Queen's University Belfast
MSc Data Analytics
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
GBP 23,150 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international fee
Introduction
Data Analytics is an exciting field of rapid development. Data is everywhere and continuing to grow massively, creating huge growth in demand for qualified experts to be able to extract the real benefit from the data.
The role of a data scientist is highly diverse overlapping many areas from computer science to the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, modelling and analytics while also requiring the right skills to be able to see the detail, solve the problem (having specified the problem!), and communicate effectively the findings to colleagues to empower them to make decisions.
The diversity of data analytics opens up many job opportunities from working in software companies, healthcare, banking, insurance, policing, tech companies to applying your knowledge to intelligent buildings and behaviour analytics of customers.
The programme provides a balanced route to learning through a blend of academic study and lab sessions, with a heavy focus on practical engagement with industry. In the first and second semesters, you will study 6 modules full-time which include opportunities for blended and collaborative learning. In the third semester, you will undertake a significant industry-based project.
Please note:
You may be required to sit an aptitude test.
(Applicants with a minimum 2.2 Honours degree in a subject area not fulfilling the discipline criterion above require A Level Mathematics at grade B, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University)
In addition, a deposit of £400 will be required to secure a place.
Aptitude Tests will be held on the dates below 3-4pm (GMT) for 22/23.
13 October
8 December
9 February
6 April
8 June
6 July
**Applicants must attend their allocated session as notified by the school. Please ensure that you check your junk email folders regularly for communications from the School regarding your application/aptitude test
In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place. Please see below the deposit deadline schedule:
1. Offer received by 31 December 2022 deposit deadline 31 January 2023
2. Offer received by 31 January 2023 deposit deadline 28 February 2023
3. Offer received by 28 February 2023 deposit deadline 31 March 2023
4. Offer received by 31 March 2023 deposit deadline 30 April 2023
Data Analytics Highlights
Please note that applicants may be required to undertake an aptitude test. Decisions will be issued within 10 working days from the date of the aptitude test. In addition, a deposit of £400 will be required to secure a place.
Industry Links
- Special features of the course include the Analytics in Action module and the commitment of the industry to provide real data for “Analytathons” and projects. The module offers real-world examples of data analytics presented by the industry experts working alongside the academics who will provide the theory, and the unique provision of this course across many academic disciplines in the University.
World-Class Facilities
- The Frontiers in Analytics module shows off some of the latest state-of-the-art techniques of analytics in particular in Visual Analytics and Behavioural Analytics.
Student Experience
- This course is unique having been developed from engagement with industry rather than the traditional academic subject areas. The key core skills that a data scientist needs have been clearly defined and forms the basis for the course. As a result, there are no optional modules or choices as it is essential that in order to produce the “all-rounded” data scientist that all these skills are packaged into each individual.
Career Opportunities
Industry forecasts indicate that Data Analytics is a growing field internationally, with job opportunities set to increase exponentially predicting growths of 160% between 2013 and 2020 (eSkills report, Big Data Analytics 2013-2020). There is a current shortage of qualified staff for these roles, which is also the case in Northern Ireland where there have been a number of recent investments and expansions in the Data Analytics sector.
The course is designed to meet the needs of Industry where graduates have the right combination of the skills and expertise in both computer science, mathematics and statistics along with the experience they gain in their individual industry-based projects to be highly sought after for employment.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Gallery
Curriculum
The aim of the programme is to offer a multi-disciplinary education in data analytics that prepares graduates with key knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for employment in analytics and data science positions. In particular, the programme aims to provide students with:
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of statistics and computer science that underpin analytics.
Advanced knowledge and practical skills in the theory and practice of analytics.
The necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers in data analytics and data science.
Skills in a range of practices, processes, tools and methods applicable to analytics in commercial and research contexts.
Timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current software packages and emerging new applications of analytics.
Opportunities for the development of practical skills in a commercial context.
Modules
- Data Analytics Fundamentals
- Databases and Programming Fundamentals
- Data Mining
- Machine Learning
- Frontiers in Data Analytics
- Analytics in Action
- Individual Industry Based Project
Indicative number of modules per semester: 3
Learning and Teaching
Students must complete modules in block delivery mode where each module runs in blocks of 4 weeks in a sequential manner where at any one time, the student is working on only one module. Week 1 of block delivery mode requires students to carry out background reading and preparation work in advance of week 2 of each block which requires students to attend lectures/labs Monday–Friday 9 am-5 pm.
Weeks 3 and 4 of each block are for projects and coursework. Full-time students are expected to be present at Queen’s during weeks 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 of the academic year.
In the four week duration of a module, there will be an intensive teaching week where the schedule will consist of 9 am-5 pm with approximately equal numbers of lectures (in the mornings) and labs (in the afternoons).
Part-time students, please note that although the course is part-time in terms of the number of modules taken each year, the modules themselves are still taught full time in block delivery mode as detailed above.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
- Coursework
- Written examination
- Project dissertation
- Presentations
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £10,609 for taught and research Master's courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
International Scholarships
English Language Requirements
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