MSc Data Science and its Applications

Our MSc Data Science and its Applications is a conversion course designed for students with only a little prior experience of university-level mathematics and statistics, who want to be part of our fast-growing digital economy (students with no exposure to university-level mathematics may consider our MSc Applied Data Science). This course places you at the core of data science, with the application of theory and methods to real-world problems, including the use and exploitation of big data.

At Essex, the techniques we use to model and manipulate data guide the political, financial and social decisions that shape our modern society and are the basis of economy growth and business success.

The course introduces you to programming with the R language and as well as text analytics. Relational databases and SQL are developed and used for relevant applications from humanities, life sciences, linguistics, marketing and social science. The course encourages statistical thinking by data visualisations and guides you to develop your creativity within a scientific framework.

You cover topics such as:

• modelling experimental data
• machine learning and decision making
• applied statistics
• combinatorial optimisation
• statistical methods
• stochastic processes

The leading department on this course, our School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering are working together with other departments across the University to deliver optional modules and summer projects with Essex Business School, the Department of Language and Linguistics, the School of Life Sciences, the School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies, and the Department of Psychology. Our course also benefits from many Knowledge Transfer Partnerships which support students through placements and an interdisciplinary outreach culture.

The University of Essex is committed to transformational education and inclusion, focused on learning opportunities for every student, responsive to our students' needs and aspirations. Our MSc Data Science and its Applications course reflects this by supporting every student, from every background, and removing the barriers to their education.

This course is developed in collaboration with industry partners and public sector organisations, which include BT, Profusion, Essex County Council, Essex Police, and Suffolk County Council. Our active links with industry can broaden your employment potential and offer placement opportunities.

This course is available on a full-time and part-time basis, starting in October. You can also start this course in January, full-time.