The MSc Data Science syllabus is divided into four semesters, where subjects such as Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Structure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Statistical Thinking, etc. MSc Data subjects are designed to train students to work as data architects, data scientists, data analysts, etc.
The MSc Data Science syllabus covers the major subjects, tools, and theories of Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, and C-programming to understand different occurrences with a large amount of actual data. As you may know, MSc Data Science is a two-year full-time postgraduate degree that covers the major disciplines, techniques, and theories of Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, and C-Programming to understand numerous phenomena concerning a large set of real-world data. Furthermore, statistics, mathematics, coding, machine learning, and other topics are commonly covered in MSc Data Science subjects.
The purpose of the MSc Data Science course is to produce competent and analytical scientists and researchers who can unravel even the most challenging data to push the world's technological frontiers. It makes the learner aware of the conditions and hardships they must become acclimated to survive in this harsh and competitive world while still pursuing something that would lead them to their goal. Students may pursue jobs as data analysts, data architects, business analysts, data scientists, research data scientists, statistical programmers, operations managers, and operations analysts after completing this course. Students can obtain a detailed understanding of the MSc Data Science syllabus and subjects by scrolling down this page till the end.
Related Link: Top MSc Data Science Colleges in India 2025
The MSc Data Science programme is a technically challenging degree that requires students to have a strong foundation in this field. If you want to be considered for an MSc in Data Science, then you must be knowledgeable in the required programming languages, mathematics, calculus, and statistics. During this two-year programme, you will also be able to develop skills in data analysis, machine learning and deep learning, data visualisation, big data, etc.
Students can check out the semester-wise syllabus for MSc Data Science as provided below. The syllabus for this course may vary from institution to institution, but here are some of the standard subjects that are usually covered under the syllabus of MSc Data Science:
The table below contains the list of MSc Data Science subjects in the first year (semester 1 and semester 2):
MSc Data Science Subjects - Semester 1 | |
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Advanced Database Management Systems | Applied Probability and Probability |
Distribution | SQL Programming |
Python and R Programming | Computational Mathematics |
Statistical Inference | - |
MSc Data Science Subjects - Semester 2 | |
Calculus and Linear Algebra for Data Scientists | Data Analysis and Visualisation |
Distributed Algorithms & Optimisation with Hadoop, Spark | Advanced Machine Learning |
Deep Learning | Stochastic Processes |
The table below contains the list of MSc Data Science subjects in the second year (semester 3 and semester 4):
MSc Data Science Subjects - Semester 3 | |
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Cloud Native Development | Data Structures and Algorithms |
Java Programming | Optimisation |
Web Technologies | Bayesian Statistical Modelling |
Longitudinal Data Analysis | Minor Project |
MSc Data Science Subjects - Semester 4 | |
Natural Language Processing | Applied Business Analytics |
Data Engineering | Data Mining and Warehousing |
Programming in SAS for Analytics | Research Methodology |
Major Project | - |
Also Read: Data Science Courses Admissions 2025
The MSc Data Science subjects are designed to give students a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. For a deeper knowledge of complex application-related issues, the MSc Data Science syllabus incorporates both theoretical classroom-based teaching and practical visit sessions. For greater flexibility throughout this course, the curriculum includes both core and elective subjects. The following is the list of subjects for the MSc Data Science programme:
The list of MSc Data Science subjects includes Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, C programming, and the use of several technologies, including ML, DL, Python, and Sparkn. Furthermore, these topics are covered in all MSc data science courses, including full-time, online, and classroom programmes. The following pointers list the core MSc Data Science subjects for all semesters in data science colleges across the country:
Apart from the core subjects, candidates will have to select optional or elective MSc Data Science subjects to fulfil their academic credits. These subjects, however, differ from one college or university to another as each institute provides a list of optional subjects they offer. Among these, a student should select the ones that interest them the most or the ones most beneficial to their career objectives. Listed below are optional MSc Data Science subjects that students can use for reference.
For Data Analytics:
Information Retrieval | Business Intelligence |
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Number Theory and Cryptography | High-Performance Computing (HPC) |
Pattern Recognition | Information Security & Cryptography |
Regression Analysis | Predictive Analytics |
Theory of Computation | Parallel and Distributed Computing |
Time Series Analysis | Soft Computing |
For Data Mining:
Artificial Intelligence | Computer Graphics |
---|---|
Computer Networks | Image Processing |
Clustering Techniques | Network Security |
Graph Theory and Discrete Mathematics | Natural Language Processing |
Text Mining | Signal Processing |
Web Intelligence | Social Network Aggregators |
The following table shows some other elective MSc Data Science subjects:
Deep Learning | System Dynamics Simulation |
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IoT Spatial Analytics | Spatial User Interface Design and Implementation |
Research Modelling and Implementation | Genomics |
Exploratory Data Analysis | Multivariate Analysis |
Stochastic Process | Programming for Data Science in R |
Hadoop | Image and Video Analytics |
Internet of Things | Identification and Data Collection |
The main practical papers listed below are some of the MSc Data Science subjects found in the syllabus. The list of lab subjects for MSc Data Science may vary depending on the academic institution.
