Data Science MSc
About this course
This course covers the fundamentals of Data Science including Big Data infrastructure, AI and statistical analysis and the mining of data. Development of your understanding of deriving value from the data analytics functions is also a focus of this course.
You will learn how to support organisations in improving their data capture, management and analysis processes with a focus on efficiency and profit, whilst adhering to the current highest ethical standards.
Why study this course at NTU?
This course builds on NTU’s experience of upskilling major employers in the region in the areas of data analytics and data science. Our previous experience in work-based learning prepared graduates to take innovative roles in the rapidly changing Data Science industry.
Studying takes place in our purpose-built ISTeC building, where you will have access to our specialist Data Science teaching facility and 3D imagery lab.
As there is a growing need in the UK for data science experts we’ve secured funding of £498,245 from the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Office for Students to support the development of this course.
100% of Computer science students are satisfied with the quality of their course. (PTES 2023)
-
The Office for Students (OfS) supports a number of scholarships worth £10,000, that aims to target students often under-represented in this industry. -
Take a one-year work placement to gain industry experience and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice. -
In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent. -
100% of postgraduate Information Technology students who entered employment are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
What you’ll study
You will study six modules and undertake a major research project. If you are a part-time student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.
Fundamentals of Big Data and Infrastructure (20 credit points)
This module, therefore, introduces students to the processes, techniques and technologies businesses use to develop the IT infrastructure so that it is able to manage big data and transform it into useful business intelligence. The students will familiarise themselves with relational and non-relational database technologies and understand the utilisation of scalable computing to address the capture, storage and processing of data upon the increase in its velocity and volume.
Introduction to Computer Programming (20 cp)
In this module you’ll focus on developing your skills in producing software solutions for practical problems. Through hands-on experiences, it emphasizes the use of program development environments and develops advanced procedural programming skills. Additionally, you will become familiar with object-oriented programming, preparing you for contemporary software development challenges.
Statistical Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 cp)
This module provides students with an introduction to the statistical principles and statistical methods required for the analysis of large datasets. The module introduces R programming language and its applications for initial exploration and visualisation of data and for predictive modelling.
Deriving Business Value from Data Analytics (20 cp)
This module teaches how to project-manage the data analytics function to take into account costs, benefits, risks and relevant business goals in order to deliver value from the customer perspective. Students will learn how the data analytics tool can be utilised to make decisions that optimize business objectives.
Applied AI and Data Mining (20 cp)
The overall aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of a variety of artificial intelligence methods such as machine learning, reasoning and optimisation techniques, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems including discovering useful patterns in data (Data Mining) to assist decision-making processes.
Research Methods (20 cp)
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.
Major project (60 cp)
On completion of the taught modules in this course, you will then have the opportunity to undertake an MSc topic. This gives you 15 weeks to concentrate full-time on a specialist area that interests you and apply what you have learnt to a specific problem.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of software implementation, emerging technologies and large-scale computer applications. You will develop the knowledge and skills to analyse and plan a wide range of computer systems projects and carry out research in a range of advanced computing applications.
The course offers an excellent combination of theoretical studies and practical experience through coursework assignments, software development and group projects culminating in a significant and practical Master's project individually tailored to meet your career aspirations.
Apply your theory
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 80% of NTU's Computer Science and Informatics submission was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.
Research informed teaching
Throughout your course you will be supported by your course leader and personal tutor, who will work with you individually. A comprehensive induction programme will provide you with essential information about the course, including access to the library and virtual learning portal.
Learning methods
- Lectures
- Guided reading supported by the University's virtual learning portal
- Workshops and laboratories
- Seminars
- Case studies and project work
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.
How you're assessed
- Research project
- Written assignment
- Case studies
- Oral presentations
- Coursework reports
Contact hours
Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our students are perceived as having a competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.
The main objective of the course is to address the Data Science industry skills needs by producing talented graduates from diverse backgrounds. A consortium of business partners pledged to support the MSc program by offering co-development, delivery and placement opportunities. The official list of project partners includes:
- Santander
- ENSEK
- Nottingham City Council
- Capital One
- Fujitsu
- Parexel Informatics
- Make UK
- Intelligent OMICS
- Fair Way Forward Ltd (Tully)
- AECOM
- Uniper
- Walgreen Boots Alliance
- DSTL
Placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.
Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.
If you take the sandwich route, you will take a one-year work placement after the first three terms before returning to NTU the following year to start your research project.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including Prism UK, Gedling Borough Council and ENSEK. They secured varied roles such as Systems Integration Engineer, Cloud Operations Engineer and Software Engineer.
Re:search Re:imagined
To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics and information systems. Other subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in a technical or scientific subject, which includes, but is not limited to, sport science, biomedical, economics and information systems. Other subjects will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Pre-Masters course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
