MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

• Programme overview

• During your MSc year, you take five core modules, one optional module depending upon your interests, and complete a masters-level project over the summer. Student projects can be on data analytics, computing or business and can be a multidisciplinary mix of these areas. Throughout the programme, you learn how to master sophisticated analytics techniques and professional software, including R tidyverse, Python and SQL databases, to handle and exploit big data, and to work as part of a project team. You also develop practical and professional competence in data science and business analytics, and learn to make strategic decisions in a broad range of business-related practical situations.

  In semester two, you select an optional module to suit your interests and career aspirations.

  Core modules

  COMP5000
  Software Development and Databases

  This module will provide knowledge and skills in software development and database design. It will cover computational problem solving, abstraction and problem decomposition. The module will enable students to identify appropriate system requirements related to the relational database model.

  MATH514
  Contemporary Issues in Data Science

  This module utilises acknowledged experts to teach students about 'hot topics' in their field of data science. The content of this module will be dynamic and will evolve to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in data science. Current indicative content might include social media analytics, financial technologies, health data science, risk analytics and data science for sustainable development, for example.

  PROJ518
  MSc Dissertation and Research Skills 60 credits

  You will develop a methodical approach to research that helps propose research projects that are practically realistic and academically worthwhile. A substantial project will be planned and carried out using ethically suitable quantitative and qualitative research methods. The project will be reported through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.

  100% Coursework

  MATH525
  Business Analytics

  This module provides insight into business data analytical processes and how they can direct informed decision making in Finance and Business Applications. The module provides students with the ability to make good decisions based on business data. It introduces data sources and methods of analysis that can be applied to solve complex business decisions and guide business strategy.

  MATH517
  Big Data Visualisation and Analytics 20 credits

  Sophisticated techniques are needed to visualize and analyse increasing quantities of Big Data. This module introduces the modern data science techniques and professional software to handle large complex datasets, as well as experience of writing professionally documented code and data analysis reports. Data analysis pipelines, including data cleansing, are used to produce data visualizations and statistical analysis.

  100% Coursework

  MATH518
  Applied Data Modelling and Artificial Intelligence

  This module provides an understanding of modelling and analytics techniques for Data Science. It covers modern data modelling techniques for making strategic decisions in a broad range of Business related practical situations. Students get a hands-on introduction to: Bayesian inference, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. It provides additional practice in making professional presentations.

  Optional modules

  ACF7003
  International Finance

  This module will provide you with a wide perspective on international finance and how this relates to foreign exchange markets, derivatives markets and international parity theories. You will also undertake a thorough examination of managing currency risks with modern instruments of hedging.

  ACF7004
  Analysis of Financial Statements

  This module will provide you with a broad overview of the financial reporting environment in which companies operate. You will be introduced to the analytical tools, which can be used to assess and compare companies within specific sectors. The concept of corporate governance and its impact on companies’ results and reputation will also be examined.

  MKT7004
  Social Media Theory and Practice

  This module exposes students to key concepts and theories relating to online communities and social networking. The module will provide the academic and conceptual basis for the development of effective social media engagement strategies such as, social media user behaviour, online community and personalisation.

  STO7002
  Current Issues in International Business

  This module provides you with the opportunity to examine a range of contemporary issues within the context of International Business. The module adopts a cross-disciplinary approach, enabling discussion and debate within a range of stakeholder perspectives.

  STO7006
  Operations and Project Management

  This module will focus on the key challenges facing Operations and Project Managers. It will examine key topics such as the management of processes, quality improvement, capacity and demand management, project planning, resource scheduling and risk management, along with communication, organisation and leadership. The module provides insights and practical knowledge through the acquisition and application of tools to enable students to lead successful operations and projects.

  STO7012
  International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage

  Using case studies, you will focus on some of the strategies that have been most successful in achieving international competitive advantage.

MSc Data Science and Business Analytics programme specification_5764