Key information
Our MSc in data science teaches the theory and skills for managing and analysing very large and complex data sets, sometimes referred to as Big Data.
- Level
- Postgraduate Taught
- Delivery type
- Full Time, Part Time
- Degree qualification
- MSc
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Dubai
- Start date
- September, January
You will learn how to model, store and process these data sets using the latest algorithms and techniques and about modern methods and tools for visually exploring them.
The core courses of the programme provide the key skill set of a data scientist: applying machine learning, managing large data sets, and generating interesting visualisations.
The skills acquired will be applicable to business applications, industrial applications and also to scientific data exploration.
Your student experience
CITP
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
CEng
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
Euro-Inf
This programme is Euro-Inf accredited. The accreditation is proof that our programme is of high quality and meets high international academic and professional standards. The Euro-Inf accreditation is recognised by employers and has Europe-wide international recognition.
The Dubai Campus is accredited by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and fully licensed to teach its degrees in Dubai. All graduates receive a British degree that is accredited by Royal Charter in the UK.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer: United Kingdom
Course content
September Intake - Dubai
Detailed Course Guide
Students undertake four courses in semester 1 and a further four courses in semester 2. In addition to these taught courses, students pursuing the MSc qualification undertake a Masters project, which culminates in a dissertation.
Mandatory September
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Statistical Modelling and Analysis
Optional September
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer Network Security
- Industrial Programming
- Software Engineering Foundations
Mandatory January
- Big Data Management
- Data Visualisation and Analytics
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional January
- Applied Text Analytics
- Applied Development and Operations (DevOps)
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Digital and Knowledge Economy
Mandatory May
- Masters Project and Dissertation
Student testimonials
Sanjna Elizabeth Sanjay
Student, MSc Data Science
The world-class teaching, free access to educational materials and a strong alumni network are just some of the reasons why MACS school is the go-to option when it comes to higher education in the UAE.
Teaching staff
Fees and funding
AED 103,350 per year
- All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) with a substantial academic component of computing or IT that includes study of databases and programming will be considered. Applicants with an engineering or mathematics background may also be considered.
To find out more about the specific entry requirements for your country, please refer to our International Entry Requirements.
If you hold a degree from a different background and believe you may qualify for this programme or to find out more about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
Why Heriot-Watt
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The five-star accreditation by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) secured in 2019, 2020, and 2022 is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.
The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.
Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.
Employability
The job market in Dubai is fast evolving to accommodate the needs of the emerging knowledge economy towards which the UAE in general and Dubai in particular is moving. Within that context, the job prospects for graduates in MSc Data Science are excellent, both locally and also globally.
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
