MSc Data Science

In this module, you'll develop the professional knowledge and practical skills needed to design, manage and deliver effective data science projects. You'll explore established frameworks and lifecycle processes used in data science, alongside project management approaches such as Agile and tools for innovation and enterprise. Topics may include the data science landscape, professional and employability skills, design thinking, user experience design, and contemporary and emerging data science methods. You'll also examine the ethical dimensions of data science, including fairness, bias, transparency, accountability and data governance, helping you develop the professional judgement needed for responsible data-driven decision-making.

In this module, you'll work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to design, develop and evaluate a data-driven product, service or analytical solution. You'll learn how to define complex problems, apply evidence-based approaches to innovation and develop practical solutions using contemporary data science tools, methods and technologies. Working through iterative design and development cycles, you'll gain experience of project planning, prototyping, testing and stakeholder engagement. Alongside enhancing your technical skills, you'll develop the teamwork, communication and project management capabilities needed to deliver robust data science solutions in professional settings.

In this module, you'll develop the statistical knowledge and practical skills needed to analyse data and build robust predictive models. You'll explore the role of statistical inference in data science and learn how to apply statistical methods as part of a structured data modelling process. Topics may include exploratory data analysis, data visualisation, hypothesis testing, model development and validation, reproducible research, data management and metadata. Through practical work using industry-relevant tools and techniques, you'll learn how to design and evaluate statistical models, communicate analytical findings effectively, and apply best practice in data-driven decision-making.

In this module, you'll undertake an independent project that brings together the technical, analytical and research skills developed throughout your studies. Working within a research-informed framework, you'll investigate a specialist topic and develop a substantial piece of work, which may involve software development, data analysis, predictive modelling, simulation, auditing or a feasibility study. You'll learn how to define and manage a complex project, evaluate contemporary research, apply appropriate tools and methodologies, and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. By the end of the module, you'll be able to communicate and critically evaluate your work while demonstrating professional and ethical practice.

In this module, you'll build a strong foundation in the principles and practices of data management that underpin modern data analytics. You'll explore how data is structured, stored, processed and managed, developing both theoretical understanding and practical skills in database design and implementation. Topics may include relational modelling, SQL, data normalisation, data cleansing, NoSQL databases, data warehousing and cloud-based data architectures. You'll also examine data security, governance, privacy and environmental considerations, learning how to design and evaluate effective data management solutions that support organisational and analytical needs.

In this module, you'll develop the programming skills that underpin modern data science and learn how computational approaches can be used to solve real-world problems. Designed for those with little or no programming experience, the module introduces key programming concepts through Python while building confidence in writing, testing and maintaining code. You'll explore data structures, algorithm design and data analytics practices, using tools and libraries such as Jupyter Notebooks, Visual Studio Code, Pandas, NumPy and Matplotlib. You'll also learn how to manipulate, analyse and visualise data, developing practical skills that support effective data-driven decision-making.