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 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024/5).
The demand for graduates in this field is growing rapidly fuelled by advances in technology and the increasing importance of data (Data Science Jobs, 2025).
Develop expertise in big data technologies and data analytics
This two-year online big data Masters degree will equip you with in-demand industry skills in big data technology, advanced analytics and industrial and scientific applications.
You’ll learn how to collect, manage and analyse big data for science or commerce through cutting-edge methods and technologies such as:
- Python scripting
- Big databases and NoSQL including MongoDB, Cassandra and Neo4J
- Cluster computing with Hadoop, Spark, Hive and MapReduce
- Machine learning and data visualisation using Python, Orange and ScikitLearn
- Business and scientific applications of big data
- Data analytics
- Statistics with R
Fit your studies around your lifestyle
This is a 100% online Big Data Masters degree which gives you the opportunity to study in a way that suits your personal and professional needs. A combination of video lectures, live sessions and online materials are delivered via our intuitive online platform. Access them at the right time for you.
Our online platform has collaborative tools that make it easy to connect with tutors and fellow students. You'll also have access to an extensive database of eBooks and journals, and free software such as Office 365.
Work on commercially relevant big data projects
On our online Big Data MSc, you get the opportunity to work with academics on ongoing commercially relevant research projects, potentially also with industry or technology providers. Students who are currently in work are supported in finding a project with their current employer if they want. 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
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 a numerate subject such as maths, computing, engineering or an analytic science. Applicants without these formal
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.
Course details
Students studying on this course will be introduced Big Data concepts.
Modules
Teaching
How you'll learn online
You’ll learn online through a combination of video lectures, live webinars and course materials that are easy to access wherever you are, whenever it works for you. Our intuitive learning hub also offers collaborative tools that make it easy to connect with tutors and fellow students, creating a rich online environment built around human-centred learning. You'll also have access to an extensive database of eBooks and journals, and free software such as Office 365.
Course project
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.
Assessment
Assignments will vary from module to module, with several technical assignments and some essay writing.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
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.
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
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.
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
Big Data Masters online 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 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
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