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MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics

Drive business decision-making
and performance with data

Apply By

14 April 2025

To Start

28 April 2025

  • BCS Accredited
  • icon_timer_white Minimum programme length: 12 months
  • icon_money_white Fees: £6,600

Get further information on your degree

Why Abertay?

Top 10 in the UK for student experience*

Top Scottish Modern University for student satisfaction**

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education***

Top Scottish Modern University for research intensity****

Cyber University of the Year*****

100% online, with six
starts per year

Pay per module

* Times Good University Guide 2025 & Daily Mail University Guide 2024 | ** Complete University Guide 2025 & National Student Survey 2024 | *** Recognised by the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre | **** Complete University Guide 2025 | ***** National Cyber Awards 2024

Developing the analytical capabilities of the next wave of business leaders

The ability to extract, analyse and glean insights from data to enhance organisational performance is an invaluable skillset in any modern workplace where data forms the core of business decision making.

This MSc in Computer Science with Data Analytics programme enables graduates from a non-computer science background to enter the field and specialise in data analytics. Through an interactive, learner-centred teaching approach, you will gain knowledge, understanding and application of practice, and critical, evaluative and reflective skills in software and web development, networking, human factors, emergent technologies and data analytics. You will also complete a research-oriented proposal and project to further advance your study in the data analytics specialisation.

You can get your studies started within weeks, even outside of the traditional academic year, with six starts per year. Your studies are also completed entirely online, and on either a full-time or part-time basis, so you have the space to organise your learning around work, family and other life commitments.

MScDataAnalytics

What you'll learn

This MSc degree provides you with the core competencies in networking, databases, programming and more needed to work in computer science, with a focus on data analytics.

You will gain important analytical skills and knowledge needed to understand and use data to reveal insights about and develop solutions to improve business activity and operations.

On successful completion of this MSc Computer Science, you will be able to:
1

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts of computer science, including the principles of software development, databases, networking, and human factors.

2

Develop a critical awareness of current issues in computer science and specialisms of data analytics and emergent technologies.

3

Apply a range of specialised skills and practices in computer science as informed by developments in areas of coding, networking human factors and emergent technologies.

4

Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation, or development within a computer science specialism with due consideration of ethical approval and legal requirements.

5

Deal with complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on issues commensurate with current professional and ethical codes or practices.

Modules

This module introduces the core ideas of computer architecture and programming. You will build a mental model of the functioning of a typical computer system that can be used to reason about system (hardware/software) behaviour. You will explore fundamental programming constructs, using the Python scripting language. You will use a problem-based approach to develop skills fundamental to programming.

This module introduces the standard data structures and algorithms that form the core of algorithmic thought in computer science, and introduces you to the idea of reasoning about the behaviour and performance of a computer programme.

This module introduces you to dynamic web applications, through client-side and server-side web development. The module also will enable you to develop the necessary skills to develop complex database-driven web applications, effectively employing server-side technology.

This module introduces database concepts and designs using relational databases and NoSQL design techniques. The course includes fundamentals of relational and NoSQL databases to understand the advantages and limitations as a database administrator or database application developer. You will be able to apply this knowledge to design, deploy and maintain databases for advanced and complex systems.

This module introduces the operation of various networking models through studying networking components, protocols and applications. The content includes networking fundamentals, network layers and modes with associated protocols and applications. You will be able to apply this knowledge to build and maintain advanced and complex networks.

Generating useable data for decision making is a task that needs an awareness of many factors. To be able to do this you need to firstly understand the question being asked and then the data that you possess. Do you have all the data you need? If not, how will you find it? How will you clean it? How will you process it and present it in a way that is beneficial to the decision maker? All these technical questions will be answered in this module.

This module will enable you to critically appraise next-generation technologies and their impact on society. The module will provide you with an awareness of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and interconnectivity, 5G and 6G technologies, cloud computing and decentralised systems such as drones. Technology awareness will be supplemented with data-driven and smart applications of these technologies, and you will consider the role of AI in application deployment.

This module will introduce you to generic concepts of human factors such as interactions between user and computing systems and/or services, and how these interactions can be evaluated. You will learn about interface design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and ethics in the data gathering process. Aspects of user experience, usability and accessibility will be explored.

This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical approaches to research and statistical concepts are taught in online lectures with virtual lab sessions using both quantitative and qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.

This module is designed to enable you to develop a research proposal. The module will provide guidance on the essential steps in research proposal development including literature searching, research question setting, identifying objectives and proposing a research methodology. Proposal development will also consider project planning, risks and mitigation, and legal and ethical issues.

Through an independent research project, you will select, plan, conduct and write up a research-based investigation. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data and information and the evaluation and communication of findings and require the synthesis of a solution appropriate to the project aims. You will produce an artefact to complement the write-up of your investigation.

Would you suit our MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics programme?

Our MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics is designed for those looking to enhance their career prospects with postgraduate study, but who are unable to take a break from work. You will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to move into computer science and develop a valuable skillset in data analysis.

Importantly, your studies will take place entirely online and on a part-time basis, so you will have the time and space needed to fit your studies around work, family and other life responsibilities.

MScDataAnalytics

Potential career paths for this MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics

Be prepared for a variety of roles across a wide range of sectors with our MSc Computer Science with Data Analytics.

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Analytics Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Research Officer

Accredited by BCS

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

What is BCS?


Accreditation from BCS provides a university with independent assurance and recognition of the quality of their computing education. Course content and provision are assessed by academics and industrialists, aligned with IT industry frameworks, and benchmarked against set criteria, to ensure they meet the rigorous standards set by the profession.
Students choose to study BCS-accredited degrees knowing they will gain the right set of technical, personal and professional skills for the evolving tech industry. BCS accredited courses are extremely popular as employers can be confident that these graduates have the skills and are ready to make an impact in their business.

Benefits for students:



  • Graduates from BCS accredited programmes stand out in the job market as employers value these credentials

  • BCS-accredited degrees equip students with the knowledge, skills and capabilities that are valued in organisations

  • BCS-accredited programmes introduce students to professional registration and set them on the path to Chartered IT Professional status

Entry requirements for home and international students

To study this MSc, you must have:
  • An undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or equivalent qualification)
  • Or, At least two years of relevant work experience in a professional, managerial, or supervisory role
English language requirements:
  • IELTS 6.0 and equivalents

Start dates

We have six start dates a year, so you can begin your studies within weeks.

Next start date:

28 April 2025

Application deadline:

14 April 2025

APPLY NOW