged at the point of exam entry and is in addition to the exam entry fee listed above.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for:
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year)
- Teaching centre tuition costs
- Exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London diploma anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there may be additional sources of support depending on where you live.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
As the world becomes ever more data-driven, analytical skills are in high demand but very short supply. Few companies are exploiting quantitative techniques to their full potential, often due to a lack of in-house expertise.
By pursuing study in data science, graduates will be highly sought-after by employers as the race to gain a competitive edge in the data arena intensifies. From asset management to pharmaceuticals, retail to insurance, the future is bright for any aspiring data scientist.
This diploma could also help you to gain entry to master’s courses in this field.
What do employers think of our graduates?
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
Apply now
Thank you for your interest in studying with us. Applications are currently closed for this course. Check the key dates section when applications open or register your interest.
Register your interest
