Course Title: Master of Science in Computer Science (Data Science)
The MSc in Computer Science (Data Science) course aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to work with large amounts of raw data and extract meaningful insights from it. Graduates are equipped with deep technical skills (in data management, data mining, probability and statistics, and machine learning), but also with the softer skills (in communications, research and problem solving) required to work effectively within organisations.
The minimum admission requirements for entry to the programme are a B.Sc. (Honours) in Computer Science, Software Development, Mathematics or other suitably numerate discipline with computing as a significant component. The degree should be at the level of Honours 2.1 or better or at Honours 2.2 or better with at least 2 years of Software Development work experience. Applicants with other qualifications at Honours 2.1 or better level and Software Development experience may also be considered.
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate courses satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the course of study applications will be assessed based on academic grades and any work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview.
Data Science has been highlighted in a range of recent reports as an area of strategic importance both nationally and internationally. Areas in which opportunities for data analytics practitioners exist include retail, financial services, telecommunications, health, and government organisations. Specific roles include but are not limited to: Data Analytics Consultant, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Architect, Database Administrator, Data Warehouse Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer, Business Intelligence Implementation Consultant, Business Analyst, Reporting Analyst.
Specialist Core Modules
- Probability & Statistical Inference
- Machine Learning
- Working with Data
- Data Management
- Data Mining
- Data Visualisation
Critical Skills Core Modules
- Research Writing & Scientific Literature
- Research Methods and Proposal Writing
- Research Project & Dissertation or a Team Project
Option Modules
- Geographic Information Systems
- Universal Design
- Programming for Big Data
- Problem Solving, Communication and Innovation
- Social Network Analysis
- User Experience Design
- Deep Learning
- Speech & Audio Processing
Students can also take specialist core modules from the Advanced Software Development stream as option modules, subject to availability and schedules.
Students have the option to complete modules in 1 Year or 1.5 Years
Teaching hours will take place Monday to Friday. Attendance in the evening is required for some modules. In general students complete 30 ECTS in Semester 1 (Sept-Jan), 30 in Semester 2 (Feb-May) and 30 in Semester 3 (Sept-Jan) for the dissertation or Team Project.
Option to complete the dissertation over the summer period, allowing completion in a 12-month period (Sept to Sept calendar year)
Applications for this course will open in November 2024. For further information, please visit How To Apply.
Students can choose to exit with a Postgraduate Certificate on completion of 30 ECTS or a Postgraduate Diploma on completion of 60 ECTS.
Students who wish to complete the MSc dissertation or Team Project to achieve the MSc award will be eligible to do so on successful completion of all core modules and the achievement of an average grade of at least 50% over all core modules.