Data Science and Systems Modelling MSc by Research

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area.

Data Science & Informatics at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. Our research looks at fields including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, through to Data and Information Visualisation.

Data Science has found applications across industry sectors, with business seeking to generate value from data using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The full economic and societal benefits have yet to be reaped. These benefits are enormous, particularly when combined with other emergent technologies such as AR/VR for data driven design and production processes in key industries. Embedding AI across the UK will create thousands of high-quality jobs and drive economic growth.

A recent study found digital technologies including AI created a net total of 80,000 new jobs annually across a population similar to the UK. It is estimated that AI could add £232bn to the UK economy by 2030 (UK Government Industrial Strategy White Paper 2017).

Our application areas of Data Science are aligned with our key strengths in Games and Cyber Security. We are exploring how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience.

We are also applying state of the art Machine Learning models for intrusion detection systems. Our expertise is broadening its reach into areas including health, community and social care. The majority of our research projects are rooted

in client-facing, real-world problems faced by games companies, charities, innovation centres and more.

Our vibrant research culture encourages areas of cross- and inter-disciplinary working. An example of this is a collaboration between psychology and data science where data analytics are applied to understand how people learn through game-based learning.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

MSc by Research

The award of Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) demonstrates a practical ability to undertake research studies, a systematic understanding of knowledge and a critical awareness of current problems and/or the application of original thought.

How long is an MSc by Research?

If you are studying full-time, you will be expected to complete the award in 12 months. The minimum period to receive this award is 10 months and the maximum is 14 months.

If you are studying part-time, you will be expected to complete the award in 24 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 20 months and the maximum is 28 months.

The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. In some cases, appropriate professional or experiential learning may be considered in combination with a lower classification of Honours degree.