Download MSc Data Science - the University of Salford

MSc Data Science
Data science is quickly becoming a big deal across a growing number of industries, and demand for
data scientists is significantly increasing across all sectors including health, business, engineering,
finance and energy. Organisations such as Google, Microsoft and the NHS are struggling to fill their
vacancies in this field due to a lack of suitably qualified people.
Starting in September 2016, our MSc in Data Science is unique in the UK in that it has been developed
as a conversion course, allowing those with little or no experience to gain the skills needed to take
advantage of this lucrative career opportunity. As an essential part of the course, students will gain
hands-on experience of commercial SAS tools and receive SAS certification, which is a recognised
industry qualification.
Taking a transdisciplinary approach, the MSc in Data Science utilises a range of perspectives from
diverse fields and integrates them with industry experiences and real-world projects, equipping
graduates with an understanding of the potential of analytics to transform practice.
“We are especially pleased to endorse
the new MSc in Data Science. With the
explosion of interest and investment
in data science teams, our customers
cannot get enough graduates with
SAS-based analytical skills. Courses
such as this new MSc are an important
step forward by Salford University
in addressing this skills shortage,
especially amongst home students.”
Geoffrey Taylor, Academic Programme Manager, SAS UK
Why study this course?
This course has been developed in response to the global
skills gap for people with data science knowledge, as
identified and reported by the McKinsey Global Institute
study (2011). By 2018, the study predicts a shortfall of nearly
200,000 data scientists and 1.5 million managers with the
capability to make decisions using big data, in the United
States alone. In the UK, the assessment of demand for labour
and skills published by e-skills UK indicated that close to
60% of companies are already struggling to recruit big data
scientists and around 69,000 data scientists will be needed
by 2018.
Career options
This course has an exceptionally wide appeal, with demand
for data scientists across the majority of industries set to
grow exponentially over the foreseeable future. You might
work in public health, marketing or in business development,
or you may be a biologist, computer networking expert or
work in the energy sector. All will require individuals with the
specialist skills needed to translate and manipulate data to
benefit organisational goals.
Course content
Entry requirements
External speakers from blue-chip and local companies will
lead seminars that will include real-world case studies related
to the subjects you will be studying in your modules. These
will complement and improve the breadth of your learning
and could lead to ideas that can be developed for inclusion
within MSc projects. Assessment for this course comprises
practical projects and examinations.
Applicants to this course must have a minimum of
a second class honours degree in any discipline or
equivalent in any discipline, with previous demonstrable
mathematical aptitude (e.g. A Level or BTEC
mathematics).
Modules may include:
• Principles of Data Science
We also welcome applications from students who may
not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have
relevant experience to pursue the course successfully.
International applicants will be required to show a
proficiency in English, an IELTS score of 6.0 (with no
element below 5.5) is proof of this.
• Advanced Databases
• Applied Statistics and Data Mining
• Big Data Tools and Techniques
Key information
• MSc Project
DELIVERY: full-time or part-time on campus
During your time with us, you will develop an awareness of
the latest developments in the fields of data science and big
data including advanced databases, data mining and big
data tools such as Hadoop. You will also gain substantial
knowledge and skills of the SAS business intelligence
software suite due to the partnership of the University with
the SAS Student Academy.
„
Prior to starting the course you will be required to take part
in an intensive week–long training session which will provide
additional support for those with little previous experience,
and will cover the underpinning concepts and skills necessary
to successfully undertake the course. This includes basic
statistics, basic databases, and an overview of Python and
R programming languages.
student
sas academy
®
™
DURATION: one year full-time, three years part-time
START DATE: September
“Demand for big data specialists is
forecast to increase by 160% between
2013 and 2020.” SAS
For further information about this course
please visit www.salford.ac.uk/data-science
CONTACT US
Programme Director: Dr Mo Saraee
e: [email protected]
t: +44 161 295 7099
The School of Computing, Science and Engineering within the
University of Salford is based at the heart of the University’s
main campus and at its MediaCityUK campus. Working closely
with industry partners on multidisciplinary projects, the School
addresses current and future challenges. With our breadth of
courses, award winning lecturers, research led teaching and
commitment to producing highly employable graduates, the
School is leading ground-breaking, stimulating education and
research studies.
www.salford.ac.uk/computing-science-engineering
/SalfordUni
@SalfordUni