Data Science MSc

Data is everywhere. As the volume and complexity of data collected continue to grow, there is increasing demand for expertise in data science to support the analysis and visualization of all this information.

• The MSc Data Science is a conversion course for graduates from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds looking to pursue a career, or upskill, in this new and rapidly developing field. Data Scientists are in short supply and there is high demand for data science skills across sectors including business, government, healthcare, science, finance, and marketing.
• The aim of the MSc in Data Science is to support students with little previous experience of data analysis or computer programming and to help them to gain new skills such as working with databases; statistical thinking; programming in high-level languages; modeling; applying data science tools and packages; machine learning; information retrieval; data visualization and addressing the challenges of big data.

An applicant will normally be expected to possess at least one of the following:

• A good honours degree or equivalent qualification.
• An unclassified degree in a relevant field plus professional experience.

In addition, applicants will need a little knowledge of computer programming. Applicants from non-programming backgrounds are encouraged to take part in a free online course* with the aim of bringing their knowledge of programming and basic data science topics up to the required level for successful application.

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of core and advanced topics in data science and its theoretical foundations.
• Design and evaluate computer systems for the storage, organisation, management, retrieval and processing of different types of information and sizes of datasets, including distributed systems.
• Use an analytical approach, statistical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of appropriate models, methods, algorithms and software tools to analyse data of a variety of types, and identify the limitations of any analysis.
• Demonstrate practical skills and capabilities related to employment, including working effectively and constructively as part of a team, leading a team, motivating and communicating complex ideas accurately to experts and non-experts, and technical expertise with modern data science tools and technologies.
• Identify and apply appropriate practices within a professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical framework, including complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts.
• Apply research skills such as planning research, and critical analysis of information from appropriate sources, demonstrate awareness of current issues and show originality in the application of knowledge where appropriate.