To start a new life in a new country and pursue a career in Data Science. The program offers a 1 year placement for the MSc Data Science program which is basically a year long entry level role but it is competitive and you need to apply to secure a placement. The university is very well reputed and has a great CS department with amazing employment prospects and careers service team.
Course Curriculum :
Course curriculum is good and faculty is great overall. But like all Masters programs in Data Science currently, they tend to scratch the surface and not go in depth. Plus since it's a year long and not 2 years unlike the US and Canada, things can get hectic. But there are great opportunities in the field and a huge shortage for DS professionals. My advice: do projects on your own. Don't just depend on your degree. Employers want to see initiative and how well rounded you are as a person. Work experience can really help as well.
Exams :
Min requirements: IELTS: 6, 2:1 degree which is 60% for Indian Bachelors. Took IELTS in January and got an 8.5 (valid for 2 years). My CGPA for Bachelor's: 9.12
Placement :
Pretty good. Don't have a number. But the Uni is 7th in UK when it comes to graduate employment. Better to take courses with Placement - average GBP 20k. But you can apply for graduate schemes (30k avg) and graduate roles (>30k) which are more competitive. However, you can apply for other jobs as well. Would be great to network with people goes a long way. Not so sure about the research opportunities but I heard it's pretty good.
Internship :
Yes. I have a placement program as part of my course which you need to apply for and compete with undergrad students as well. Usually companies start advertising in September all they way till March end. And placements starts between June and September and are usually 12 months. You need to pay a bit more to the uni since after your placement, the course will be considered as 2 years and not 1. I started applying in November, a month after I started uni. I took help from the careers service team to tailor my CV and Cover Letter and take some interview prep as well if I got any interviews. I kept applying until I got an offer mid January. Won't be comfortable telling the company. But I'll say some of the world's largest companies advertise placements here. Average stipend is 20k GBP (taxed 20%). You get more in London and lesser in rural areas. Stipend doesn't really matter since they give it according to the cost of living. My advice: try to secure a placement as early as you can and network with people. I don't recommend focusing on your academics too much unless you want to do research. Employers see what type of person you are rather than just academic achievements and there's plenty of opportunities to make yourself well-rounded. But it does get hectic. So time management is key.
Fees :
Approx 35000 GBP. Scholarships in UK are not easy to get. But you can look online.
Scholarship :
No
Faculty :
It's a good ratio. The faculty is friendly and approachable. Everyone gets a personal tutor as well for any academic doubts.
Campus Life :
Campus life is great. Plenty of clubs and activities. Infrastructure is great as well. Everything a great university needs, its there. Great sports facilities - best in the UK. Also nominated as best sports university in the UK. Plenty of opportunities to better yourself as a person. City has tons of activities as well - one of the safest in the UK. Quite a small city and public transport is cheap and convenient.
Hostel :
IQ Student Accomodation. It's a private accomodation but some rooms are taken by the University. Most postgraduate students stay in fully private accommodations and share with other students. Can look at FB groups and accomodation websites. Is a bit of a pain to find good accommodation. Would be better to look as early as you can. Uni accomodation is mostly for undergrads and I wouldn't recommend it unless they have one fully for postgrads Infrastructure in student accommodations is great. 24/7 service, WiFi is good, different room options to choose from. Costlier compared to private accommodations. Around 650 GBP per month for mine paying in 4 installations for a room with only kitchen shared. Staying with 1 flatmate. Supposed to be 7. Luckily enough got plenty of space in the kitchen but can get lonely. For accomodation look at sites like: University website, UniAcco, SpareRoom, FB groups etc.
