MSc Data Science and Analytics

 You'll be based in the Abacws building, our stunning new £45.5 million home for the School of Computer Science and Informatics, which is purpose-built to foster collaboration and provide a world-class environment for innovation and hands-on experimentation.

Your learning is built around applying advanced theory to solve real-world problems, supported by exceptional resources:

• State-of-the-Art Specialist Laboratories: You will have direct access to our suite of specialist labs within the Abacws building. This includes the Data Science Lab, the Cyber Security Lab with its isolated network for ethical hacking and digital forensics work, and the Human-Centred Computing Lab for practical work in UX and interactive systems.

• Industry-Standard & Research Software: You will gain hands-on experience with the tools that drive innovation. This includes data science and deep learning platforms like Python with TensorFlow and PyTorch, big data tools like Apache Spark, and professional environments for software engineering, simulation, and secure systems development.

• Research-Led Teaching & Group Projects: You'll be taught by active researchers from groups like the Artificial Intelligence Research Group and the Security, Privacy and Human-Centred Computing Research Group. A core part of your experience will involve collaborative projects, tackling challenges that mirror the cutting-edge work happening in our research centres.

• Substantial Individual MSc Project: The programme culminates in a significant individual research project. This is your opportunity to work deeply on a specialist topic of your choice, often supervised by one of our research experts, to create a substantial and impressive piece of work for your professional portfolio.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Resources: For projects requiring significant computational power, such as processing large datasets or running complex simulations, you will have access to the University's Advanced Research Computing (ARCCA) facilities, including the supercomputer Hawk.

Graduates of Cardiff University's MSc Data Science and Analytics program are well-equipped for diverse roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and IT Consultant. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical experience, enabling graduates to meet growing industry demand for skilled data professionals:

• The university’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored support including career coaching, internship sourcing, industry networking events, and assistance with job applications to enhance graduate employability.

• Cardiff has strong employment statistics, with high placement rates and graduates commanding competitive salaries in sectors like finance, technology, healthcare, and government.

• Partnerships with prominent organizations such as the Office for National Statistics, Lloyds Banking Group, and British Airways enrich student experience through real-world projects and collaborations.

• The MSc is accredited by professional bodies like BCS and IET, providing long-term recognition and supporting Chartered status eligibility.

• Graduation outcomes show alumni successfully transitioning into key data roles across multiple industries, often progressing to leadership or specialist positions.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a PhD or research degrees in data science, artificial intelligence, or applied analytics to deepen expertise. Additional professional certifications or advanced study in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, or specialized machine learning also support career advancement.