MSc Data Science

About the course

The programme offers three award routes that you can choose to study:

• MSc Data Science
• MSc Data Science with Placement Year
• MSc Data Science with Advanced Research

Data is the currency of all but the most theoretically-based scientific research, and it also underpins our modern world, from the flow of data across international banking networks and the spread of memes across social networks, to the complex models of weather forecasting. The constant generation of data from our digital society feeds into our everyday lives, affecting how we receive healthcare to influencing our shopping habits. In order to handle, make sense of, and exploit large volumes of available data requires highly skilled human insight, analysis and visualisation. The professionals working in this field are called ‘data scientists’, who blend advanced mathematical and statistical skills with programming, database design, machine learning, modelling, simulation and innovative data visualisation. These professionals are in high demand in both public and private sectors in the UK and worldwide. This programme aims and learning outcomes are built around two guiding principles:

• To provide comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mathematical and statistical concepts underlying data science, and how they are implemented in algorithms and machine learning techniques to solve a variety of data processing and analysis problems.
• To provide training in the practical skills relevant to data science, central of which is the ability to write clean and efficient code in industry-recognised languages (in particular, Python and R), but also includes data handling, manipulation, mining and visualisation techniques.

For Near-STEM students, the normal entry requirements for the programme are a good (2.1 or above) Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a STEM subject (e.g. Mathematics, Engineering, Physical Sciences etc). If a student has a relevant STEM degree, then they will be considered ‘Near-STEM’. They will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Data Science Core Skills bootcamp but will not be required to participate/attend. For Far-STEM students, the normal entry requirements for the programme are a good (2.1 or above) Honours Degree (or equivalent). The subject of the degree is not defined, since (a) many different, disparate subjects might have a Data Science relevance (e.g. Business, Geography), and (b) some students might possess a non- STEM degree but have relevant experience (e.g. from employment). For far-STEM students who do not possess a good Honours Degree or equivalent, applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.