Overview

The UK Government has identified a huge shortage of specialists in data science and artificial intelligence. The University of Sunderland is looking for a new generation of idealists, visionaries and problem solvers to help business, industry and government make the right decisions in our increasingly complex and uncertain world.

This course is designed for students who have computing, STEM experience or prior experience in working with data (e.g. statistics), to gain the knowledge and skills required to work in data science or data analytics in the real world. We are looking for people who ask questions, who don’t jump to conclusions, and who respond with caution. We want people who are able to find and communicate the best possible solutions.

On this course, you'll study subjects including the fundamentals of data science, data mining, machine learning, data analytics and visualisation, and security of big data. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to undertake a placement (subject to availability) and put your skills into practice, enhancing your employability. You can find your own placements or develop professional practice projects, working in our Digital Incubator or research-based projects with one of our academic research teams.

This highly practical course means you’ll have the opportunity to experience the latest technologies and tools used in industry, giving you the confidence to be productive and effective when you go out into the workplace.

• The course includes practical experience throughout, enabling you to transfer your new skills to industry
• This conversion course could allow you to change the direction of your career, enabling you to gain a qualification in a new area
• There is a strong employability focus with strong links with companies in the region, and our modules are created in collaboration with employers so you graduate with the key skills and knowledge to make an immediate impact in your career

• The course is 100% coursework-based with no exams
• Sunderland was named Smart City of the Year 2020 (Digital Leaders UK). Boasting the second-fastest growth in digital turnover outside of London, Sunderland is the ideal city to study computing and set up a business

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, group work, research, discussion groups, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

Assessment is 100% coursework-based with no exams. Methods include written reports and research papers, practical assignments and the Masters project.

Placements

The MSc in Applied Data Science provides an opportunity to undertake a placement related to data science and helping students develop their skills, turning theory into practice.

Employability

Progress in some of the most attractive fields and industries, including government agencies, high technology companies, consulting and market research firms. Benefit from the University’s close links with businesses and employers in the North East and join an industry-driven programme.

Professional practice placement

This course provides you with the opportunity to undertake professional practice by either undertaking a placement in an industry organisation (subject to availability) or undertaking professional or relevant, research-based practice work.

The placement will allow you to develop your research, knowledge and technical skills, and will improve your interpersonal, team working and project management skills, boosting your academic performance and future employability prospects.

We cannot guarantee external placements for all students but will support you in securing these and will offer professional or research-based practice projects if an industrial placement is not possible.