Data Science and Computational Intelligence MSc
Coventry, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
This master’s course aims to respond to the demand for data scientists with the skills to develop innovative computational intelligence applications, capable of analysing large amounts of complex data to inform businesses decisions and market strategies.
Course Overview
The main theme throughout this course is automatic big data analytics and natural language processing through machine learning, especially deep neural networks.
- We aim to cover how to apply cutting-edge machine learning techniques to analyse big datasets, assess the statistical significance of data mining results and perform advanced data analytics.
- We will introduce you to important frameworks which may include Hadoop Map Reduce, Spark, applications of relational databases and NoSQL databases in combination with powerful languages such as Python and R.
- We will look at emerging theories, practices, approaches, and management of distributed and intelligent computing systems, examining a wide range of case studies to see how applications have been developed and for what purposes, such as steganography detection system for colour stego images.
- The focus of the course is on applications of data science methods and tools, combined with computational intelligence techniques for data-driven problem solving including the analysis, interpretation and visualisation of complex data, which is in increasing demand in fields such as marketing, pharmaceutics, finance, transportation, medicine, and management.
- You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
Why you should study this course
Big data is enabling companies to unlock previously hidden information in areas ranging from customer behaviour to how their businesses function, providing vital insight that can affect the profitability and sustainability of an organisation.
- In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, data-driven scientific discovery represents one of the most exciting developments – already making a huge impact on the social and services sectors.
- This course is designed to equip you with the skills and expertise in the emerging big data mining techniques required for the analysis, interpretation and visualisation of complex, high-volume, high-dimensional, structured and unstructured data from a variety of sources.
- We aim to provide an understanding of data science and computational intelligence, including specialist knowledge in machine learning, neural networks, data mining, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), as well as important development tools and platforms.
- Through practical activities, industry input and a focus on skills development, we seek to foster an informed, flexible and critical approach to problem-solving, giving you the confidence, professionalism, knowledge and skills to adapt to modern technological environments.
- Enjoying high levels of student satisfaction for our teaching, we offer modern facilities alongside the utilisation of industry-standard software and collaboration coding platforms, such as Github.
- You will be given the chance to work alongside staff currently conducting research in the fields of deep learning, NLP, distributed systems and modelling, computer vision, digital security and forensics, and biomedical technologies. (Please note that staff may be subject to change).
Admissions
Curriculum
Over the course of your studies, you will study several mandatory modules.
Ultimately, you will be expected to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned by undertaking an in-depth individual project which may be industry-based or undertaken in collaboration with one of the university research groups. Guided by an expert tutor, this project helps to develop your research and practical skills while also gaining professional data science experience.
Past student projects have included analysing big data for the movie industry; helping in assessing oil wells to evaluate extraction costs; recognising customer emotion through face gestures; analysing text sentiment in a social media exchange; performing automatic scene labelling and object recognition; and designing a robotics controller for helping the elderly.
Modules:
- Machine Learning
- Data Management Systems
- Introduction to Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Natural Language Processing
- Big Data Analytics and Data Visualisation
- Artificial Neural Networks
- Modelling and Optimisation Under Uncertainty
- Individual Research Project Preparation
- Computing Individual Research Project
With work placement pathway
The ‘With work placement’ opportunity enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.
Please note that the optional placement modules will incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of the Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The fundamental principles and techniques of data science and computational intelligence.
- Analysing complex, high-volume, high-dimensional, structured/unstructured data from varying sources.
- The combination of theory and practical application of data science and computational intelligence methods and techniques.
- Professional, legal, social, cultural and ethical issues related to data science, computational intelligence and an awareness of societal and environmental impact.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate current research problems and apply cutting-edge developments in data science and computational intelligence areas.
- Critically evaluate a range of possible options solutions or architectures to address a sizeable data application and present a soundly reasoned justification for the final solution.
- Demonstrate competence, creativity, and innovation in solving unfamiliar problems.
- Effectively communicate outcomes from major projects to technical and non-technical audiences. Select and apply relevant knowledge and skills in big data applications using relevant tools and technologies.
- Identify and make effective and systematic use of a range of suitable techniques for developing solutions to complex data and analytical problems.
Opportunities following successful completion of this course could include careers as data scientists, data professionals and data analysts in a variety of sectors including financial services, retail, marketing, customer and business intelligence.
Where our graduates work
This master’s course aims to provide you with the analytical tools to construct more desirable technical solutions using advanced computational methods, with an emphasis on rigorous statistical reasoning. As a result, on successful graduation, you should gain the skills for roles in a wide range of sectors including finance, marketing, academia, scientific research, health and medicine, the retail market, information technology, government, e-commerce, energy, transportation, telecommunications, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.