QS Rank:
89
Durham University
Durham
,United Kingdom
Program Rank
309
Program Name
Ms in Data Science
Deadline
August 31st, 2024
Overview
The Master of Science in Data Science program at Durham University is meticulously designed for individuals keen on delving into the dynamic world of data science, equipping them with skills that are in high demand across various sectors. The program stands out as a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, offering training in contemporary data science techniques within a supportive academic environment. Students have the opportunity to learn from seasoned researchers who are at the forefront of data science innovations, making a tangible impact across diverse industries.
The proliferation of data from various sources such as security cameras, satellites, mobile devices, and workplace automation has created an expansive landscape laden with opportunities for analysis and insight extraction. In today's technology-driven society, the ability to harness this data is crucial, leading to an increased demand for proficient data scientists. Recognizing this shift, the MDS program has been structured to provide robust training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for a career in data science, even if their prior academic background does not originate from a quantitative discipline. This conversion course opens doors to non-quantitative fields such as social sciences, arts, and humanities, enabling students to transition smoothly into data-intensive roles.
The program’s structure begins with foundational modules that introduce students to essential data science principles, gradually building up to advanced techniques such as neural networks and deep learning. This progression allows students to not only grasp the core concepts of data manipulation and analysis but also apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. An array of optional modules is available, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience by focusing on specific areas of interest such as bioinformatics, digital humanities, health analytics, and social analytics, thus enhancing their expertise in chosen domains.
A key feature of the MDS curriculum is the Data Science Research Project, where students engage in an in-depth investigation of a topic that resonates with their interests. This project serves as a culmination of their learning experience, allowing them to apply their data science skills to a practical research problem. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore ethical considerations in data usage through modules like Ethics and Bias in Data Analytics, which addresses contemporary debates surrounding data practices and their societal implications.
Furthermore, learning at Durham is enriched by a commitment to student development beyond the classroom. The faculty comprises experts who bring a wealth of industry experience and academic expertise, utilizing innovative teaching methodologies that emphasize critical thinking and ethical practices in data science. This combination fosters an environment where students can develop not just technical skills but also leadership qualities essential for navigating and managing complex organizations in the rapidly evolving data landscape.
Why Study Data Science at Durham University
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of topics from core data science principles to advanced techniques, ensuring a thorough understanding of the field.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from leading researchers and practitioners who bring both academic knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom.
- Research Opportunities: Engage in significant research projects that allow application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems, enhancing your learning experience.
- Industry Connections: Benefit from established links with industry partners, providing valuable networking opportunities and potential internships.
- Tailored Learning: Choose from a variety of optional modules to specialize in areas that align with your career aspirations and interests.
- Diverse Career Pathways: Graduates are equipped for various roles, including Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and Business Analyst, with a strong job placement rate.
- Strong Alumni Network: Join a growing community of alumni who have successfully transitioned into impactful careers in diverse sectors.
Program Curriculum and Specific Courses
The MDS program encompasses a carefully structured curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with specialized topics tailored to current industry demands. Core modules include:
- Programming for Data Science: Focuses on utilizing Python for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, equipping students with essential programming skills.
- Machine Learning: Introduces core concepts and practical applications of machine learning techniques, including regression methods and neural networks.
- Critical Perspectives in Data Science: Examines the societal implications of data practices, fostering an ethical approach to data science.
- Ethics and Bias in Data Analytics: Investigates contemporary debates surrounding bias and ethics in data analysis, encouraging students to think critically about their impact.
Beyond core requirements, students have the flexibility to select from various optional modules, including:
- Introduction to Mathematics for Data Science: Essential mathematical concepts necessary for data analysis.
- Text Mining and Language Analytics: Explores techniques for analyzing text data, relevant for fields like social media and customer feedback analysis.
- Health Informatics and Clinical Intelligence: Focuses on the application of data science in the health sector, teaching students how to leverage data for health-related research.
Career Pathways and Job Outcomes
The MDS program at Durham University prepares students for a variety of career paths in data science and analytics. Graduates can expect to find roles such as:
- Data Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Quantitative Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
With a graduation rate of 90% and strong industry connections, graduates often secure positions with notable organizations such as the National Audit Office and FNZ, among others. Alumni testimonials frequently highlight the transformative impact of the program on their careers, emphasizing the practical skills and networking opportunities that facilitated their professional growth.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
To apply for the Master of Science in Data Science program, prospective students must meet specific eligibility criteria, which include:
- A recognized undergraduate degree in a related field.
