Standard mode
Study at your own pace with full tutor support
£6,700
Complete fee
- Duration: 18 months
- Start dates: Flexible start dates
Master's degree / MBAPlymouth Marjon University
MBA in Data Science and AI
A 12–18 month online MBA in Data Science and AI, awarded by Plymouth Marjon University and delivered by UKSM in partnership with LAAT Institute.
- Duration
- 12–18 months
- Credits
- 120 credits
- Level
- Master's degree / MBA
- Awarding body
- Plymouth Marjon University
Tuition from £7,700£8,500
Duration
12–18 months
Credits
120 credits
Awarding body
Plymouth Marjon University
Level
Master's degree / MBA
Programme overview
The MBA in Data Science and AI is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute, and delivered fully online by UK School of Management (UKSM). Stage 1 leads to the Level 7 Diploma in Data Science, awarded by OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. Together, these stages form a full postgraduate Master's degree in one of the fastest-growing fields in the UK economy, combining advanced data science expertise with MBA-level strategic leadership.
The programme follows a clear two-stage structure. Stage 1 — the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science (120 credits) — builds advanced technical expertise through six units covering data foundations, probability and statistics, predictive modelling, visualisation, machine learning and AI, and research methods. Stage 2 — the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up — is a dissertation-based research project in which you investigate a real-world data science or AI challenge, supervised by university academics through LAAT Institute and UKSM.
This programme suits data analysts, software engineers, business intelligence professionals, and technology managers who want MBA-level credentials and strategic data leadership skills without leaving their career. Assessment is 100% assignment and dissertation-based with no written examinations, allowing you to study while working full-time and apply advanced techniques directly within your organisation.
At £6,700 for the 18-month standard route or £7,700 for the 12-month fast track, this programme offers significant cost savings versus traditional MBA programmes at many UK universities. Graduates are positioned for senior and executive data leadership roles across finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and the public sector. Students who wish to complete Stage 1 only may enrol in the standalone Level 7 Diploma in Data Science as a related qualification.
Course modules
STAGE 1 — Level 7 Diploma in Data Science (OTHM, Ofqual-regulated) — 120 credits
Stage 1 establishes advanced data science expertise through six 20-credit units awarded by OTHM, preparing you for MBA-level research and strategic application in Stage 2. Students who complete Stage 1 only may also consider the standalone Level 7 Diploma in Data Science pathway.
Data Science Foundations (20 credits)
Data Science Foundations introduces the core concepts, tools, and workflows used across modern analytics and AI projects. You will explore data types, programming environments, and the end-to-end data science lifecycle from problem definition through to insight delivery.
Probability and Statistics for Data Analysis (20 credits)
Probability and Statistics for Data Analysis develops the mathematical foundations essential for rigorous data interpretation and model building. You will study probability distributions, hypothesis testing, regression, and statistical inference applied to real-world datasets.
Advanced Predictive Modelling (20 credits)
Advanced Predictive Modelling examines techniques for forecasting outcomes and identifying patterns in complex data. You will build, validate, and interpret predictive models using industry-standard methods and evaluate their performance in business and organisational contexts.
Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 credits)
Data Analysis and Visualisation focuses on transforming raw data into clear, actionable insights through exploratory analysis and effective visual communication. You will use visualisation tools and techniques to present findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Data Mining, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
Data Mining, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence covers supervised and unsupervised learning, classification, clustering, and introductory AI concepts. You will apply algorithms to structured and unstructured data and assess their suitability for strategic business decision-making.
Advanced Computing Research Methods (20 credits)
Advanced Computing Research Methods prepares you for independent academic and professional research in data science. You will learn to design research questions, select appropriate methodologies, evaluate literature, and apply ethical standards to computing and data research projects.
STAGE 2 — MBA in Data Science and AI (Plymouth Marjon University)
Stage 2 completes your MBA through supervised dissertation research awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute.
Dissertation in Data Science and AI
The MBA dissertation is a substantial independent research project (typically 15,000–20,000 words) investigating a real-world problem in data science, machine learning, or artificial intelligence. Students are supervised by Plymouth Marjon University academic staff through the LAAT Institute partnership with UKSM. The dissertation demonstrates postgraduate-level critical thinking, research methodology, and the ability to apply advanced data science techniques to generate original insights.
Assessment
The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.
