Applied Data Science, MSc

Visualising data for statistical thinking and data-driven decision-making

Key Course Details

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 9,200

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2023	£ 19,100

Course Overview

The MSc in Applied Data Science is designed to provide appropriate training to students with a non-specialist background to enable them to enhance their future opportunities and play a key role in digital economy.

The programme will educate students to work with, visualise and understand data, encourage statistical thinking and develop data-driving decision-making. In addition, the programme provides the necessary foundation in Mathematics, Statistics and basic programming skills that are key to a systemic understanding of the complexity of data and its analysis. It also provides key skills in several topics in Computer Science, such as Data Visualisation and Machine Learning. This programme is aimed at students who have a degree in any non-highly numerate subject, but who are interested in learning essential data science methods with various applications.

Please note, Applied Data Science, MSc, is appropriate for those who do not have an undergraduate degree in the Mathematics field (or equivalent). If you have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science (or equivalent) and wish to pursue a data science route within your Masters, please see Data Science, MSc.

Why Applied Data Science at Swansea?

Top 201-250 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
World-class facilities for mathematical and computational sciences
UK Top 15 for Research Quality (The Complete University Guide 2023)
100% of publications are world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Your Applied Data Science Experience

In the first part of the course, you will begin your studies with mathematical and computational foundations of data science. This is followed by more advanced topics such as Machine Learning, Data Visualisation and Big Data. The programme will also include a final project that will focus on applications of the knowledge and skills in data science. Where possible, project topics will be tailored to students’ interests.

Over the course of your studies, you will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, coursework and the dissertation.

Your studies will be supported by facilities including the main university library - containing an extensive collection of mathematics resources - and our Information Services and Systems (ISS).

Also available to you is the 1300 sq. ft. Reading Room in the centre of the department. This is home to the departmental library and a suite of computers.

Our staff are experts in their fields with the majority being recognized by the Higher Education Academy with a Fellowship or Senior Fellowship.

Our Mathematics and Computer Science Departments are right next to the beautiful Swansea Bay beachfront, with numerous social and sport opportunities.
The £32.5M Computational Foundry building at our Bay Campus gives students access to bespoke study and teaching spaces designed by and for mathematicians.

Applied Data Science Employment Opportunities

Completing this MSc considerably enhances your data science-related career prospects, such as working as a data analyst, researcher, business analyst and statistician. Recent Swansea graduates have been employed by Admiral, Veramed, AXA, BA, Deutsche Bank, Shell Research, Health Authorities and Local Government.

Modules

The programme will contain 60 credits of Mathematics modules, which will provide a strong foundation in data analysis. In particular, these modules will involve foundation level Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics and Modelling. Basic programming skills and languages of direct relevance to Data Science will form an integral part of many of these modules.

There will also be 60 credits of relevant modules in Computer Science, such as Data Visualisation and Big Data. These will further enhance knowledge in data analysis. The programme will also include a 60-credit final project that will focus on applications of the knowledge and skills in data science. Where possible, project topics will be tailored to students’ interests.

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Computer System Concepts	September-January	15	CSCM53
Relational and Object-Oriented Database Systems	September-January	15	CSCM59
Mathematics for Data Science	September-January	15	MA-M06
Probability and Statistics for Data Science	September-January	15	MA-M16
Big Data and Data Mining	January-June	15	CSCM35
Data Visualisation	January-June	15	CSCM37
Further Mathematics for Data Science	January-June	15	MA-M07
Modelling and Machine Learning	January-June	15	MA-M17

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Applied Data Science Masters Dissertation	September-June	60	MA-D02

Entry Requirements

A UK second class honours degree or equivalent in ANY degree that doesn’t include a strong mathematical or data science component, together with a GCSE in Mathematics at grade B (or equivalent). Applications will be considered from other candidates on case-by-case basis.

IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.

How You're Taught

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, example classes and laboratory work.
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, coursework, lab assessment and a dissertation.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

Our Mathematics department is actively contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through world-leading research, in areas such as Cancer Research, Further Mathematics in schools, high performance computing and mathematical and statistical modelling.

Professor Elaine Crooks, Head of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science
Professor Vitaly Moroz, Head of Department
Dr Kristian Evans, Programme Director

See all Mathematics and Computer Science staff.

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 9,200	£ 19,100

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal tutor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

How to Apply

Please apply through the University’s central application system.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply for postgraduate study pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.