Data Science (Taught)

The techniques we use to model and manipulate data guide the political, financial, and social decisions that shape our modern society and are the basis of economy growth and business success. Technology is growing and evolving at an incredible speed, and the growth rate of both the data we generate and the devices we use to process it can only increase.

Data science is a growing and important field of study with an increasing number of jobs and opportunities within both the private and public sectors. The application of theory and methods to real-world problems is at the core of data science, which aims especially to use and exploit big data.

If you are interested in solving real-world problems, like to develop skills to use smart devices efficiently, want to use and to foster your understanding of mathematics, and keen to use statistical techniques and methods to interpret data, MSc Data Science at Essex is for you. You study a balance of solid theory and practical application, including:

• computer science

• programming

• statistics

• data analysis

• probability

A successful career in data science requires you to possess truly interdisciplinary knowledge, so we ensure that you graduate with a wide-ranging yet specialised set of skills in this area. You are taught mainly within our School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, but also benefit from input from our Essex Business School and our Essex Pathways Department. Data scientists are required in every sector, carrying out statistical analysis or mining data on social media, so our course can open the door to almost any industry, from health, to government, to publishing.

Our School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science is genuinely innovative and student-focused. Our research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues.

Candidates without strong programming and statistical skills are encouraged to consider our conversion course MSc Data Science and its Applications. Candidates wishing to convert from a non-STEM background are encouraged to consider MSc Applied Data Science.