MSc Computational Data Science
The course
- Delivery
- Full-time, Part-time
- Course type
- Taught
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Entry date
- September
MSc Computational Data Science harnesses Heriot-Watt’s world-leading expertise in the statistical foundations of data science and associated computational techniques, with applications to imaging and vision, ecology and climate, and stochastic modelling.
Contact
-
Contact
Course Enquiries
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Telephone
+44 131 451 8250
Overview
You should study MSc Computational Data Science if you already have a degree in mathematics, engineering, physics or equivalent and want to develop skills at the cutting edge of data science.
This MSc programme will teach you the statistical foundations and computational techniques in data science. It will provide you with a unique set of skills to address data science challenges, for applications ranging from imaging and vision (pathway 1), to ecology and climate (pathway 2), or stochastic modelling (pathway 3).
Four reasons to study MSc Computational Data Science
- Data scientists, data engineers, and business analysts are among the most sought-after careers and Edinburgh is intended to be the ‘Data Capital of Europe'.
- Students will acquire unique interdisciplinary knowledge at the interface between the statistical foundations of data science and associated computational techniques.
- Students will be exposed to specialised applications, ranging from imaging and vision, to ecology and climate, or stochastic modelling.
- This MSc is run by international leaders in their field.
A Partnership of World-Leading Departments
The MSc Computational Data Science is a joint degree between the Schools of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, and of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These schools are renowned for their world-class research in the statistical foundations and computational techniques in data science, with internationally leading expertise in imaging and vision, ecology and climate, stochastic modelling, and well beyond.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), which assesses the quality of research of UK higher education institutions, Heriot-Watt University was ranked first in Scotland and third in the UK for both Engineering research and Mathematical Sciences research, through joint submissions with the University of Edinburgh.
The two universities host the Bayes Centre and the National Robotarium, two of Edinburgh’s Data-Driven Innovation hubs.
More into High Performance Computing than Statistics?
If you are interested in the Imaging and Vision pathway, but are more interested in complementing your education with High Performance Computing rather than the foundational statistical aspects, check our joint MSc in Imaging, Vision and High Performance Computing between Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Course content
All students are required to take a total of three mandatory courses in Semesters 1 and 2, designed to equip students with the foundational tools of data science, with a first clear opening to applications, as well as with fundamentals of critical analysis and research preparation.
Students will be further required to select one elective course per semester, relating to applications in imaging and vision (pathway 1), ecology and climate (pathway 2), or stochastic modelling (pathway 3).
In semester 3, students will choose a project with primary supervisor in either the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, or the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Collaboration with industry is possible and encouraged.
Semester 1
- Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision I - 15 credits
- Statistical Machine Learning - 15 credits
- Statistical Models - 15 credits
One from:
- Foundations of Learning and Computer Vision (pathway 1) - 15 credits
- Mathematical Ecology (pathway 2) - 15 credits
- Probabilistic Methods (pathway 3) - 15 credits
Semester 2
- Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision II - 15 credits
- Critical Analysis and Research Preparation - 15 credits
- Bayesian Inference and Computational Methods - 15 credits
One from:
- Graph Methods for Imaging, Vision and Computing (pathway 1) - 15 credits
- Data Assimilation (pathway 2) - 15 credits
- Stochastic Networks (pathway 3) - 15 credits
Alternative courses: If you have studied any of the mandatory courses previously, you may be eligible to study alternative courses as agreed with the programme directors.
Semester 3
Dissertation in Computational Data Science - 60 credits
Course Details and Delivery
The aims and syllabus for each course are detailed below, together with the delivery school.
Semester 1
Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision I
Semester 1: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Course overview
What is the most efficient way to sense, or sample signals that we want to observe? Once data have been acquired, how do we retrieve the sought signal from these acquired data? Such "inference" or "inverse" problems are core to Data Science, particularly when the size of the signal is large and the "inference algorithms" need to be "scalable". This module approaches these questions both from a theoretical perspective (underpinned by the theories of compressive sensing, convex optimisation, deep learning) and in the context of "computational imaging" applications in a variety of domains ranging from astronomy to medicine.
Course syllabus
The first part of the course will be taught. We will review the basic notion of Nyquist sampling of signals and rapidly dive into "computational imaging". In this context, mathematical algorithms need to be designed to solve an "inference" or "inverse" problem for image recovery from incomplete data. The size of the variables of interest in modern imaging application (e.g. in astronomy or medicine) can be very large. In our journey, and concentrating on the data processing (rather than hardware, or application) aspects, we will learn the basics of the theories of compressive sensing (which tells us how to design intelligent data acquisition schemes for sub-Nyquist sampling) and convex optimisation (which provides a whole wealth of algorithms capable to solve inverse problems, and scalable to high-dimensional problems). The second part of the course will take the form of a project which will enable us to explore how machine learning algorithms (more specifically deep neural networks) can provide an alternative framework to solve inverse problems (in particular for imaging applications), or otherwise integrate and enhance optimisation algorithms.