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent; TOEFL may also be accepted under certain conditions.
Additionally, students are required to submit a comprehensive application package, including:
- Official transcripts from previous institutions.
- A statement of purpose outlining their motivation and career objectives.
- Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- A detailed resume highlighting relevant experience.
The application deadline for the program is August 31st, 2024, and aspiring students are encouraged to apply early to secure their place in this prestigious program. This comprehensive approach to education aims to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to excel in the fast-paced field of data science.
Total Tuition Fees
$31,500
Duration
12 Months
Median Salary
$30,000
Ranking
#238
US World and News Report
#162
The World University Rankings
#89
QS World University Rankings
Intake
Fall ( Sept - Nov )
Class Profile
Class Size
20
Average Age
20
Average Work Experience
1 Years
Diversity
Others:
10%Overseas:
10%North East England:
45%London:
15%South East England:
20%Career Outcomes
Recruiters
National Audit office
FNZ
Median Earnings After Graduation
$30,000 / year
Graduation Rate
90%
Prospective Job Roles
Data Engineer
Database Administrator
Quantitative Analyst
Data Science
Business Analyst
Data Architect
Data analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence Developer
Top recruiters
Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
7
TOEFL
102
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.
Transcript
Passport
Statement of Purpose
IELTS
Resume
Provisional Certificate
Degree Certificate
General LOR
General LOR
Semester wise Marksheet
Application Deadlines
| Standard Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Aug 31, 2024 |
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
$31,500 / year
Overall Cost
$40,080 / year
Funding Options
Department Funding
External Sources - Scholarships
Scholarships
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/international/
International Scholarships
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. The following scholarships and bursaries are either funded by the University, through partnerships with external organisations or through generous donations from alumni and friends of the University.
The scholarships, awards and bursaries below are dedicated to supporting students from countries around the world. Other options for funding your studies may also be available.
Key:
Postgraduate Taught Programmes (PGT)
Postgraduate Research Programmes (PGR)
Undergraduate (UG)
Please ensure that you submit an academic application to Durham University by the deadline date of the scholarship you are applying for.
Durham University Scholarships 2024-25
Support
What is it?
Who's it for?
How much?
ANID (PGT + PGR)
ANID, formally CONICYT is the Chilean government student funding organisation. Chilean Students 25% tuition fee discount Open Date:
See Website Close Date: See Website British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM (PGT)
Women in STEM scholarships offer women researchers from eligible countries the chance to continue their studies in STEM with a one-year, fully funded scholarship to complete a master's degree at a UK university. Specific eligibility criteriaFull payment of tuition feesOpen Date:
January 2024Close Date: Midnight (GMT) on 16 April 2024 (academic application) & 30 April 2024 (scholarship application)Chevening Scholarships (PGT)Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. International students who are citizens of a Chevening-eligible country, and intend to return there for a minimum of 2 years after their Chevening Award has finished.Various, up to £18,000.Open Date: 12th September 2023Close Date: 7th November 2023 Chinese Scholarship Council (PGR)An award in partnership with the Chinese Scholarships Council. Applicants who are citizens and permanent residents of mainland China wishing to study for a PhD.Various; includes payment of full tuition fees and other living allowances, including health cover, airfare and visa application fees.Open Date: Close Date: 15 January 2024Colfuturo (PGT PGR)A Colombian non-profit foundation that was established with the support of the Colombian government.Colombian students.20% tuition fee discount for PGT/PGR (apart from MBA) and one 100% tuition fee discount for a Taught Masters programme (apart from MBA).Open Date: 9 January 2024Close Date: 29 February 2024Commonwealth Masters Scholarships (PGT)An award funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).Students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries.Various; includes payment of full tuition fees and other living allowances.Open Date:OpenClose Date:17th October 2023 16:00 GMTCommonwealth Shared Scholarships (PGT)An award for MSc Civil Engineering, MSc Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding, MSc Defence Development and Diplomacy, MSc Mathematical Sciences, MSc and MA Climate, Risk and Society, MSc Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, and MSc Sustainability, Energy and Development.Students who are a citizen of or be granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
Various; includes payment of full tuition fees and other living allowances.Open Date:16 November 2023Close Date: 16:00 (GMT) on 14 December 2023Commonwealth PhD Scholarships(PGR)These scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO, for taught Masters, PhD programmes and professional development.Students from developing Commonwealth countries.Various allowances.Open Date:OpenClose Date:17th October 2023 16:00 GMTCommonwealth Split-Site Doctoral ScholarshipsFunded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). For PhD students studying at eligible universities across the Commonwealth to conduct research at an institute in the UK for 12 months.Students who are registered for a PhD at a university in an eligible Commonwealth country.
