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MSc DATA SCIENCE AND ADVANCED COMPUTING

  • Year of entry
    2022/23
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months
    Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2022/23
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months
    Part Time: 24 months
View all

COVID-19 update


Find out how we're adapting during COVID-19.

Start date: September 2022

Join the next generation of data scientists and meet the challenges of the Information Age with our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing.

On this course, you’ll work with experts from the Department of Computer Science to develop in-depth knowledge of:

  • data analysis and data-driven knowledge discovery
  • cloud computing
  • machine learning and artificial intelligence

This knowledge is vital. Computer science is driving our digital transformation; it is at the forefront of scientific discovery and the heart of economic growth. Utilising society’s wealth of data requires people who can blend research, technology and ingenuity.

Aimed at aspiring data scientists – the sought-after, high-ranking professionals of big data – this course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. The degree has been designed for graduates of computer science and its related disciplines, as well as IT professionals and data analysts.

With the exponential growth of data being produced and the rise of automation in the workplace, our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course aims to meet the high demand for skilled data scientists and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists. The UK Government has identified AI and data as one of the ‘four grand challenges’ of global trends that will transform our future, making our graduates highly valued and sought-after.

Your studies will be supported by access to dedicated facilities, which include:

  • a rich software catalogue, plus modern PC rooms with 120 workstations
  • special-purpose hardware for embedded applications for VR headsets
  • professional graphic cards
  • a High-Performance Computing cluster for large-scale data processing.

Additionally, Reading has the fourth highest density of digital tech businesses of any UK town or city. Take advantage of this by making connections with like-minded industry people at local tech and developer meet-ups. You can raise your own professional profile while solving real-world problems and talking through the latest cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

Our location also means you’ll be ideally placed to connect directly with some of the biggest companies in the industry. Several of these companies are actively involved in the development and review of this course. Companies currently participating in our Industrial Advisory Board include Sony, Microsoft and IBM.

You will also have access to Reading’s specialist areas of computing research, including:

  • Big data analytics. Applications include remotely sensed data analysis and interpretation, weather forecasting, and communication data stream analysis.
  • Computational vision. Applications include visual surveillance, border control and security, machine learning for image and video-based prediction and classification.
  • Cloud computing. Applications include data security and network security.

Overview

Join the next generation of data scientists and meet the challenges of the Information Age with our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing.

On this course, you’ll work with experts from the Department of Computer Science to develop in-depth knowledge of:

  • data analysis and data-driven knowledge discovery
  • cloud computing
  • machine learning and artificial intelligence

This knowledge is vital. Computer science is driving our digital transformation; it is at the forefront of scientific discovery and the heart of economic growth. Utilising society’s wealth of data requires people who can blend research, technology and ingenuity.

Aimed at aspiring data scientists – the sought-after, high-ranking professionals of big data – this course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the Chartered Institute for IT. The degree has been designed for graduates of computer science and its related disciplines, as well as IT professionals and data analysts.

With the exponential growth of data being produced and the rise of automation in the workplace, our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course aims to meet the high demand for skilled data scientists and Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists. The UK Government has identified AI and data as one of the ‘four grand challenges’ of global trends that will transform our future, making our graduates highly valued and sought-after.

Your studies will be supported by access to dedicated facilities, which include:

  • a rich software catalogue, plus modern PC rooms with 120 workstations
  • special-purpose hardware for embedded applications for VR headsets
  • professional graphic cards
  • a High-Performance Computing cluster for large-scale data processing.

Additionally, Reading has the fourth highest density of digital tech businesses of any UK town or city. Take advantage of this by making connections with like-minded industry people at local tech and developer meet-ups. You can raise your own professional profile while solving real-world problems and talking through the latest cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

Our location also means you’ll be ideally placed to connect directly with some of the biggest companies in the industry. Several of these companies are actively involved in the development and review of this course. Companies currently participating in our Industrial Advisory Board include Sony, Microsoft and IBM.

You will also have access to Reading’s specialist areas of computing research, including:

  • Big data analytics. Applications include remotely sensed data analysis and interpretation, weather forecasting, and communication data stream analysis.
  • Computational vision. Applications include visual surveillance, border control and security, machine learning for image and video-based prediction and classification.
  • Cloud computing. Applications include data security and network security.

Many reasons drove my choice to study at Reading: besides the excellent campus and location, what particularly attracted me was the content of the course, with modules focused on the most modern topics in Computer Science.

Fabio Cappello
MSc Computer Science, recent graduate

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for 2022 entry have not yet been confirmed. Entry requirements for 2021 entry were:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements: Normally at least a high 2.2 honours degree, or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in computing or a related discipline (including, but not limited to, mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, economics), or relevant work experience. You must have some experience of programming.

Structure

Compulsory modules:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Module Convenor: Dr Varun Ojha

Learn current methods in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Applied Data Science with Python

Module Convenor: Miguel Sanchez Razo

Progress to an advanced level with regards the use of Python as a programming language and learn to work proficiently with Python tools for data science.

Data Analytics and Mining

Module Convenor: Professor Giuseppe Di Fatta

Understand the concepts, techniques, algorithms and tools for the design, management and deployment of the knowledge discovery process.

Big Data and Cloud Computing

Module Convenor: Dr Mohammed AI-Khafajiy

Gain knowledge of the concepts and design principles for big data analytics and advanced computing platforms. You will also be encouraged to develop a set of professional skills, such as software development documentation, technical reporting writing, and project management.  

Data Security and Ethics

Module Convenor: Dr Martin Lester

Gain knowledge of the legal and ethical aspects related to data, including how laws differ across national boundaries; and how ethics can help us understand how to behave at an individual level, as well as how to formulate suitable policies at a company or institutional level.

Mathematics and Statistics for Data Science 

Module Convenor: Dr Fazil Baksh

Progress to the appropriate level as regards the mathematics and statistics necessary for the modules taught as part of the MSc in Data Science and Advanced Computing.

Research Studies

Module Convenor: Dr Lily Sun

Learn to critically evaluate a given topic in computer science. You will select a topic of research and improve your ability to formulate a critical approach through a variety of methods.

MSc Project

Module Convenor: Dr Varun Ojha

Define and execute a piece of research on a specific topic of your choice, with direction from an academic supervisor, and effectively communicate your findings in an appropriate form.

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year

New international students: £TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Scholarships and financial support

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

For further tuition fee information, please contact us.

Careers

Careers for MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing

The MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing course offers strong career prospects in a world where digital information penetrates almost every aspect of society.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire are relevant to the IT and high-tech industries, as well as the majority of industrial and scientific domains.

Benefit from our close links with industry neighbours, and our location at the centre of a major high-technology hub. The headquarters of companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Hewlett Packard (HP) and Intel are all within a few miles of our main campus. Local tech employers also visit our Department to deliver guest lectures and attend job fairs.

Our graduates are employed in a wide variety of sectors, including finance and government. Some have gone on to work for consultancies or multinational companies, while others have furthered their research at Reading or other institutions.

Read more about where our MSc Data Science and Advanced Computing graduates are now

  • Fabio Cappello went on to join the research and development department of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
  • Chengcheng Cui is now an application developer at M&G Investments.

Take the next step


Apply online now

Ask us a question

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Many reasons drove my choice to study at Reading: besides the excellent campus and location, what particularly attracted me was the content of the course, with modules focused on the most modern topics in Computer Science.

Fabio Cappello

MSc Computer Science, recent graduate

Scholarships


We have scholarships available for our international master's students.

Find out more in our How much will it cost section.

Earn an accredited degree


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Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
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Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
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  • Graphic Communication and Design

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  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
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  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
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  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

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  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

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