Entry requirements
- Level 6 qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent) OR
- 5+ years relevant professional experience in data, analytics, or technology
- Minimum age: 21 years
Career Outcomes
The MBA in Data Science and AI positions graduates for senior data leadership roles across UK technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and public sector organisations. Employers increasingly seek leaders who combine deep technical understanding of data science and AI with the strategic, financial, and people-management skills that an MBA provides.
The combination of OTHM-accredited technical expertise from Stage 1 and Plymouth Marjon University MBA credentials from Stage 2 is valued for executive and board-level appointments where data-driven decision-making shapes organisational strategy. Whether you are advancing within analytics, moving into C-suite technology roles, or consulting on AI transformation, this qualification signals readiness for the highest levels of data leadership.
- Head of Data Science
- Chief Data Officer (CDO)
- AI Strategy Manager
- Data Science Director
- Machine Learning Lead
- Analytics Manager
- AI Product Manager
- Data Engineering Manager
Fee and payment plans
30 to 40% Cheaper than most Universities and Colleges
Duration & course fee
Choose the study mode that fits your schedule and career goals.
Fast track
Intensive schedule, ideal for working professionals
£7,700
Complete fee
- Duration: 12 months
- Start dates: Fixed cohort intakes
Fees quoted above represent the full programme cost. There are no additional or hidden charges.
• This programme does not have any additional costs.
• The fee is payable in monthly, quarterly, or half yearly instalments.
• Flexible payment plans are available.
• You can avail a 5% bursary if you pay the full fee upfront in 1 instalment.
Payment plans
18 months @ GBP £6,700
- •Flexible monthly, quarterly and half-yearly payment plans available. Contact admissions for details.
12 months @ GBP £7,700
- •Payment option (a) - GBP £550 x 14 monthly instalments
- •Payment option (b) - GBP £1,540 x 5 quarterly instalments
- •Payment option (c) - GBP £2,567 x 3 half yearly instalments
- •Payment option (d) - GBP £7,315 x 1 instalment (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the MBA in Data Science and AI take?
The MBA in Data Science and AI can be completed in 18 months on the standard route or 12 months on the fast-track option. UKSM delivers both stages fully online, allowing you to progress through the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science and the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up at a pace that fits your work and personal commitments.
Who awards the MBA in Data Science and AI?
The MBA in Data Science and AI is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute for Stage 2. Stage 1 leads to the Level 7 Diploma in Data Science, awarded by OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. Together, these stages form a complete postgraduate MBA qualification delivered online by UK School of Management.
What are the entry requirements for the MBA in Data Science and AI?
Applicants should hold a Level 6 qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent) or demonstrate five or more years of relevant professional experience in data, analytics, or technology. All candidates must be aged 21 or over at the start of the programme. UKSM welcomes applications from working professionals seeking MBA-level credentials in data science and AI.
How much does the MBA in Data Science and AI cost?
The 18-month standard mode fee is £6,700 and the 12-month fast-track fee is £7,700. Flexible monthly, quarterly, and half-yearly payment plans are available for the standard route — contact admissions for current plan details. See the Fee and Payment Plans section on this page for full pricing information.
Can I study the MBA while working full-time?
Yes. The programme is delivered entirely online with 100% assignment-based assessment and no written examinations. This structure allows data analysts, software engineers, BI professionals, and technology managers to study around their employment throughout both programme stages.
What qualification will I receive after completing the MBA in Data Science and AI?
On successful completion you will receive the MBA in Data Science and AI awarded by Plymouth Marjon University in partnership with LAAT Institute. Stage 1 confers the Level 7 Diploma in Data Science from OTHM, an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation, which provides the 120 credits required to progress onto the MBA top-up in Stage 2.
Is the MBA in Data Science and AI recognised by UK employers?
Yes. The MBA is awarded by Plymouth Marjon University, a recognised UK university, and is widely accepted by employers across technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and the public sector. Graduates hold a full Master's degree with specialist data science and AI expertise valued for senior analytics, AI strategy, and executive data leadership roles.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and the MBA top-up?
Stage 1 is the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science (120 credits), focused on building advanced technical skills through six assignment-based units in statistics, modelling, machine learning, and research methods. Stage 2 is the Plymouth Marjon University MBA top-up, a dissertation-based research project in which you apply those skills to a real-world data science or AI challenge under university academic supervision.