Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Astrophysics)

Durham University

United Kingdom, Durham

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Durham University

United Kingdom , Durham

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

G5T309

Campuses

Durham City

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 28,750 / year

Next Intake September-2024

Scientific Computing and Data Analysis (Astrophysics)

About

Advances in fields such as Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences or Finance are increasingly driven by experts in computational techniques. Notably, people skilled to write code for the most powerful computers in the world and skilled to process the biggest data sets in the world can truly make a difference.

The MSc in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis offers an application-focused course to deliver these skills with three interwoven strands:

Computer Science underpinnings of scientific computing (algorithms, data structures, implementation techniques, and computer tool usage)
Mathematical aspects of data analysis
Implementation and application of fundamental techniques in a domain specialisation (presently astrophysics, particle physics, financial mathematics, or earth and environmental sciences).

MISCADA's Astrophysics specialisation aims to equip students with the background needed to address some of the biggest research questions in fundamental science, such as how we can use large surveys and supercomputer simulations to probe the nature of the dark matter and dark energy. The courses include stellar structure and evolution, galaxy formation, large-scale structure and simulations of structure formation.

Why study this course?

The degree targets an audience with excellent technical skills (in particular mathematics and programming) and makes the students understand how modern scientific computing and data analysis tools work. The course is designed along five core educational aims:

Train the next generation of research-aligned data and computational scientists and engineers for the UK high tech sector; for this, they have to be equipped with a very solid understanding of the underlying computing technologies and methodologies
Equip students with the skills and knowledge to apply successfully for further higher education programmes (PhD) with a strong computing and data flavour in Durham or outstanding international institutions
Provide students with the opportunity to obtain a deep insight into the state-of-the-art in the application domain (specialisation) with respect to computational and data challenges
Enable students to bridge the widening gap between their specialisation's application domains, big data challenges, and high-performance computing once they have mastered the course
Make students aware of the societal, economical and ethical responsibilities, opportunities and implications tied to massive data processing and compute power; this includes training on entrepreneurship.

Watch our course overview video (various languages) here!

Course Structure

The course is structured into five elements spanning three terms. In this course:

you will obtain a strong baseline in methodological skills
you will study selected topics from your chosen specialisation area with a strong emphasis on computational and data challenges
you can choose to put emphasis on data analysis or scientific computing
you will do a challenging project either within the methodological academic departments (Mathematical Sciences or Computer Science), or within the specialisation area, or in close cooperation with our industrial partners
you will acquire important professional skills spanning collaboration and project management, presentation and outreach as well as entrepreneurial thinking

Address some of the biggest research questions in fundamental science.

The course is taught using a wide range of learning research-led and teaching methods:

Lectures
Practical classes/computer labs
Independent study, research and analysis
Project (dissertation) and coursework
Group and individual presentations

A detailed list of learning and teaching methods is found per module in the module descriptions.

Besides the formal characteristics clarified in these descriptions, students from the course will be given the opportunity to work with a wide variety of top-notch computer kit and software:

GPGPU/heterogeneous architectures
HPC systems with specialist software installations (such as performance analysis tools)
GPU-based AI kit and data acquisition tools

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Academic

You need a good first degree or diploma in a relevant subject.

Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance: you need proof of Maths or other numerate subject modules within your undergraduate degree or diploma.
Law and Social Science: you may need a relevant first degree, depending on your chosen progression degree.
Science and Engineering: you need a relevant degree or diploma.

Age: 20+

* We accept equivalent proof of English if you do not need a Student visa, or are exempt in another way.
^ Please note: the Pre-Masters in Law and Social Science programme is not available as a two-term option.

Recognised first degree or equivalent

Career

Career opportunities

Computer Science

For further information on career options and employability, student and employer testimonials and details of work experience and study abroad opportunities, please visit our employability web pages.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 28,750 / year

How to Apply

If you want to be challenged and inspired to achieve the extraordinary then we’d love to hear from you.

Most applicants apply to us using UCAS, however where applicants and their schools are not using UCAS at all, but are using Common App we will accept applications through this route instead.

Applying through UCAS

If you’re applying to us through UCAS, use our handy guide below to help you.

1. Deadlines

For the best chance of receiving an offer, you’ll need to apply by 18:00 (GMT) on 26 January 2022. If you’re applying for Oxbridge, or Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, then the application deadline is 15 October. Your school or college may have their own deadline for you to apply so they have enough time to write your reference, so you’ll need to bear this in mind.

2. Register

Register with UCAS. If you’re applying through school or college then you’ll need a buzzword, so make sure you know what this is. If you’re not applying through a school or college then you won’t need a buzzword. When you register you’ll be given a username, will need to create your own password, and will be given a UCAS personal ID. Make sure you keep these safe as you will need them a lot.

3. Start your application

You can usually start your application from September for entry to university the following year. The online system lets you complete your application in stages – simply save as you go along and you can return to it later.

The application is made up of different sections, including your personal details, qualifications, course choices, a personal statement and a reference.

UCAS have some great guides to help you complete your application on their website

You can choose up to five courses. Use the institution code D86 for Durham.

4. Colleges

You can also let us know what your college preference is on your UCAS application. If you want to do this then use the appropriate campus code from the list below. If you don’t have a preference for a particular college then use the campus code O.

College	Campus Code
Collingwood	1
Grey	G
Hatfield	2
John Snow	7
Josephine Butler	9
South College	K
St Aidan’s	A
St Chad’s	3
St Cuthbert’s Society	4
Stephenson	8
St Hild & St Bede	5
St John’s	J
St Mary’s	M
Trevelyan	T
University	U
Van Mildert	V

5. What happens next

Once you’ve submitted your application to UCAS they will let you know they have received it and will send it to all of your university choices. Selection processes vary between universities and courses so don’t worry if you don’t hear from your choices straight away. When the universities you have applied to are ready to make their decisions, you’ll be able to see them on at UCAS.

You can find out more about the selection process at Durham here

Applying through Common App

1. We welcome applications through Common App as an alternative route for applicants who are unable to use UCAS. Please note if you are using UCAS for any university or college application, we are unable to consider your Common App application, and you would need Durham to be one of your five choices with UCAS.

2. As part of your Durham application you’ll need to submit a personal statement. We’ll consider this rather than your Common App essay questions.

3. You can submit your college preference through one of our Durham specific questions in Common App.

4. After submitting your application, you can send evidence of your qualifications (e.g. College Board reports, academic transcripts) directly to Durham by emailing [email protected]

Hints and Tips

1. It’s never too early to start thinking about the course you want to study. Do your online research and take advantage of Open Days, Campus Tours (virtual options available) and talking to current students to find out as much as you can about your subject and the universities you’re interested in. You only have a maximum of 5 choices on your UCAS application, so it’s important you take advantage of all the resources available to choose the right courses and universities for you.

2. Give yourself enough time to complete your application before the deadline – don’t leave it until the last minute! You need to give yourself the best chance of getting an offer, so plan in enough time so you don’t need to rush.

3. Double check each section before you submit your application. It’s especially important that factual information is correct, especially the grades you achieved in your qualifications.

4. If you’re using a school email address then don’t forget to change this to a personal one before you leave. Most universities send you information by email and don’t want you to miss important messages they might send during the summer months.

5. Don’t forget, UCAS have lots of helpful hints and tips, including a video guide. Or you could Ask one of our friendly advisers, who are always happy to help.