MSc Applied Data Science

If you have a degree in science, the social sciences, biological sciences, or engineering then this is the programme for you. Unlike many other programmes, university study in mathematics, statistics or computing is not required for entry to this programme. All we require is that students have passed a post-16 qualification in mathematics, our lecturers will support you to develop the necessary skills. Scottish universities are structured to take 17-year-old students, and the teaching staff have experience in developing the necessary mathematical skills on which a Data Science career can be built.

If you do have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or computer science, then you may consider our MSc Data Science as an alternative.

Across business sectors, there is an exploding demand for data scientists, and this programme seeks to develop your skills and take advantage of these opportunities. You’ll gain hands-on experience in data mining, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics to ensure you are highly employable upon graduation.

On our programme, you will develop the skills necessary to manage and analyse extensive and complex datasets. Using the latest algorithms and techniques, you’ll gain experience in data modelling, storing, processing and visualising data. Our optional modules allow you to customise your learning, and study specialist topics, further enriching your journey towards a successful career as a data scientist.

The MSc Applied Data Science programme will develop your skills, so that you can apply your knowledge to industry and scientific data analysis. In your final semester, you will apply the skills you obtained in a final project. In some cases, the MSc project can also be done in collaboration with an external industrial or academic organisation.

Our expertise

Heriot-Watt University boasts a distinguished history of over five decades dedicated to the research and teaching of computer science, computer systems, software engineering, information systems, and data science.

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active data science and artificial intelligence academics. The Research Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems and the on-campus National Robotarium carry our world-class research, contributing to the development of new techniques, tools and strategies to combat emerging threats.

You will be taught by passionate and engaging experts, who will provide you with insights into emerging topics in data science, by relating taught material to their own research. Many of our academics have many years of experience working in industry and understand the role of a Data Scientist.

The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused.

Your learning environment

You will learn in an immersive, in-person, teaching environment that will help you broaden and deepen your data science expertise. The MSc Applied Data Science programme is taught at our Edinburgh Campus through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and computer practicals, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers, for an effective learning environment. You will be assessed mainly through coursework, which will include both individual and group work assignments, and your final project/dissertation.

During your studies, you will gain important practical, hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art computer labs, and be supported throughout by friendly and helpful staff. The hands-on approach means you will apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, and gain experience in Python, SQL and R. You will have the opportunity to work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions with global impact in our state-of-the-art GRID facility.

Outside of the classroom, you will have the opportunity to join a variety of societies to meet likeminded people, get involved in regular social and networking events, gain insights into career prospects, and apply your skills to non-curriculum-based projects. Data Science related societies include:

• Computer Science Society

• Maths Society

The School of Mathematical and Computer Science is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we have recently been awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of our commitment.

Customise your learning

You will have the opportunity to focus on the areas of data science that interest you the most. You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway by studying four mandatory courses and choosing four further options from a suite of specialist courses. The extensive list of optional courses includes topics in data assimilation, artificial intelligence, databases and information systems, probability and statistics, and modelling.

In the May semester, you will undertake a sustained and intensive piece of independent work through your dissertation. Your dissertation will focus on topics in data science and will require you to complete a report that communicates your work to others working in and interested in data science.