Course Title: Master of Science in Data Analytics
Data analytics is the extraction of actionable insights from data. It involves the collection, processing, cleaning, and transformation of data followed by the search for patterns in the data. These patterns are visualised and presented in such a way that they can offer critical business insight from the data to practitioners who can then use the insights to improve business, organisational or social performance.
The MSc Data Analytics addresses a significant and growing skills need in the area of data analytics and data-informed decision making both in Ireland and internationally. Graduates of the programme will have have all the necessary technical skills, communications skills, research skills and organisational knowledge required to be effective in the application of data analytics in the real-world contexts within which they will be employed as graduates. The programme enables students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds in areas such as Computing, Science, Engineering and Business to pursue a pathway towards a Masters degree that will enable them to develop the knowledge and skills required to add significant value as data analysts in their own industry sector, or elsewhere.
The programme can be undertaken by people with and without backgrounds in Computing, thus offering a conversion opportunity for students with backgrounds in areas such as Engineering, Science and Business; or an opportunity for students with Computing backgrounds to develop an advanced skillset. A tailored suite of modules are offered to students based on their background.
All students complete a Data Analytics Research Project as part of the programme. For their project, students identify a specific problem with an associated dataset, carry out a rigorous analysis and present both a client report and a research paper detailing, presenting and critiquing the process and the findings.
Specialist versions of the MSc Data Analytics are also available. For more information on the specialist programmes, see separate programme descriptions for MSc Data Analytics with Precision Diagnostics and MSc Data Analytics for Sport.
The minimum entry requirement for entry to the MSc Data Analytics, MSc Data Analytics with Precision Diagnostics and Data Analytics for Sport is an honours degree at the level of Upper Second Class Honours (2.1) in the area of Computing, Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or related areas with an appropriate numerate component. Students with an honours degree at the level of Lower Second Class Honours (2.2) with appropriate work experience, may be considered for admission to the programme. Other applicants who do not meet these accredited learning criteria but who have substantial experience in the relevant field may be considered through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, in line with University policy.
Applicants intending to pursue the MSc Data Analytics with Precision Diagnostics pathway must identify this intention at the application stage. To be eligible for this pathway, the applicant must meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme and must also have an appropriate background in Biology or Healthcare, achieved either through accredited learning or professional experience.
Applicants intending to pursue the MSc Data Analytics for Sport pathway must identify this intention at the application stage. To be eligible for this pathway, the applicant must meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Applicants for this programme must have English language proficiency at the level of IELTS (Academic Version) English 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.
Satisfying the minimum entry requirements for the programme does not guarantee applicants a place on the programme.
All students will complete the following modules:
- Fundamentals of Analytics
- Statistics for Analytics
- Data Mining
- Organisational Decision Making
- Data Analytics Research Project Preparation 1
- Data Analytics Research Project Preparation 2
- Data Analytics Research Project
Students following a conversion pathway (i.e. students without a Computing background) take the following modules:
Students from a Computing background take the following modules:
All students will take an elective module such as:
Teaching takes place from Monday to Friday. As a twelve month programme, classes will commence in early September with the programme running until the end of August. Classes take place weekly throughout the semester and in blocks between semesters. Students will finish their Data Analytics Research Project over the summer period.
Applications for this course will open in November 2024. For further information, please visit How To Apply.