Course overview

Virtually every industry is looking to lever the power of data to enhance the efficiency of their operations and drive innovation. This means graduates in data science are in extremely high demand.

Our Integrated Master's enables you to study specialist, research-led modules, that are at the cutting-edge of data science. The advanced knowledge and research experience you will acquire in the latter years of your studies will prepare you to pursue a specialist career in data science within a business context or further research study.

Course structure

Our innovative curriculum is informed by industry as well as research and assumes no prior knowledge of A-level Mathematics or Statistics. Rather we strive to arm all students with a carefully tailored package of mathematical skills.

Our research-active academics have long-standing experience in teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds. From programming in Python to the cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning you will learn the latest tools and theories across this exciting discipline. The first year of the programme is carefully designed to bring everyone up to speed regardless of the previous learning experiences, enabling common understanding of the fundamental principles of data science and the primary concepts and key techniques of accounting.

In later years, you will develop your skills and knowledge into new and exciting areas such as AI, data visualisation and deep learning. For example you will learn how to deal with uncertainties in large data sets and how to develop appropriate statistical models. As a result you will not just be able to use the techniques in data science, but you will have a comprehensive understanding of the underpinning theories that support them.

Our flexible curriculum also offers a wide variety of optional modules on diverse topics from probability and statistical modelling to operational research and finance. This will enable you to personalise your degree to suit your career aspirations. This flexibility extends into year three with interesting applications of data science in modules like bioinformatics, game theory, applied financial analysis and medical statistics. Core knowledge is also developed in new areas such as data mining and machine learning.

In your final year, you will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of master's level, research-led topics, such as Cloud computing, bank risk management, financial technology and online banking. Our variety of modules will enable you to gain the specialist, advanced knowledge to pursue a career or research in your chosen field. You will also complete a substantial research project. This will allow you to integrate and apply your theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an identified design and implementation need and/or an advanced research problem within the discipline.

Your work will be supervised by a member of staff over the two semesters, with the first semester being devoted to researching and planning the project while the experimental work, data analysis and reporting of results are undertaken in the second semester. The results of the work will be reported orally at a student conference at Keele and a final written report submitted at the end of the semester. To equip you with the skills needed for your final year project, you will learn how to develop a novel research idea and plan for a research proposal in addition to exploring advanced analytics and statistical modelling techniques - to enable you to make sense of the exponential growth of big data.

Industry-informed programme

Designed with input from a dedicated industry advisory group, our programme is tailored to include the skills, knowledge and behaviour needed for you to graduate ready for the workplace or further study. From a year working in industry to paid internships and practical modules, we offer many ways for you to enhance your employability and develop your practical skills.

Flexibility

The flexibility of our course enables you to tailor your degree to your individual preferences.
You can enhance your employability by spending a year in industry or broaden your horizons by spending a semester or year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions. We recognise that your aspirations and interests in the field of Data Science may develop as you are exposed to the diverse themes throughout the programme. We offer you the opportunity to transfer between our programmes before year two of your studies, to give you the time and space to find your passion.

Student Support

We offer a robust multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. You will benefit from the guidance of an academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with your lecturers directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback, or discuss any matters relating to your studies on a regular basis. In addition to this, in the Data Science component of the programme, experienced students and doctoral researchers usually run help-desk sessions to help with the use and configuration of software especially when exam and coursework deadlines get closer.

Study abroad

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to experience and appreciate different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It demonstrates your ability to embrace new experiences and enables you to immerse yourself in another culture whilst developing your independence and cultural awareness. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to Data Science is a great opportunity to continue to develop your computing, web design or multimedia skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.

You may choose to participate in exciting hackathons and competitive programming challenges in the student-led HACK Keele Society, join the talks and activities organised by the Keele BCS Student Chapter or engage in competitive gaming with the Keele Esports Society.

Committed to equality, diversity and gender equality

As a university we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. This means we aim to create a diverse and inclusive culture in which you can thrive. Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) agenda is embedded throughout our curriculum, and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics are proud to hold a school-level Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition for activities in this area.