Overview
The global data science platform market size was valued at £80.37 billion ($103.93 billion) in 2023. It is projected to grow to £600.75 billion ($776.86 billion) by 2032 (source: Fortune Business Insights, 2024/5).
Scotland has an exciting future at the heart of the data science revolution, with more than £660 million invested in turning our capital city, Edinburgh, into the ‘Data Capital of Europe’ (Source: Scottish Development International 2020).
The city of Stirling hosts over 70 tech companies, making it a key hub for digital growth and a major tech centre in Central Scotland (source: FinTech Scotland).
Become expert in big data technologies and data analytics
The MSc Big Data is an advanced Masters course covering the technology of big data and the science of data analytics.
As a big data scientist, you’ll help companies make sense of large amounts of data, providing rapid insights that enable them to make better, quicker decisions.
You’ll learn how to collect, manage and analyse big, fast-moving data for science or commerce through cutting-edge technology such as:
- SQL and NoSQL databases
- Hadoop
- Python
- Machine Learning
- R
Work on commercially relevant projects
On our Big Data MSc, you get the opportunity to work with academics on ongoing commercially relevant research projects. You can also take part in projects with industry or technology providers. Past projects include:
- Fishvet Group: Developing search tool for pathology reports using NLP
- Sainsbury’s Bank: Driving customer value by engineering novel features from big data
The course has been developed, with the option to apply for an internship in partnership with companies that employ data scientists and to make industry connections that benefit your future career.
Engage with the data science industry
This big data Masters degree offers a great chance to build your professional network with peers and industry leaders.
You’ll engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include Huawei, Bigspark, Red Star (AI for healthcare), Virtonomy, KBC Group, and Leonardo UK.
Designed to help you get a data science job
In a fast-changing world, businesses rely more on big data for decisions. This course provides you with the skills that are in demand in the industry.
There are opportunities for paid internships. Previous students have had internships with:
- IES Ltd
- WuTap LLC
- Celestia Technologies Group UK Ltd
- The Cabinet Office
We are a member of The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre developing data science talent and skills required by industry. They offer great networking opportunities for our students.
Top reasons to study with us
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Our team of academics in the department of Computing Science and Mathematics investigate novel and effective approaches to dynamic and uncertain real-world problems in complex systems and environments. They explore the interdisciplinary connections between computer science, mathematics, life sciences, social sciences and management.
We work collaboratively with a number of organisations, including The Data Lab (Scotland’s Data Science Innovation Centre, which supports students with funding, networking and routes to employment) and the Scottish Informatics and Computing Science Alliance (SICSA), to ensure our students have the best platform to succeed.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants without these formal
This course is intended for students without a background in computing. If you have a degree in computing, or a closely related subject, or equivalent experience, then you are strongly encouraged to take the Advanced Computing and AI course instead.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
For students interested in a January start, the course duration is 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2025 will graduate in November 2026. This structure allows for flexible learning and the opportunity to develop other skills during the summer period when teaching is not scheduled.
Modules
Teaching
There’s a real mix of practical technology sessions taught in labs and workshops along with lectures, seminars and tutorials teaching you the Big Data theories.
You’ll carry out a project using a Big Data technology of your choice. With support from our staff, you’ll choose a specialist topic and become a real expert. You'll start with an in-depth analysis of the topic and its technology. Then you'll build a solution that will showcase your skills to employers and give you the knowledge to win a high-level, high-salary job.
We have a programme of invited speakers from industry giving you the opportunity to ask questions of people who are doing data science every day. Recent participants include MongoDB, SkyScanner and HSBC.
Assessment
This is a practical course and the assessment reflects that. Each module has an assignment or an exam or both, but the emphasis is on the course work.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,167 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £18,770 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
A Big Data degree opens many career paths in various sectors such as:
- Banking and finance
- Data driven marketing
- Sport and fitness
- Health and medicine
- Engineering
- Data journalism
- Mapping and geographical information systems (GIS)
- New media
The average big data engineer annual salary in the United Kingdom is £65,000. Entry level positions start at £52,500 with the most experienced workers making up to £85,000 (source: UK Talent, 2024).
These are some of the roles that our MSc Big Data graduates hold:
- Lead Data Scientist
- Senior Data Engineer
- Big Data Engineer
- Senior Technology Adviser
- HR Analytics Manager
- Full Stack Developer
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Director of Data Science
Companies that graduates have gone to work for include:
- Lloyds Banking Group
- EasyJet Commercial
- Competition and Markets Authority
- Scottish Prison Service
- Abbott
- AXS Europe
- Meaningful Vision Ltd
Be the One: Lucy Fraser Edmans
Hear from graduate Lucy who now works as a Data Science Lead.
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