Hello Kiki and Cheshiremum, thanks very much for replying. It would be full time.
The original plan (a couple of years now ago whilst studying the BSc) was to actually do an MSc in Statistics. However six months ago I went to an open day in Nottingham, where people who worked in the field gave talks. It’s at this point that I became aware of data science as an emerging area.
I do have a passion for computing, having worked as a junior web developer in my 20s. (This was immediately before the big tech startup company crash, which more or less ended my computing career at the time). It appears that there is also a well-publicised skills shortage in data science.
On reflection now though I think the problem is data science seems to me to be a second or third job, for someone who has worked a few years in IT, programming or as an analyst. My fear is that a year doing this Data Science MSc will not give me enough ‘clout’ to compete with these people, skills shortage or not. Data science MSc’s have only just started appearing and it’s not clear how much of a bearing they have on employment prospects. City do offer placements, but at 40/41 years old you just don’t know whether they’ll be interested. Of course I know I'm just getting started, I didn't get my first proper job until I was 27, but unfortunately I doubt your average city employer would see it that way!
Conversely a year in postgrad Statistics, being a more traditional route, would be a little less about technology so possibly less of a young mans’ game. It would also possibly be seen by some as being actually qualified in statistics.
It’s a big decision but I fear the less exciting option is also the wisest, less risky one.