MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

You are in a prime position to pursue a wide variety of prestigious and extremely well-rewarded positions, which include, but are not restricted to: data analyst and data manager, research and business analyst, social media and business strategist, data scientist and data engineer.

• Equips applicants from all undergraduate degrees with broad professional competence in one of the world economy’s most sought-after postgraduate subject areas.
  
• Offers taught credits in the three areas of analytics, computer science and business, with a wide choice of available business modules.
  
• Provides a flexible individual project in one or more of the three taught areas supervised by world-leading subject experts.
  
• Establishes high proficiency in the use and application of state-of-the-art programming languages including R, Python, SQL and NoSQL.
  
• Benefits from easy access to cutting-edge specialist labs and next-generation software and hardware on a single campus. You may access facilities such as our NVIDIA seed-funded GPU Research Centre and our High-Performance Computing Centre.
• When our new engineering and design facility is launched, students in engineering, science and the arts will have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories.
  
• Develops modern analytics expertise for obtaining business, scientific and social insights from big data sources and social media such as Twitter.
  
• Enjoy research-led teaching from leading academics with world-renowned expertise in data science, data analytics, statistics, computer science and business.
• Offers a range of general and merit-based postgraduate scholarships for local and international students.
  

• 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/NoSQL 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 optional modules to suit your interests and career aspirations.
  

  Core modules

  • Software Development and Databases (COMP5000)

    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.

  • Non-Relational Databases in a Big Data Environment (COMP5001)

    The module provides an introduction to current and emerging practices for dealing with big data and the large-scale database systems used by many social networking services. Students will analyse semi-structured datasets and choose appropriate storage structures for them. A representative of recent non-relational trends is presented-namely, graph-oriented databases.

  • Modelling and Analytics for Data Science (MATH501)

    This module gives students an understanding of modelling and analytics techniques for Data Science. It supplies modern data modelling tool boxes for making strategic decisions in a broad range of Business related practical situations. It offers a hands-on introduction to Bayesian inference and machine learning. It provides additional practice in making professional presentations.

  • Big Data and Social Network Visualization (MATH513)

    Sophisticated analytics techniques are needed to visualize today's increasing quantities of Big Data. Up-to-date R tools including dplyr for data manipulation, ggplot2 for visualization, and knitr/LaTeX for document presentation are studied. These are applied to database interrogation, social network visualization and sentiment analysis. The module provides considerable experience of writing professionally documented R code using RStudio.

  • Contemporary Issues in Data Science (MATH514)

    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.

  • MSc Dissertation and Research Skills (PROJ518)

    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.

  Optional modules

  • International Finance (ACF7003)

    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.

  • Analysis of Financial Statements (ACF7004)

    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.

  • Social Media Theory and Practice (MKT7004)

    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.

  • Current Issues in International Business (STO7002)

    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.

  • International Business Strategy for Competitive Advantage (STO7003)

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

  • Operations and Project Management (STO7006)

    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.

  • Business Analytics (STO7009)

    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.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Data Science and Business Analytics programme specification 5764

A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent, in any discipline.

If English is not your mother tongue 6.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in any element in a secure English language test.

The University of Plymouth offers pre-sessional English language courses if you do not have this.

Prior knowledge of data analysis or statistics and/or work experience are not necessary.

When to apply

This programme starts in September. Applications can be made throughout the year, and we encourage you to contact the Programme Manager, Dr Luciana Dalla Valle, to discuss the programme.

Before you apply

• evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  
• evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  
• a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  
• your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  
• proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
  

Disability services

If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website.

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.

We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.

If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:

Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced by downloading our Student Admissions Policy Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.