Within the broad field of data science, there are several sub-domains. As a result, data science has many specialisations. You can develop solid foundations in each of these specialisations with the help of the MSc Data Science syllabus. This will also be highly beneficial if you want to specialise in a field at a higher level to get more in-depth information about that particular field. The specialisations for MSc Data Science subjects are listed below.
Data Mining & Statistical Analysis | Business Intelligence & Strategy Making |
---|---|
Data Engineering & Data Warehousing | Data Visualization |
Database Management & Data Architecture | Operations-related Data Analysis |
Machine Learning & Cognitive Specialist | Market Data Analytics |
Cybersecurity Data Analysis | Deep Learning |
The MSc Data Science is a two-year course that can be pursued in the regular or distance mode. With the help of this MSc Data Science Distance programme syllabus, students will be better able to detect and understand concepts in data science in the future by developing their abstract thinking and design skills. Students can check out the detailed MSc Data Science syllabus for distance learning as given below:
Check out the MSc Data Science 1st year syllabus for distance programmes in the table attached below:
MSc Data Science Syllabus Distance Programme: Semester 1 | |
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Mathematics for Spatial Sciences | Applied Statistics |
Fundamentals of Data Science | Python Programming |
Introduction to Geospatial Technology | Programming for Spatial Sciences |
Business Communication | Cyber Security |
Integrated Disaster Management | - |
MSc Data Science Syllabus Distance Programme: Semester 2 | |
Spatial Big Data and Storage Analytics | Data Mining and Algorithms |
Machine Learning | Advanced Python Programming for Spatial Analytics |
Image Analytics | Spatial Database Management |
Flexi-Credit Course | - |
Check out the MSc Data Science 2nd year syllabus for distance programmes in the table attached below:
MSc Data Science Syllabus Distance Programme: Semester 3 | |
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Spatial Modeling | Summer Project |
Web Analytics | Artificial Intelligence |
Flexi-Credit Course | Predictive Analytics and Development |
MSc Data Science Syllabus Distance Programme: Semester 4 | |
Industry Project | Research Work |
The majority of Indian colleges and universities source admission to their MSc Data Science programs based on candidates' performance on an entrance exam. To get admission, an applicant should attain the required minimum percentage of marks, or the "cut-off." The cutoff varies depending on the college.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Question Answers (NQAs) are usually used in MSc Data Science entrance exams. The following is a discussion about the entrance exam syllabus for MSc Data Science:
IIT JAM: The syllabus for IIT JAM includes topics such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Bonding in molecules, Chemistry of organic compounds, Probability, Chemical Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Electrochemistry, and more.
CUET PG: The syllabus for CUET PG includes topics such as Agronomy, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Entomology, Agricultural Economics, Mycology & Plant Pathology, Agricultural Engineering & Statistics, Agricultural Extension Education, Plant Physiology, Horticulture, Mathematics, etc.
BITSAT: The syllabus for BITSAT includes topics such as Bernoulli’s theorem, Collisions, Conservation of momentum, Ecology and Environment, Electric dipole, Gauss’ law and its applications, Genetics and Evolution, Hydrogen, Integral calculus, Momentum of a system of particles, Motion with constant acceleration, Newton’s law of gravitation, Power, Probability, Projectile motion, Redox reactions, Statistics, Stereochemistry, Uniform circular motion, Verbal reasoning, Viscosity and Surface Tension, Vocabulary, etc.
KSET: The syllabus for KSET includes topics such as Anthropology, Archaeology, Chemical Sciences, Commerce, Criminology, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education, Electronic Science, English, Environmental Sciences, Folk Literature, Geography, Hindi, History, Home Science, Kannada, Law, Library & Information Science, Life Science, Management, Marathi, Mass Communication & Journalism, Philosophy, Physical Education, Political Science, Psychology, Sanskrit, Social work, Sociology, Tourism and Administration, Urdu, and so on.
The best books for MSc Data Science are provided by numerous authors and publishers both online and offline. However, a student should invest in reference books after conducting a thorough study based on their chosen specialisation. Furthermore, the MSc Data Science syllabus and subjects pdf, which is freely accessible online, is designed to aid with conceptual understanding. The best MSc Data Science books include the following:
Book Name | Author/s |
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Practical Statistics for Data Scientists | Peter Bruce and Andrew Bruce |
Introduction to Probability | Joseph K Blitzstein and Jessica Hwang |
Introduction to Machine Learning with Python: A Guide for Data Scientists | Andreas C Müller and Sarah Guido |
Python for Data Analysis | Wes McKinney |
Python Data Science Handbook | Jake VanderPlas |
R for Data Science | Hadley Wickham and Garret Grolemund |
Understanding Machine Learning: From Theory to Algorithms | Shai Shalev-Shwartz and Shai Ben-David |
Deep Learning | Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville |
Mining of Massive Datasets | Jure Leskovec, Anand Rajaraman, Jeff Ullman |
The course structure is intended to contain both core and optional MSc Data Science subjects. In the first year, students are only introduced to fundamental knowledge through basic subjects. Students are introduced to a particular MSc Data Science syllabus related to their specialisation during the second year. The knowledge of theoretical concepts is also enhanced through practical classes. The following is the MSc Data Science course structure:
Yes, Data Science is believed to be a good career choice for students who are interested in data analysis and related fields. Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that is in high demand and offers competitive salaries. Due to its versatile nature, students often tend to incline towards this discipline.
