Are you interested in a career in Data Science?
Data are now being produced at an unprecedented rate and scale; often termed 'big data'. Whether they come from environmental sensors, social media streams, businesses, or public sector organisations, there is a need to process these data sets and extract information, thereby allowing business and research questions to be answered. This is the job of the Data Scientist whose role involves: research question formation, gathering and integration of data, data mining and visualisation, statistical modelling and inference and forecasting and prediction.
The Lancaster Data Science programme is inter-disciplinary, combining teaching from three world-leading departments. The School of Computing and Communications (SCC) delivers programming, systems development and machine learning content; the Department of Mathematics and Statistics provides teaching in statistical methods, modelling and inference; and, the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) offers specific training in environment science and research methodology. The syllabus combines specialist subject knowledge principled in the belief that the greatest opportunity for innovation comes from working across disciplines.
The Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster University offers 45 MSc Scholarships in Data Science. Starting in October 2014, these scholarships are available to Home and EU students and cover the cost of tuition fees. Further financial support is also provided by a placement bursary. Programmes open for applications are:
- MSc: Data Science
- Statistical Inference specialism
- Computing specialism
- MSc: Data Science for the Environment
Each variation of the degree scheme consists of five core modules, to include Data Science Fundamentals, Programming with Data and Statistical Modelling, a number of specialism specific modules and a dissertation project. The dissertation is facilitated by an internship within an organisation, providing hands-on experience of the role of the Data Scientist.
Typically, we expect to recruit students who are interested in the interface between statistics, data analytics, computing and application. These could, for example, hold a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics, a BSc in Ecology or Environmental Sciences, or a BSc in Computing, but students with other STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) subjects are welcome to apply. Admission to the Master’s programme requires a minimum of a ‘good’ second class Honours degree.
Students will learn and gain experience in: statistical methods, statistical modelling, problem solving, computing, data processing, and forecasting.
