MSc Mathematics and Data Science

The field of Data Science has seen rapid growth in recent years, with vast amounts of data now being generated by major companies and service providers.

Yet, there is a recognised shortage of qualified analysts, both in the UK and globally, to make the most of this data and to meet the demands of industry. In particular, the demand is for graduates who can both manage the data (the computing skills), and analyse the data to extract patterns, build models and make predictions (the mathematics skills). It is only with these analytical skills can the full value of data be extracted.

Launching in 2018, our MSc is one of the first courses to link these two key areas, making it uniquely positioned to help you meet this demand. The course focusses on the application rather than pure theory of mathematics and is assessed primarily through coursework, developing those skills which are in high demand by the data industry.

The course will provide you with a strong foundation in the mathematical analysis of data-driven systems and help you develop your computing skills, from programming Python and R, to advanced techniques including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to applying the techniques you learn on a large scale. You will learn the techniques used to approach data and build models using computational analysis and understand the mathematics underpinning these techniques. 

Our graduates have gone on to work in financial institutions, major energy firms, sport and fitness, start-ups, NHS, Environmental agencies, the Scottish Government, as well as gone onto undertake PhDs in UK and overseas.

Stirling is associated with The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre that aims to develop the data science talent and skills required by industry in Scotland. It facilitates industry involvement and collaboration, and provides funding and resources for students.

"Shape your world with Stirling. I've come from the consulting industry to enhance my data science skill; and the student friendly faculty and concrete curriculum at The University of Stirling provided the right environment for me to do so."

Nuzhat Nishi

The MSc Mathematics and Data Science is taught by the Division of Computing Science and Mathematics in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. You'll learn from lectures and practical labs during the Autumn and Spring semesters. During the Autumn and Spring semesters, this course covers:

• statistical analysis techniques for small and large datasets (MATPMD1)
• basic and advanced programming using R, Matlab and Python (multiple modules)
• building and analysising mathematical models of real-life systems (MATPMD3)
• mathematical analysis of data networks, e.g. social media networks (MATPMD2)
• mathematical optimisation and computer-based search algorithms and Artificial Intelligence (MATPMD4)
• data analytics and machine learning (ITNPBD6)
• relational and non-relational databases* (ITNPBD3)
• cluster computing* (ITNPBD7)

*Optional modules for students starting in October.

In the summer semester, you will carry out a research dissertation project on an application of your choice. The project may be part of a cutting-edge research project at the university, it could be of your own design, or as part of a placement or consultancy project for a company, where possible. Past placements include Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, NHS, Tesco Bank and Filament – a data science start-up. (Many of these are arranged through the Data Lab for scholarship holders.)