The average salary after an MSc in Data Science can range from INR 5 LPA to INR 6 LPA, at the beginner’s level.
To be eligible for an MSc Data Science course, students must have completed their bachelor’s in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics from a recognised board with at least 50% marks.
The average fee of the MSc Data Science programme ranges from INR 1 LPA to INR 4 LPA.
The MSc Data Science course subjects are Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Data Structure, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Statistical Thinking, etc.
Candidates will learn the following skills after completing the MSc data science course curriculum:
The MSc data science syllabus for entrance exams includes topics such as Biotechnology, Bonding in molecules, Chemistry of organic compounds, Folk Literature, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Genetics and Evolution, Geography, Hindi, History, Hydrogen, Integral calculus, Plant Biology, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, and more.
The list of the core MSc data science subjects includes Algorithms, Business Intelligence, Coding, Data Structures, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Statistics, and more. Core subjects are compulsory for students to take to pass the semester-wise exams and these remain the same throughout all universities offering this programme.
The specialisation subjects for MSc data science include topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Fundamental Data Analytics, Machine learning, Natural Language Processing, Python, and Regression Modelling. Candidates can choose any specialisation based on their personal interests or career aspirations.
The MSc data science syllabus deals with a large set of real-world data by covering the key subjects, methods, and theories of Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, and Programming. The curriculum consists of basic courses on data analysis and understanding the intricacy of the data environment. The elective courses are more heavily weighted towards in-depth data analysis for students to understand.
Among the MSc data science subjects, the toughest topics are probability, statistics, and linear algebra. If interested in this course, prospective students must have a solid understanding of these mathematical concepts. As a result, applicants will find it less difficult to comprehend the algorithms and statistical methods used in data analysis.
The course content of MSc data science includes high-level programming languages such as distributed databases, big data management, data analytics, statistical modelling, programming with data, and more. It also covers data management systems for both structured and unstructured data, machine learning algorithms, and the mathematical underpinnings of data science, including probability, linear algebra, and modelling.
No, students cannot do an MSc in Data Science without Maths. Mathematics is necessary for professions in data science since machine learning algorithms, executing analyses, and formulating hypotheses from data all demand it. Although it is not a mandatory prerequisite, maths is crucial for your educational and professional path in data science.
No, the MSc Data Science subjects are not difficult to understand for an average student as graduates are already familiar with the topics they studied at the undergraduate level. The degree to which students find the MSc Data Science syllabus easy or difficult to understand depends largely on their interest levels. Overall, students will find the course easy if they are well-versed in the fundamental topics studied during their bachelor's degree.
A few colleges that offer the best MSc data science course curriculum are the University of Kalyani, Techno India University, Manipal University, GITAM University, Fergusson College, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Annamalai University, Amity University, etc.
Yes, the MSc data science syllabus for distance learning is the same as the regular curriculum, however, minor changes are expected. The online course includes MSc data science subjects such as Programming with R and Python, Database Management, Bayesian Statistical Modelling, Longitudinal Data Analysis, Stochastic Processes, and more.
The best reference books to study MSc data science subjects are available offline as well as online which students can freely download in the form of PDF. Some of the best reference books available are listed below.
Project activities help students get hands-on experience to understand the MSc data science syllabus and subjects in an advanced way. Listed below are some of the best MSc data science project topics:
The methodologies and techniques used to teach MSc data science subjects are adaptive and offer communicative-based learning to graduates. Here are some general teaching strategies utilised:
The course structure for MSc Data Science includes four semesters and consists of both core and elective subjects. Furthermore, hands-on workshops and seminars improve students' comprehension of complex concepts. They are further exposed to specialised curricula related to their area of specialisation throughout their second year. Here is the course structure for the MSc in data science:
The list of fourth-semester MSc data science subjects includes Exploratory Data Analysis, Industry Projects, Research Publications, Research Work, etc. In this semester, students will need to complete projects, research on a given topic to produce a thesis, internships, and more.
The list of third-semester MSc data science subjects includes Genomics, Natural Language Processing, Spatial Modelling, Summer Project, and more. In this semester, students will need to choose elective subjects based on their interests or career objectives to gain additional knowledge related to the field.
The list of second-semester MSc data science subjects includes Advanced Python Programming for Spatial Analytics, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Image Analytics, Machine learning, Mathematical Foundation for Data Science – II, Regression Analysis, and so on.
The list of first-semester MSc data science subjects includes Fundamentals of Data Science, Introduction to Geospatial Technology, Mathematical Foundation for Data Science, Principles of Data Science, Probability And Distribution Theory, Python Programming, etc.
The purpose of the MSc data science syllabus is to develop skilled, analytical scientists and researchers who can push the boundaries of global technology and tackle the most difficult data challenges. Its goal is to help prospective aspirants gain a deep comprehension of the topics covered and the overall field of study.