Principles of Data Science
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip
Data Science
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Three year
Next enrolment
September 2021
In a nutshell
Make discoveries in data and bring value to businesses and organisations. With our Data Science postgraduate degree, you can enhance your existing computing knowledge, or gain new skills that can help you secure a role in one of the fastest-growing employment fields in the digital economy.
Developed as one of the UK's first data science postgraduate conversion courses, this Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) part-accredited degree will equip graduates and professionals from a wide range of disciplines, with analytical knowledge and applied programming skills.
Available with full and part-time study routes, the course provides you with specialist data science knowledge to apply in a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, commerce, professional services and the built environment. Start dates are available each January and September.
The University of Salford is a great place to start your data science journey. We are proud to be a delivery partner in the GM Cyber Foundry, the Greater Manchester region's plan to be a leader in digital research and cyber intelligence.
Please note that international applications for full-time study starting in September 2021 are now closed. The next available entry date is January 2022.
You will:
- Develop an awareness of the latest developments in advanced databases, data mining and big data tools such as Hadoop
- Gain SAS certification while you study through our partnership with the SAS Student Academy
- Work with real-world messy data and gain experience across the data science stack
- Broaden your mathematical aptitude as you explore 'Big Data', machine learning and data visualisation
International
students accepted
Course accreditations
This is for you if...
1.
You want to enhance your existing skills and qualifications for a future career in data science
2.
You have an enquiring mind, with a practical and analytical approach to problem solving
3.
You're a knowledge-seeker and want to learn how to tell a story with data
All about the course
The Data Science postgraduate degree course at Salford meets industry needs by providing formal qualifications for graduates and professionals looking to develop a computer science-based skill set. By drawing on our industry knowledge and partnerships, the course provides you with a platform for future career success revealing value in data.
Course delivery
The course is delivered through a range of highly-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four taught modules, plus a research dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip award comprises four taught modules.
Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus, with start dates in January and September:
- Full-time students will complete taught modules in each of the first two trimesters, and complete the 60-credit dissertation project in trimester three
- Part-time students will complete taught modules in years one and two, and complete the dissertation project in year three
As part of study preparations, you will be required to attend an intensive one-week session before formal teaching begins. This session will review basic statistics and database concepts, and provide an overview of either Python or R programming for data analysis.
Course content
The course is designed to upskill and empower graduates and professionals with limited prior subject knowledge so they are ready to take up exciting, data-driven career opportunities. Through our industry-focus, we invite speakers from major companies and employers to participate in course delivery, providing real-world case studies and projects.
Current course topics include big data analytics, advanced databases, applied statistics and data mining. We regularly review module content with our industry partners to ensure your acquired knowledge and skill set reflects trends and needs within professional and business communities.
Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
Modules
This module aims to provide you with the history and context of data science, the skills, challenges, and methodologies the term implies. In addition you will learn how to develop skills in presenting quantitative data using appropriate displays, tabulations and summaries, and statistical methods in developing and testing hypotheses.
Advanced Databases
This module aims to provide you with a broad overview of the general field of database systems and to develop specialised knowledge in areas that demonstrate the interaction and synergy between ongoing research and practical deployment of this field of study.
Applied Statistics and Data Mining
This module aims to introduce you to the tools and techniques to build decision making systems for business organisations; from gathering large sets of data and information, to the production of outputs and reports that will allow organisations to make strategic decisions to improve their businesses and predict future trends.
Big Data Tools and Techniques
In this module you will develop your skills and understanding of the tools and techniques available to data scientists to analyze big data. You will be able to compare and contrast how different types of developers and users can exploit Big Data platforms such as Hadoop, text analytics, Internet of Things and Social Media. Additionally, you will gain experience in data visualisation tools and techniques.
MSc Project
The project module aims to provide you with an opportunity to integrate learning from the course modules, working under the direction of an academic supervisor to carry out high-level coordinated academic and practical work on researching a suitable problem and developing, evaluating and critically assessing a robust, scalable and usable solution.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and industry leaders.
Shaped by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to take your career potential further.
Learning Environment
During your studies, you will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As a data science student, you will use computing suites equipped with software platforms and languages in machine learning, data mining, and statistical analysis. These include SAS Enterprise Guide & Miner, Python, Apache Hadoop & Spark, RapidMiner, plus NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB.
Programme Team
The Data Science postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry experience and research connections.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Demand for data scientists outstrips supply and the is continued demand for qualified, talented graduates across many global industries. With this qualification, you’ll be equipped with the skill set and technical knowledge relevant for the data science and big data job market.
> Listen to graduate Priya talk about how her placement resulted in a new role
> Read how course graduate Gemma secured a role with the NHS
FURTHER STUDY
Some graduates choose to continue their subject interest with postgraduate research. Learn more about postgraduate research opportunities available through our Doctoral School.
The Salford Innovation and Research Centre (SIRC) is home to our world-class research focused on the advancement of informatics, knowledge discovery and semantic web, software engineering, big data, data mining and analytics, cyber security, information visualisation and virtual environments.
Career Links
Salford leads an industrial liaison committee to gain advice on our computing programmes and course content. Companies involved in this initiative include Web Applications UK, AutoTrader, Cooperative, DAI and FastWebMedia - a mixture of companies who rely on IT and data for their operations. This diversity ensures we understand industry needs from multiple perspectives and helps us to nurture graduates with strong employability and transferable skill sets.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is ideal for mathematics, computing or science graduates, and experienced professionals, eager to join the data storytelling revolution.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
PRE-ENROLLMENT ATTENDANCE
As part of the course preparation, you will attend an intensive one-week session prior to the start of the course. This session will review basic statistics and database concepts, plus an overview of either Python or R programming for data analysis.
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
This degree is partially-accredited for Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. An accredited degree provides a valuable contribution towards professional membership and evidencing breadth of knowledge. Some employers give preference to applicants who have accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
The minimum requirement is a second class division honours degree or equivalent in any discipline, with previous demonstrable mathematical aptitude e.g. (A-level or BTEC Mathematics).
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2021/22 | £8,640per year |
| Full-time international | 2021/22 | £15,030per year |
| Part-time | 2021/22 | £1,440 per 30 credits |
Additional costs
Having your own laptop (16GB of RAM and an Ethernet port) is not essential, but it will give you more flexibility in where and how you engage with the software you will need to use during your studies (software is provided as part of the course).
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. We offer a range of scholarships worth between £3,000-£5,000.
Learn more about our latest international scholarships.