Statistical Machine Learning
Semester 1: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
In this course students will study fundamental concepts and techniques used in data mining and machine learning, with a focus on the mathematics underpinning these concepts. The course will discuss the data mining and machine learning techniques, relationships between them, and ways to determine which ones to use in a particular scenario. The course will also explore applications of the various data mining and machine learning techniques.
Course syllabus
The course will start with the introduction of some basic concepts in machine learning (classification, clustering, supervised and unsupervised learning). Students will then work on generative models such as probabilistic graphical models, cluster analysis (including k-means clustering, expectation maximisation and mixture models), regression analysis. We will then focus on discriminative Learning: Instance-based learning and decision tree learning, artificial neural networks (perceptron, multilayer perceptron, back-propagation, deep learning architectures), maximum entropy models, support vector machines, ensemble methods (such as bagging and boosting).
Statistical Models
Semester 1: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
This is a core course where you will learn the methods and tools of classical statistical inference, and the mathematics underpinning them. Students will also be able to apply the results and techniques they learn in this course working on an extended project.
Course syllabus
At the beginning of the course, students will study in detail key concepts in the classical statistics theory: parameter estimation, likelihood, hypothesis testing, credibility theory. An applied project will follow the theory, where students will be able to use the techniques and tools.
Mathematical Ecology
Semester 1: Optional
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
Mathematical Ecology aims to provide students with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the mathematical modelling methods that describe population dynamics, epidemiological processes and evolutionary processes in ecological systems. It will provide training in a wide variety of mathematical techniques which are used to describe ecological systems and provide instruction in the biological interpretation of mathematical results.
Course syllabus
The course starts with a discussion of modelling and analysis of single- and multi-species population models, in both discrete and continuous time. We will then study classical mathematical biology models including models for interacting species, symbiotic, competitive, predator-prey and host-parasite ecological interactions, age-structured models. The second part of the course is devoted to mathematical models of ecological systems, epidemiological models and evolutionary game theory.
Foundations of Learning and Computer Vision
Semester 1: Optional
Delivered by: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Course overview
How can machines learn concepts by just observing examples? Learning theory provides several tools to answer this question and without which machine learning cannot be really understood. Recent developments brought by deep learning have had tremendous impact in several applications, notably in computer vision. Explaining its success, however, requires a revision of learning theory, a topic explored in this module. Applications of the theory and examples of deep learning architectures are illustrated on several computer vision tasks, from image classification to semantic segmentation and scene reconstruction.
Course syllabus
Part I of the course establishes the foundations of learning theory, introducing concepts like risk, empirical risk, and generalization, and surveying algorithms widely used in machine learning, e.g., stochastic gradient descent. It also introduces the basic components of deep learning architectures and discusses several practical aspects of their deployment. These elements are then put together and illustrated in Part II which, after an introduction to basic concepts in computer vision geometry, surveys different deep learning solutions that have been applied in computer vision tasks.
Probabilistic Methods
Semester 1: Optional
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
The course introduces students to fundamental stochastic processes which are often used in stochastic modelling and data science. The course introduces key constructs and theoretical results. Students will also work on a project where they can apply the acquired techniques.
Course syllabus
The course starts with the introduction of random walks and introduces some problems one can study using them: rare events and large deviations. We then continue exploring discrete-time processes with a detailed study of Markov chains. The second part of the course looks at continuous-time processes starting with Poisson processes and moving to more general Markov processes. We then study renewal theory and introduce martingales.
Semester 2
Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision II
Semester 2: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Course overview
Iterative optimisation algorithms often break down when the dimensions of its variables and/or the size of its data become very large. Building on the Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision I course, this module peeks into a class of very recent methods to handle very large-scale optimisation problems and showcases their application in computational imaging and computer vision problems. Among the techniques explored in the module are advanced proximal methods, acceleration techniques, development of algorithms via duality, and hybrid methods that combine optimisation algorithms with deep learning. Finally, as data science applications require taking decisions under uncertainty, the course also surveys Bayesian techniques to quantify the uncertainty in the output of an algorithm.
Course syllabus
The module consists of lectures and discussions, three practical projects, and a reading project. The lectures comprise four chapters: 1) Review of optimisation concepts and motivation for the need of more advanced optimisation algorithms. 2) Advanced proximal algorithms, including acceleration via inertia and scalability using duality. 3) Stochastic algorithms are introduced as solutions to handle large datasets. 4) Basics of Bayesian inference and methods to quantify uncertainty of maximum a posteriori estimates. In the practical projects, students have the opportunity to implement these algorithms and techniques. And the reading project explores connections between optimisation algorithms and deep learning, including unfolded neural networks and plug-and-play algorithms.
Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
Semester 2: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
Leading successful projects, and in particular research projects, requires methodological tools in addition to technical expertise. This course aims at preparing students for carrying out an extended research or development project in a science or engineering programme by developing their skills in critical thinking, research planning and management, academic writing, experimental design and data handling. Note that this course is delivered to several other MSc programs in Engineering and Physical Sciences.