Various; includes payment of full tuition fees and other living allowances.Open Date:See websiteClose Date:See websiteCONAHCyT (PGT)The National Council of Science and Technology (Conacyt) is the Mexican government institution responsible for establishing public policies on the humanities, science, technology, and innovation.Students from Mexico.Durham University accepts the maximum tuition fee provided by CONAHCyT (MXN 200,000, approx. £9,400), without the need for students to make any contribution from their own funds.
Open Date:See websiteClose Date:See websiteDurham Palestine Educational Trust (PGT)An independent UK charity that assists the social and economic development of Palestine, by providing scholarships for Palestinian graduates.Students from Palestinian Occupied Territories. Specific eligibility criteria.Up to £13,000 per student.Open Date: Close Date: Fulbright - Durham Scholarship (PGT)The US-UK Fulbright Commission focuses on opportunities and exchanges between the USA and the UK, as part of a global programme.Students who are US citizens, resident anywhere except the United Kingdom before commencing study.Full tuition fee scholarship, and up to $15,609 living costs, plus travel.Open Date:30 March 2023Close Date:10 October 2023FUNED (PGT)
FUNED is a non-profit organization that provides reimbursable educational and financial support to Mexican students to pursue master's degrees of excellence abroad.Mexican Students10% discount on tuition fee for the duration of the programmeOpen Date:See websiteClose Date:See website International Scholarships (PGT and UG)
Scholarships are available for most programmes, except business school and some named exclusions, see scholarship for details.For students from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Vietnam.A £5,000 per year tuition fee discount.Open Date:N/AClose Date:N/AMarshall Scholarship (PGT)Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability, to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Scholars are selected for any field of study.Students from the USA.Various, see Marshall Scholarships for details.Open Date:2024 Entry OpenClose Date:26 September 2023 Ruth First ScholarshipThe Ruth First Educational Trust enables southern African students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds to undertake postgraduate study.Students from Southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Full tuition fees, stipend for living expenses in monthly payments, one return travel, accommodation at St Chad's College and a contribution to visa costs.Open Date:2023 Entry ClosedClose Date:2023 Entry ClosedRise Scholarships (UG)Rise is an initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust that finds promising young people and provides them with opportunities that allow them to work together to serve others over their lifetimes.Rise winners from around the globe. Full payment of tuition fees, plus winners can also receive funding for a living stipend, accommodation, visa and immigration costs and health surcharges. See Rise website for more information.
Open Date:2023 Entry OpenClose Date:See website Said Foundation Scholarship (PGT)The Said Foundation offers scholarships to individuals who can demonstrate the potential to become leaders and innovators of change.Students from Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan.Full tuition fees, full living expenses, one return travel and other allowances including thesis, visa fees and IHS fees.Open Date:1 September 2023Close Date:31 October 2023
Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the
FAQs
Durham University has a policy that once a college allocation is made then it is part of our broader offer and not something that would be changed at the applicant’s request. Having multidisciplinary academic communities is very important to maintaining our unique collegiate experience and so our allocation process is designed to ensure that this academic balance is maintained.
Once you have accepted an academic offer from Durham, you then have the opportunity to rank three colleges in order of preference via the College Membership Application. You can then choose 'Yes' to confirm being interested in University accommodation. Find out more about how to apply for University accommodation.
Students can express an interest as a returning student to their college for accommodation, or move out to privately rented accommodation in Durham.
Every student at Durham is a member of a college, and Colleges provide students with much more to student life than studying or somewhere to live. Find out more about what it means to be a postgraduate member of a college.
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