BIG DATA ANALYTICS MSc

 

Big data is all around us. It is the vast amount of data that continues to be generated in line with our growing use of IT products and services. This constant growth creates exciting new career opportunities for big data specialists. Professionals who can identify and obtain intelligence from big data are in demand like never before.

Our online Big Data Analytics programme gives you an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the key issues and concepts in today’s data-driven business and science landscapes. You will develop powerful skills in the extraction, analysis and management of information from big data using a variety of scientific techniques and software tools.

As an online student, you will be able to draw on the extensive industrial links of our academic staff and share knowledge of best practice with fellow students, all while navigating your course materials in our virtual learning environment.

 

 

Part-time: 3 years

UK fee

£8,775

International fee

£8,775

Course level

Postgraduate

Qualification

MSc

Start dates

September 26th 2021

Location

ONLINE

Big data specialists are highly sought after and you can become one with this masters degree. You’ll learn how to extract, analyse and manage intelligence from big data using a range of scientific techniques and software tools.

 

If applying for September 2021 intake:

Term starts on 26 September and the application deadline is 8 September.

 

Big data is all around us. It is the vast amount of data that continues to be generated in line with our growing use of IT products and services. This constant growth creates exciting new career opportunities for big data specialists. Professionals who can identify and obtain intelligence from big data are in demand like never before.

 

Our online Big Data Analytics programme gives you an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the key issues and concepts in today’s data-driven business and science landscapes. You will develop powerful skills in the extraction, analysis and management of information from big data using a variety of scientific techniques and software tools.

 

As an online student, you will be able to draw on the extensive industrial links of our academic staff and share knowledge of best practice with fellow students, all while navigating your course materials in our virtual learning environment.

 

During your studies, you will address real-world industry-based problems. This intellectually demanding process requires not only specialist knowledge of big data analytics but also the ability to apply multi-disciplinary concepts to today’s dynamic business and scientific areas.

 

Gain insight into industry relevant approaches to natural language processing (NLP) and text mining, developing the ability to extract and analyse various data sets. Relevant software tools will be used to enable a critical appreciation of computational, ethical and governance issues in this field, using the Vs of Big Data (volume, velocity, variety, veracity and value) as a critical framework.

 

This is a flexible programme which enables you to choose from highly relevant optional modules to tailor your programme of study to meet your particular interests or professional needs.

 

On this programme, you’ll develop a comprehensive skill set in computing and information technology, particularly in the areas of data analytics, business intelligence and information management, visualisation and assurance, as well as people analytics in HR. This will prepare you for a career in a rapidly growing industry more widely applicable and relevant than ever.

 

You can also study the Big Data Analytics MSc full-time or part-time on campus.

 

By completing this programme, you will:

 

 

The online Big Data Analytics MSc comprises three progressive stages: postgraduate certificate (PG Cert), postgraduate diploma (PG Dip) and masters (MSc). You will be required to achieve 60 credits to complete each award within the programme, totaling to 180 credits to achieve the masters.

 

You will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Big Data Analytics if you pass the 20-credit core module Studying at Masters Level and Research Methods and two other 20-credit modules (adding up to 60 credits) from either the core modules or the optional modules.

 

A Postgraduate Diploma in Big Data Analytics can be obtained by passing the four 20-credit core modules and two of the 20-credit optional modules (adding up 120 credits).

 

A Master of Science in Big Data Analytics can be obtained by achieving the PG Dip and completing the independent study module worth 60 credits (180 credits).

 

We would encourage you to complete the full MSc but, if you prefer, you can still gain an exit award at each stage: a PG Cert or a PG Dip.

 

 

We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester. If you aim to study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.

 

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

 

 

You will require a 2.2 or higher bachelors degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or a closely related discipline with significant mathematical content at an appropriate level, or an equivalent international degree.

 

If you don’t have a degree or an accredited degree, we can consider your application if supported by significant industrial experience. Please include evidence of all experience you have in your application. While the University guidelines on recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be followed, RPL will only be recommended where applicants can present a portfolio of professional work that is deemed to be of an appropriate level.

 

If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification*. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

 

IELTS 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in any areas)*

TOEFL 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)

Pearson Test of Academic English: 58

Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass

London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses

International GCE O Level English Language: Grade C

International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C.*

*If you have a minimum of IELTS level 4.5 you can study our Certificate of Credit in English for Academic Purposes which we will accept as evidence that you are able to perform at a suitable level of IELTS 6.0. We will also accept the Certificate of Credit as evidence that you can perform at GCSE level.

 

You'll need to provide:

 

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

 

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

 

 

† Prices correct for 2020/21 new students. Subject to potential annual increase in September 2021.

 

Flexible payment plans available

 

Choose from three options:

 

 

Depending on where you are from in the UK or EU, and on your pace of study, you may be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Accessible through Student Finance, this is a non-income based loan to help with living costs and tuition fees whilst studying your masters programme.

 

Students should apply directly to the University.

 

 

The job market around Big Data is rapidly increasing and is trending to be in constant demand as our use of computer data is ever expanding. After completing the Big Data Analytics MSc, you will be able to pursue a career in many areas of computing and information technology, particularly in the areas of data analytics, business intelligence and information management, visualisation and assurance, as well as people analytics in HR.

 

You could also consider further study and research towards a PhD qualification.

 

 

Dr Ovidiu Bagdasar is the Erasmus Coordinator for Mathematics and Computing. His research in Discrete Mathematics, Optimisation, and Maths Anxiety has been disseminated in numerous international journals and conferences. Ovidiu also works with colleagues and technology companies to improve standards in mathematics education within the University, and beyond.