MSc Data Science (2 years)
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 2 years
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
Data Scientist has been dubbed the 'sexiest job title' (Harvard Business Review, 2012) with IBM predicting a 28% growth of jobs by 2020. The UK government has set out their strategy for the UK to be a world leader in data science to enable the growth of the UK economy. Data Scientists require a combination of statistical analytical skills, the ability to process large volumes of data efficiently, c.f. Big Data, and then to generate visualisations to explain the results.
This two year programme offers an opportunity for graduates looking to transition to a new career path in Data Science, yet coming from a background outside Computing. Whether your experience lies in Science, Technology, Mathematics or the Arts, this pathway programme is a rare opportunity to become well-versed in the advanced, challenging field of Data Science. Computer Science at Heriot-Watt is ranked 6th in Scotland by The Complete University league tables (2021).
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Postgraduate Masterclass Series
We’re running a series of free online masterclasses throughout July and early August to showcase our postgraduate taught study options. Take a look at the exciting topics our academic experts will be speaking about and book to attend.
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Course content
The two year MSc in Data Science is a full-time postgraduate programme comprising two stages in two successive years.
Year 1
Four courses are taken in each of two semesters in Year 1 and normally include all core courses.
Semester 1
Core courses
- Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Agents
- Databases and Information Systems
- Software Engineering Foundations
Optional courses
- Web Programming
- Data Communications and Networking
Semester 2
Core courses
- Advanced Software Engineering
Optional courses
- Creative Design Project
- Project Management
- Discrete Mathematics
- Introduction to Computer Systems
Year 2
Four courses are taken in each of two semesters in Year 2 and normally include all core courses.
Semester 1
Core courses
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Statistical Modelling and Analysis
Optional courses
- Biologically Inspired Computation
- Computer Network Security
- Information Systems Methodologies
- Industrial Programming
Semester 2
Core courses
- Big Data Management
- Data Visualisation and Analytics
- Research Methods and Project Planning
Optional courses
- Digital and Knowledge Economy
- e-Commerce Technology
After Semester 2, students continue full-time on the MSc project from May until August. It is assessed by a 15,000 word dissertation on a challenging practical problem in this subject area.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Year 1
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time |
|---|---|
| UK | 10600 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 24496 |
Year 2
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time |
|---|---|
| UK | 9152 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 19056 |
Additional fee information
Please note that fees are payable for each year of this two year MSc.
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
Admission requires a good honours degree at UK 2:2 level (minimum), with evidence of numeracy and familiarity with a programming language.
This programme is designed for students with a non-Computer Science background who would benefit from a foundational year to help them to make a successful transition into Data Science. Therefore students will only be recruited into Year 1 of this programme. There is no direct entry into Year 2 of this programme.
English language requirements
Important: If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 (with no component under 6.0).
We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)