MSc Data Science

Data science is rapidly emerging in organisations and the need for fully trained data scientists, analysts and programmers is in demand now more than ever. Businesses rely on big data to uncover hidden patterns and unknown correlations to make informed decisions and drive business success. On the Data Science course you will learn how to apply high level analytical skills and knowledge to solve a range of real-world problems.

The MSc Data Science is designed to support your development of transferable skills and expertise to play a leading role at a technical and practical level in the industry. Additionally, you will work towards a globally recognised qualification, the SAS Joint Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Mining. The Joint Certificate will validate your skills and ability to use SAS software, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.

The MSc Data Science has six core taught modules divided into two streams. At the beginning of each stream you will be taught the fundamentals of applied statistics, computing technology, programming and data base systems. Your existing analytical and technical skills will be developed to understand how to use the industry software used in the workplace, in turn preparing you for your individual research project.

Stream One: MSc Data Science

• Applied statistics for data science

• Data mining and statistical forecasting

• Project management and research methodology

Stream Two: MSc Data Science

• Principles of computing

• Machine learning and decision making

• Big data engineering and applications

Alongside these modules, you will complete an individual research project. Your project will be proposed and supported by local employers across a range of industries. Previous project partners include Admiral, Dwr Cymru, EY, NHS Wales, Public Health Wales, Velindre Cancer Care Trust, Talent Intuition and the Met Office.

Teaching

The MSc Data Science course is delivered through a series of practical classes and workshops where you will have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt via hands-on exercises and design projects.

The Data Science Masters offers a flexible approach to learning, allowing you to study full-time, part-time or through continuing professional development (CPD) for working professionals. The CPD route is an accessible pathway for employers to equip staff with further training opportunities to work towards a postgraduate qualification.

You will be taught by active researchers and leading professionals exposing you to current real-world problems, methodologies, and industry-standard techniques and software.

Full-time students will typically spend 12 hours in classes each week. For those studying part-time, this is reduced to six hours each week.

Each stream is delivered on a single day per week.

Stream One runs on a Wednesday and Stream Two on a Friday. Full-time students will undertake both streams in one year whilst a part-time student will start on Stream One in Year One and then move on to Stream Two in Year Two.

Students undertake one module at a time for each stream and each module within a stream runs across three consecutive eight-week blocks.

All students will also undertake a 60-credit individual project. Typically, a full-time student will work on the individual project from June-September.

A part-time student will have the opportunity to start work on their individual project during the first summer and will finish their individual project during the second summer completing by the September of Year Two.

Assessment

All modules are assessed entirely through coursework based activities ranging from reports, demonstrations, presentations and coding tasks.