MSc Data Science
Data science is rapidly emerging in organisations and the need for fully trained data scientists, analysts and programmers are in demand now more than ever. Businesses rely on big data to uncover hidden patterns and unknown correlations to make informed decisions and drive business success. On the Data Science course, you will learn how to apply high-level analytical skills and knowledge to solve a range of real-world problems.
The MSc Data Science is designed to support your development of transferable skills and expertise to play a leading role at a technical and practical level in the industry. Additionally, you will work towards a globally recognised qualification, the SAS Joint Certificate in Applied Statistics and Data Mining. The Joint Certificate will validate your skills and ability to use SAS software, giving you a competitive advantage in the job market.
To hear how the Data Science course has benefitted our graduates, visit the Data Science subject page.
The MSc Data Science has six core taught modules divided into two streams. At the beginning of each stream you will be taught the fundamentals of applied statistics, computing technology, programming and data base systems. Your existing analytical and technical skills will be developed to understand how to use the industry software used in the workplace, in turn preparing you for your individual research project.
Stream One: MSc Data Science
- Applied statistics for data science
- Data mining and statistical forecasting
- Project management and research methodology
Stream Two: MSc Data Science
- Principles of computing
- Applied Machine Learning and Deep Learning
- Big data engineering and applications
Alongside these modules, you will complete an individual research project. Your project will be proposed and supported by local employers across a range of industries. Previous project partners include Admiral, Dwr Cymru, EY, NHS Wales, Public Health Wales, Velindre Cancer Care Trust, Talent Intuition and the Met Office.
Teaching
The MSc Data Science course is delivered through a series of practical classes and workshops where you will have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt via hands-on exercises and design projects.
The Data Science Masters offers a flexible approach to learning, allowing you to study full-time, part-time or through continuing professional development (CPD) for working professionals. The CPD route is an accessible pathway for employers to equip staff with further training opportunities to work towards a postgraduate qualification.
You will be taught by active researchers and leading professionals exposing you to current real-world problems, methodologies, and industry-standard techniques and software.
Full-time students will typically spend 12 hours in classes each week. For those studying part-time, this is reduced to six hours each week.
Each stream is delivered on a single day per week.
Stream One runs on a Wednesday and Stream Two on a Friday. Full-time students will undertake both streams in one year whilst a part-time student will start on Stream One in Year One and then move on to Stream Two in Year Two.
Students undertake one module at a time for each stream and each module within a stream runs across three consecutive eight-week blocks.
All students will also undertake a 60-credit individual project. Typically, a full-time student will work on the individual project from June-September.
A part-time student will have the opportunity to start work on their individual project during the first summer and will finish their individual project during the second summer completing by the September of Year Two.
Assessment
All modules are assessed entirely through coursework based activities ranging from reports, demonstrations, presentations and coding tasks.
Accreditations
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Facilities
In industry, computing power is now vital to aid complex mathematical calculations on a daily basis. Therefore, throughout your Masters degree in Data Science, you will be exposed to a variety of key industry computer packages to facilitate your learning. You will also be taught sought-after programming skills.
Practice is so important in gaining understanding of complex data science techniques, which is why we have a dedicated Data Science computer laboratories and access to student workrooms dedicated to our Data Science students. These facilitate a learning environment where you can work individually or in groups and as they are located next to the staff offices you will have no problem finding help if you get stuck.
Lecturers
- Ieuan Griffiths Course Leader MSc Data Science
- Dr Angelica Pachon
- Gaylor Boobyer
- Dr David Kidner
- Dr Mark Ware
- Rebecca Peters
- Ieuan Griffiths
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
Suitable for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a numerate discipline across any STEM or business subject. Relevant industry experience can also be taken into account.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100
Part-time UK: £1055 per 20 credits
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: £16000
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24
Apply directly to the University for this course
Employment prospects are strong in this rapidly growing and demanding industry. There are a number of careers available to those trained in data science - students could go on to be data scientists, statistics officers, business analysts, predictive modellers or computer programmers, these will continue to grow as organisations are required to adapt to improving technologies.
Graduates could also progress to a postgraduate research degree at USW. The Mathematical Sciences Research Group welcomes applications from self-funded students for postgraduate research degrees / PhDs in data science and industrial mathematics.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.