Data Science MSc
1 Year Full-Time | September Start

Our Data Science MSc has been designed in consultation with partners from industry, and has been strongly influenced by industry practice and employer's needs, as well as our research strengths.  

You will take six taught modules covering principles of data science, computational and statistical methods and techniques, programming in Python and R, advanced databases, Big Data in a cloud computing setting, machine learning, and transferable skills in project management and research.

Finally, you will undertake a major data science project, allowing you to specialise in a subject of interest to you (e.g Business Analytics, Health Analytics and Game Analytics). You will complete practical tasks based on real-life situations, accompanied by critical reflection, and will follow standard professional practice.

Our teaching staff include cutting-edge researchers, whose areas of specialisms include topics covered on this course, helping ensure that teaching is right up-to-date. Specialisms include big data, data mining, machine learning, digital literacy, information behaviour, information retrieval systems, recommender systems, and the link between information science and cognitive psychology.

Our eminent academics have written books that regularly appear on reading lists for information science courses at universities all over the world. They also work as external examiners and reviewers of courses and research at other UK and non-UK universities.

Northumbria University uses a range of technologies to enhance your learning, with tools including web-based self-guided exercises, online tests with feedback, videos and tutorials. These tools support and extend the material that is delivered during lectures, and are available anywhere anytime. Group work and peer interaction feature prominently in our learning and teaching, this reflects the practices you are likely to encounter within the working environment.

You will have 24/7 term-time access to Northumbria’s library, which has over half a million print books as well as half a million electronic books available online. 

The University Library has advanced search software and database tools that allow you to use a single search box to get fast results from across a wide and reliable range of academic resources.

Throughout the duration of your course you will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including our new Computer and Information Sciences building, this gives you access to dedicated IT systems and is available evenings and weekends.

Through the dissertation module, you will undertake a major individual project. This provides a platform to conduct a substantial piece of research and development into a topic at the forefront of the Data Science discipline. This will include the need to utilise appropriate research techniques, critical evaluation and synthesis. 

You are also invited to attend department research seminars and workshops organised by IoC (Institute of Coding). These provide another opportunity for exposure to research methods and contemporary research issues in computer and data sciences.

Demand for those with specialist data science qualifications is high and this course can prepare you for a range of careers in the modern digital world. 

You will be well placed to take up a range of roles available in the IT based business world including, but not limited to, Information and Data Manager, Business Systems Analyst, Enterprise Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, and Data Specialist. These roles are in a variety of industries including investment management, healthcare and banking, amongst many others. There is currently high demand for data science specialists in the UK IT sector.