Programme Specification
MSc Data Science
Academic Year: 2020/21
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our .
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XXI (Postgraduate Awards) (see
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | 天堂视频 |
Teaching institution (if different) | |
Owning school/department | Department of Computer Science |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | None |
Final award | MSc (PGDip and PGCert as exit awards only) |
Programme title | Data Science |
Programme code | COPT18 |
Length of programme | One year (full time) |
UCAS code | N/A |
Admissions criteria | |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Fri, 13 Nov 2020 11:12:39 GMT |
1. Programme Aims
The aim of this programme is to prepare students for data-related professional roles, such as data scientist, data manager and data steward. It will inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills in entering the data science landscape.
The programme will provide students with:
- A breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in computational, machine learning, and statistical methods needed for real-world data analysis and modelling.
- Knowledge and understanding of fundamental data science, but also on design thinking for AI (Artificial Intelligence) services, data-driven strategy, data governance and ethics, applied story telling for decision making, with optionality to allow students to choose a pathway specific to their prior experience and future aspirations.
- The skillset and demands required by organisations as the programme has been designed in partnership with businesses and industry partners.
- For students who are new to data science, the programme will provide a foundation for a career in data-related professional roles.
- For students who are already working in the sector, the programme will provide opportunities to strengthen and update their knowledge and skills in the areas of data science, data modelling and business intelligence.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
- QAA Computing Benchmark
- The National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
3. Programme Learning Outcomes
3.1 Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
K1 Data types, data governance and ethics, data tolls, techniques and applications
K2 Programming methods for data handling and visualization
K3 Statistics, data mining and their applications
K4 AI and machine learning methods and algorithms
K5 Data modelling, data driven strategies and business intelligence
3.2 Skills and other attributes
a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
C1 Appraise statistical methods for analysing data
C2 Critically evaluate different algorithms for data mining, data visualisation, machine learning and AI
C3 Analyse algorithms designed to carry out specified tasks and convert them into executable programs for data science
C4 Critically evaluate requirements for data governance, ethics and business intelligence
C5 Analyse scientific and commercial risk associated with a data science project
b. Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
P1 Convert a problem into a program to be solved using appropriate programming languages
P2 Develop practical machine learning and AI models for solving real-world problems
P3 Build, implement and test complex data-driven strategies
P4 Apply research methodologies in a computing or business context to produce novel and leading-edge outcomes
P5 Plan and manage a research project in computing or data driven business systems
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:
T1 Employ research and information-retrieval skills
T2 Apply calculations to solve problems involving a quantitative dimension
T3 Manage their own learning and development, including time management and organisational skills
T4 Plan and manage a project to completion within schedule and resource availability
T5 Present work in the form of reports, presentations or demonstrations
4. Programme structure
4.1 Semester 1
Compulsory modules – all pathways ( 45 credits)
Code |
Title |
Credits |
MAP500 |
Introduction to Data Science |
15 |
COP504 |
Programming for Data Science |
15 |
ACP021 |
Data Governance & Ethics |
15 |
Optional modules
Students should select one 15 credit module, guided by prior experience and future employment aspirations. Modules chosen in discussion with Module Leader/Programme Director.
Code |
Title |
Credits |
MAP501 |
Statistical Methods & Data Analysis |
15 |
BSP299 |
Building Data Driven Strategy |
15 |
4.2 Semester 2
Compulsory modules – all pathways (15 credits)
Code |
Title |
Credits |
COP500 |
Research Methods |
15 |
Optional modules
Students should select 45 credits from the below table, guided by prior experience and future employment aspirations. Modules chosen in discussion with Module Leader/Programme Director.
Code |
Title |
Credits |
COP511 |
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data | 15 |
COP519 |
Stories as Data: Storytelling approaches for decision making | |
COP520 |
Design Thinking for AI-driven services |
15 |
COP528 |
Applied Machine Learning |
15 |
COP529 |
Data Mining | 15 |
4.3 Semester 3
Compulsory modules (60 credits)
Code |
Title |
Credits |
COP328 |
Data Science Project |
60 |
4.4 Model pathways to assist in option choice
Below are example pathways that students may wish to take based on their qualifications and experience. Other combinations are also acceptable and students are encouraged to discuss their preferences, experience and career aspirations with the Module Leaders/Programme Director to inform their choice.
a) Model Pathway 1: Typically students with a background in STEM subjects with previous programming experience who wish to gain advanced computing skills would choose to study the following core modules, and optional modules that are biased towards advanced computing techniques:
Semester 1: Introduction to Data Science, Programming for Data Science, Data Governance & Ethics and Statistical Methods & Data Analysis
Semester 2: Research Methods, Applied Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.
Semester 3: Data Science Project (example topics could include sentiment extraction and analysis from tweets; text analysis for fake news detection; bank customer churn prediction; predicting house prices with machine learning; predicting skin cancer from medical data and predicting crime using time and location data)
b) Model Pathway 2: Typically students with a background in Non-STEM subjects and without programming experience who wish to have a career expansion towards Data-Related Professional Roles would choose to study the following core modules, and optional modules that are biased towards core Data Science skills:
Semester 1: Introduction to Data Science, Programming for Data Science, Data Governance & Ethics and Building Data Driven Strategy
Semester 2: Research Methods, Design Thinking for AI-driven services, Stories as Data: Storytelling Approaches for Decision Making, and Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.
Semester 3: Data Science Project (example topics could include sentiment extraction and analysis from tweets; text analysis for fake news detection; bank customer churn prediction; predicting house prices with machine learning; predicting skin cancer from medical data and predicting crime using time and location data)
5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award
In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.
6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification
N/A