G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

G5K823:Master of Data Science

Postgraduate TaughtMDS2021

Essentials
Please note: 2021-22 courses may be affected by Covid-19 and are therefore subject to change due to the
ongoing impact of Covid-19. Applicants will be informed of any changes which we are required to make to
course entries as a result of Covid-19.

UCAS code
Degree MDS
Mode of study Full Time
Duration 1 year
Start Date October 2021
Location Durham City (www.durham.ac.uk/study/location/durham.city)
More information Still have questions? (www.durham.ac.uk/study/askus/)
Department(s) Website www.durham.ac.uk/science.faculty/mds/

© Durham University Page 1

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Course Summary
Description

The Master of Data Science is a conversion course with a hard-core of data science, intended to provide
Masters-level education rich in the substance of data science for students who hold a first degree that is not
highly quantitative, including those in social sciences, the arts and humanities. All around us, massive amounts
of increasingly complex data are being generated and collected, for instance, from mobile devices, cameras,
cars, houses, offices, cities, and satellites. Business, research, government, communities, and families can use
that data to make informed and rational decisions that lead to better outcomes. It is impossible for any one
individual or group of individuals to keep on top of all the relevant data: there is simply far too much. Data
science enables us to analyse large amounts of data effectively and efficiently and as a result, has become one
of the fastest growing career areas.

Previously, data science was the province of experts in maths and computer science, but the advent of new
techniques and increases in computing power mean that it is now viable for non-experts to learn how to access,
clean, analyse, and visualize complex data. There is thus a growing opportunity for those already in possession
of knowledge about a particular subject or discipline, and who are therefore able to grasp the full meaning and
significance of data in their area, to be able to undertake data analysis intelligently themselves. The combination
of primary domain knowledge with an expertise in extracting relevant information from data will give those with
this ‘double-threat’ a significant employment advantage.

Introductory modules are designed to bring students with non-technical degrees up to speed with the
background necessary for data science. This is done on a need-to-know basis, focusing on understanding in
practice rather than abstract theory. Core modules then introduce you to the full range of data science methods,
building from elementary techniques to advanced modern methods such as neural networks and deep learning.
Optional modules allow you to focus on an area of interest.

The course provides training in relevant areas of contemporary data science in a supportive research-led
interdisciplinary learning environment. The broad aims are:

To develop advanced and systematic understanding of the complexity of data, including the sources of
data relevant to science, alongside appropriate analysis techniques
To enable students to critically review and apply relevant data science knowledge to practical situations
To develop a critical awareness of current issues in data science which is informed by leading edge
research and practice in the field
To develop a conceptual understanding of existing research and scholarship to enable the identification
of new or revised approaches to data science practice
To develop creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how
established, advanced techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge
in data science.
To develop the ability to conduct research into data science issues that requires familiarity with a range of
data, research sources and appropriate methodologies and ethical issues.
To develop advanced conceptual abilities and analytical skills in order to evaluate the rigour and validity
of published research and assess its relevance to new situations
To extend the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of media.

The degree is designed around a pedagogical framework which reflects the core categories of the data science

© Durham University Page 2

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

discipline.

A number of subjects can be identified and defined within each application domain. Whilst a Masters cannot
incorporate all subjects, a selection of subjects representative of each domain ensures that the course
incorporates the necessary breadth and depth of material to ensure a skilled graduate.

The Masters allows for progressive deepening in your knowledge and understanding, culminating in the
research project which is an in-depth investigation of a specific topic or issue.

The global dimension is reinforced through the use of international examples and case studies where
appropriate.

Course Structure
Core modules:

The Master of Data Science is comprised of the following core modules:

Introduction to Computer Science

Introduction to Statistics for Data Science
Ethics and Bias in Data Analytics
Machine Learning
Programming for Data Science
Strategic Leadership
Introduction to Mathematics for Data Science
Research Project (60 credits)

Examples of optional modules:

Text Mining and Language Analytics

Data Exploration, Visualization, and Unsupervised Learning

© Durham University Page 3

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Course Learning and Teaching

The Master of Data Science is research-oriented. Data Science is a driving force behind many subject
specialisations today and aspects are delivered within the context of an active and varied research culture as is
demonstrated via the associated academics and researchers within the Institute for Data Science
(www.durham.ac.uk/idas/people)

Students are also encouraged, through a range of modules, to develop research methods, skills and ethics
reflecting the wide range of methods used by the research active staff. Research methodologies are actively
taught through many other modules and assessments. They are also developed through innovative teaching
practices such as simulations. Overall students are encouraged and guided to be ‘research minded’ in all
modules, and to develop these critical skills for the future.

All modules taught on this degree are underpinned by research, and embed elements of research training both
in the delivery and in the assessment.

The Master of Data Science uses a wide range of learning and teaching methods:

Lectures
Seminars
Workshops
Computer/practical classes
Independent study, research and analysis
Structured reading
Case studies
Data Science Project
Supervisions
Group and individual oral presentations

The project is a major research project, conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support
from the student’s appointed supervisor.

Student academic support and guidance is provided through the members of the Management Board, module
coordinators, and individual lecturers. This support may take the form of face-to-face contact, telephone, e-mail,
or other online contact, as appropriate.

Students also have an appointed Academic Advisor who is able to guide and inform them in their academic
development and choice of optional modules.

Information, requirements and expectations regarding the programme overall are provided in the Programme
Handbook, which is issued to all students at the beginning of the year and is available on Blackboard Ultra
afterwards. This is supplemented information on module aims/learning outcomes, content, key skills, formative
and summative assessments and recommended reading.

Academic support to students is initially provided through an induction programme which provides an
introduction to the University, the contributing departments, the programme, and key members of staff.

© Durham University Page 4

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Admissions Process
Subject requirements, level and grade

A UK first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in ANY degree that is not highly quantitative,
including those in social sciences, the arts and humanities

Evidence of competence in written and spoken English if the applicant’s first language is not English:

minimum TOEFL requirement is 102 IBT (no element under 23)

minimum IELTS score is 7.0 overall with no element under 6.0 or equivalent

English Language requirements

Please check requirements for your subject and level of study (www.durham.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/)
.

How to apply

www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply

© Durham University Page 5

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Fees and Funding

Full Time Fees

EU Student £24,900.00 per year

Home Student £10,500.00 per year
Island Student £10,500.00 per year
International non-EU Student £24,900.00 per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic
year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise
stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation (www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/accommodation/costs/).

Scholarships and funding

www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/finance

© Durham University Page 6

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

© Durham University Page 7

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Open days and visits

Pre-application open day

www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Overseas Visit Schedule

www.durham.ac.uk/international/office/meetus

Postgraduate Visits

PGVI or
www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit/

© Durham University Page 8

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am
 G5K823:Master of Data Science (Postgraduate Taught -2021)

Department Information
Natural Sciences

Overview

Website

www.durham.ac.uk/science.faculty/mds/

This document was downloaded onFriday, 7th May 2021 at 8:09am from
www.durham.ac.uk/courses/info/?id=27337&title=Master%20of%20Data%20Science&pdf.
The information relating to this course was last updated onThursday, 17th December 2020 at 5:16pm

© Durham University Page 9

Downloaded7th May 2021 at 8:09am