Data Science Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

Compulsory modules:

Big Data for Enterprise (20 credits)
This module will introduce big data management techniques through practical based activities associated with real world issues.

Big Data Technologies (20 credits)
This module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills by covering recent trends to store, process and analyse big data in a distributed environment.

Geospatial Analysis (20 credits)
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in handling spatial data, and to both identify and understand any patterns revealed within that data through the application of various techniques in geospatial analysis.

Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to help students to develop an understanding of programming and problem-solving strategies, as well as to develop, analyse and critically assess solutions to real-world data analysis problems.

Research & Professional Practice (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to equip the student with the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to produce a dissertation with a research or technical focus.

Data Analytics & Visualisation (20 credits)
This module provides students with hands-on experience with public datasets or user-generated data, focusing on historical, current, and predictive data analysis. It covers data scraping, selection, visualisation, and analytics, integrating these with diverse analysis methods.

Technology Dissertation (40 credits)
The aim of the technology project is for the student to apply knowledge, skills and techniques developed during directed and independent study to solve a real world technology related project. The technology project may take the form of an in-depth research project or the development of a computer system.

Information Security (20 credits)
This module aims to provide an insight into the implementation of data security in computer systems and to encourage students to appreciate the practical and theoretical management principles associated with information security.

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

A range of teaching methods are used in the Cardiff School of Technologies, including lectures, practical workshops, tutorials, seminars and real-world case studies, all supported by online learning via Moodle. With a student-centred approach, the School operates an open-door policy to staff to support students, along with support from our careers team and academic skills.

Studios

Studios are a major part of the teaching strategy for the programme. Studios are an interactive and effective way of delivering core material and establishing a framework for a module against which other material can be set.

Workshops

Workshops involve a student or students working more actively to understand the topic of study. This can include strategies such as presenting previously prepared work to peers and a lecturer. In these classes students are able to practise and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can receive feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and the workplace.

Workshops are used to extend specific theoretical or practical concepts as well as introducing problem solving exercises. Workshops are used in most modules and provide students with valuable experience in practical and presentational skills as well as providing staff with a method of assessing student-centred learning.

Case Studies

Case studies are a teaching and learning strategy, employed in a range of modules; they also are a useful assessment tool. Students are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.

Moodle

The majority of modules will be supported by Moodle and provide students with a wide range of learning material and study guidance.

Assessments are created within the framework of Cardiff Metropolitan University EDGE (Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurship) competencies and they take the form of individual or group coursework, research-based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, class tests and a dissertation/development project.

The specialist knowledge you will acquire through the course will place you in a strong position to pursue a wide range of careers involving the analysis of data, including data analyst, data scientist, IT consultant and managerial roles in industry. The programme also gives you a range of computing skills that could be widely applied to any role within the fields of business and computing.

Applicants should meet one of the following:

• Possess, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree or equivalent, in a relevant area e.g., Computing or Information Systems with a minimum of 2:2 classification.
• Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body.

Relevance shall be determined by the Programme Director with reference to the applicant’s transcript, and, if required, via an interview.

Equivalence shall be determined by:

• International Admissions Team for applicants from outside the United Kingdom.
• The Programme Director for applicants who present professional qualifications such as from the BCS. Such an applicant would be interviewed by the programme director to establish suitability.

English Language Requirements:
Applicants whose first language is not English should refer to English Language Requirements to confirm the level and evidence of fluency required for entry to the programme.

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a Master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation.

The admissions process is controlled by Cardiff Metropolitan University’s centralised admissions team in consultation with the Programme Director.

All applications from International students will be subject to an initial assessment of academic qualifications, English Language proficiency and overall suitability for the programme by the International Admissions Teams. However, the final decision remains the responsibility of the Programme Director.

How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

International Applicants:

Before making an application, international students (those outside of the EU), should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time fees:

Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Imtiaz Hussain Khan: IHKhan@cardiffmet.ac.uk