Course syllabus
This course is primarily taught and will also involve independent work to prepare your MSc Project. The taught part of the course will discuss how to plan a research/development project, interact efficiently with supervisors and carry out a literature review. This part will also cover how to develop writing skills to prepare the MSc dissertation, as well data analysis tools and how to report results. The tools and skills acquired during the course will then be applied to the preparation of a MSc project portfolio, to be prepared with the project supervisor.
Bayesian Inference and Computational Methods
Semester 2: Mandatory
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
The course introduces students to modern Bayesian Statistical inference, its theory and applications. The course also studies applications of computational methods in statistics and stochastic simulation methods including Markov Chain Monte Carlo (the famous MCMC). Students will also be able to implement the Bayesian approach in practical situations.
Course syllabus
The course starts with a review of the use of R for probabilistic and statistical calculations. It then discusses the philosophy of Bayesian inference. This includes the comparative treatment of Bayesian and frequentist (classical) approaches. We then proceed to the implementation of the Bayesian approach. This will include the formulation of likelihood for a range of statistical models and sampling designs, the incorporation of prior knowledge through prior density selection, conjugacy, the use of non-informative and non-subjective priors, the interpretation of the posterior distribution as the totality of knowledge, predictive distributions.
The second part of the course focuses on Markov-chain and other stochastic methods for investigating target distributions. Ideas include simple simulation methods using transformations, distribution function inversion and acceptance-rejection sampling, construction of MCMC methods using standard recipes - Metropolis (and Metropolis-Hastings) algorithm, Gibb's sampler, sequential Monte Carlo, approximate Bayesian computation. Most methods will be implemented using the R computing package.
Data Assimilation
Semester 2: Optional
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
The course introduces techniques of data assimilation in numerical weather prediction and climate change modelling. These will include basic regression analysis, variational approaches, Kalman filtering, extended and ensemble Kalman filtering and the Bayesian inference approach. The course will teach practical implementation of these data assimilation techniques in the context of computer simulations, which will be illustrated by prototype applications. These methodologies will form the basis for a series of modelling case studies as well as the group-based project component of the course.
Course syllabus
The course starts with some background information including data sets, statistics and elements of analysis. It then introduces and studies various methods of data assimilation including variational approach, Kalman filtering and Bayesian approach. Implementation of these approaches is also discussed. The course then proceeds with an extended simulation project related to biology, climate change or finance, including the modelling and subsequent direct numerical implementation of one or more of the data assimilation approaches above. The project includes a background literature search, development of the underlying model, assessment of the data and appropriate data assimilation techniques that can be applied, hands-on simulation of one or more of these techniques, a group-based presentation and a written report.
Graph Methods for Imaging, Vision and Computing
Semester 2: Optional
Delivered by: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Course overview
Data is meaningless if it cannot be related to other data. For example, an individual pixel of an image can hardly reveal the object it belongs to unless we look at its surrounding pixels; the social network of a person can only be inferred by looking at the person’s interactions with other people. The appropriate tool to capture such relationships are graphs. They are fundamental and can unveil unknown connections in data analysis, signal processing, and computer vision. In this module, we explore graphs, their properties, and how they can be used to perform inference, including on probabilistic models, and capture dynamic relationships. Their impact and applicability will be illustrated in imaging and vision applications.
Course syllabus
The course consists of three parts. Part I introduces the concept of graphs, describing their properties, and covers spectral graph theory. Part II considers probabilistic models defined on graphs, and introduces several graph-based algorithms, including message-passing, variational methods, and inference with dynamic models. Part III introduces Bayesian neural networks, covering their principles, explores imaging applications of variational auto-encoders, and describes Bayesian deep neural networks. Labs complement the lectures and include implementations of large-scale message-passing algorithms, graph-based methods for dynamic imaging, and training and evaluation of variational auto-encoders using high-performance computing platforms.
Stochastic Networks
Semester 2: Optional
Delivered by: School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
Course overview
The course is focused on the mathematics underpinning the stochastic modelling of networks of practical interest in the modern world (social networks, computer networks, large server systems) and processes on them (spread of data through a social network, spread of virus through a computer network, data storage). To this end, the course studies branching processes and more general random graphs as well as stochastic processes defined on these objects. The course also provides a formal mathematical interpretation for the exponential growth of epidemics - something that became important to everyone recently.
Course syllabus
The course starts with a review of some probabilistic methods and techniques. We then introduce and study branching processes in discrete and continuous time. These are later generalised to the notion of a random graph. We study important models including Erdos-Renyi random graphs, inhomogeneous random graphs, preferential attachment and configuration models.
Entry requirements
You will need a first or upper second-class honours degree (or its overseas equivalent) that has imparted reasonable know-how in programming and mathematics. Suitable candidates are likely to have studied a first degree in mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or computer science. Lesser qualifications combined with relevant work experience may also be suitable.
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, we also accept TOEFL (scores of 79 and higher).
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)
Fees
Status | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £10600 | £5300 |
Overseas | £24496 | £12248 |
Footnotes
- Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
- Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional fees information
Status | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | tbc | tbc |
Overseas | tbc | tbc |
- Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
- Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
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.