Designed by experts in the field, the MDS develops the specialist skills you will need to manage and analyse different types of data efficiently. This advanced understanding of complex data will give you a head start in this dynamic field.
Are you keen to find out more about the field of data science and learn the latest techniques used in the sector? The Durham MDS provides training in contemporary data science in a supportive environment, learning from practicing researchers who are making a difference across a range of industries.
From security cameras and satellite transmission to our mobile devices, homes, cars, and in the workplace, we are surrounded by data. At the same time, developments in technology have made the field of data science more accessible than ever, creating new opportunities to gain insight into the interactions between people and their environment. This has led to a significant increase in demand for skilled data scientists, and this demand is predicted to further grow.
Drawing on this, we have created the Master of Data Science, a conversion course that opens up a future in data science even if your first degree is in a non-quantitative subject (including the social sciences, the arts and humanities). The course equips you with the skills to access, clean, analyse, and visualise complex data, and to apply this knowledge to practical situations.
The course begins with a range of introductory modules before progressing to more advanced contemporary techniques such as neural networks and deep learning to expand your knowledge and understanding. We offer an extensive range of optional modules which allows you to focus on an area of interest.
The MDS culminates in the research project, an in-depth investigation into an area of specific interest in which you apply the skills learned during the course to a research problem in an area of your choice.
The course is part of a suite of courses which share some common modules, you can choose the general route or take one of the specialist pathways in:
Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling
Digital Humanities
Earth and Environment
Health
Social Analytics
Course Structure
The Data Science Research Project is a substantial piece of research into an unfamiliar area of data science, or in your subject specialisation area with a focus on data science. The project can be practical, theoretical or both, and is designed to develop your research, analysis and report-writing skills.
Critical Perspectives in Data Science develops your understanding of the production, analysis and use of quantified data, and how to analyse these practices anthropologically. You will learn to think ethically and contextually about quantified data, and how to apply this knowledge to practical problems in data science, including your own research project.
Programming for Data Science uses the popular Python software packages used in a wide range of industry settings. You will learn how to gather, manipulate and process real-world data and learn the key concepts of data analysis and data visualisation.
Ethics and Bias in Data Analytics introduces contemporary debates on ethical issues and bias resulting from the application of data analytics, statistical modelling and artificial intelligence in society. You will learn about contemporary philosophical research on these issues and how to apply this research in practice. The module includes an essay about an ethical topic, completed under the guidance of a tutor.
Machine Learning introduces the essential knowledge and skills required in machine learning for data science. You will develop an understanding of the theory, computation and application of topics such as modern regression methods, decision-based machine-learning techniques, support vector machines, neural networks and deep learning.
Strategic Leadership develops the skills you will need to understand organisations, their structure and culture. You will explore the leadership skills required to manage organisations and build an understanding of the emergent issues and challenges faced in fostering ethical leadership practices.
The remainder of the course will be made up of core and option modules which will vary depending on prior qualifications and experience. These have previously included:
Introduction to Mathematics for Data Science
Introduction to Computing for Data Science
Data Science Applications in Archaeology and Heritage
Text Mining and Language Analytics
Bioinformatics
Multilevel Modelling
Data Exploration, Visualisation and Unsupervised Learning
This interdisciplinary course is made up of modules that span departments across the University. It incorporates a wide range of learning and teaching methods which vary according to the modules studied. These include lectures, seminars, workshops and computer/practical classes. The taught elements are further reinforced through independent study, research and analysis, case studies and structured reading.
All modules are underpinned by research and embed elements of research training in both delivery and assessment. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to develop research methods, skills and ethics reflecting the methods used by the research-active staff. Overall, you will be encouraged and guided to be ‘research minded’ in all modules, and to develop these critical skills for use in future work or research.
Assessment
The Master of Data Science is assessed via a combination of essays, online assessments, reports and presentations – both individual and in small groups.
The course culminates in a major research project, which is conducted and written up as an independent piece of work with support from your appointed supervisor.
Entry requirements
A UK first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent in ANY degree that doesn’t include a strong data science component including those in social sciences, the arts and humanities, business, and sciences.
Evidence of competence in written and spoken English if the applicant’s first language is not English:
minimum TOEFL requirement is 102 IBT (no element under 23)
minimum IELTS score is 7.0 overall with no element under 6.0 or equivalent
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
The skills and knowledge that constitute a Masters qualification in Data Science are widely sought by employers around the globe. In today’s data-driven society, the ability to capture, analyse and communicate information and trends from the data generated by business, governments and their agencies, communities and organisations is highly prized.
It follows that Data Science is a rapidly expanding career sector with opportunities for stimulating and rewarding work in many sectors including the areas of science, humanities, health, environmental and social where understanding and expertise in data is leading to transformations in the way people live and work.
Department information
Natural Sciences
Postgraduate Natural Sciences provision at Durham is focused data science and its expertise in capturing and processing information derived from the vast volumes of complex data being generated across the globe that affects all our lives.
A wide range of groups such as businesses, researchers, governments, communities, families and individuals can all use that data to make more informed decisions and therefore increase the chances of better outcomes for society, in fields as diverse as health, the environment and social analytics.
In an academic context, data science has a key role in underpinning research activity around many subject specialisms in many disciplines. Our Master of Data Science degrees are offered as conversion courses for those who hold a first degree that is not highly quantitative.
Six qualifications are available including the broad Master of Data Science as well as specialist routes in Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling, Digital Humanities, Earth and Environment, Health and Social Analytics.
Durham University is also home to the specialist Institute for Data Science, which acts as a hub for new ideas and works to realise its vision to help transform nature, society and culture. The Institute has many years of supporting taught degrees from Departments across the University.
Rankings:
2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Facilities
Data Science is a conversion course that incorporates content from many Departments across the University. This provides access to a selection of related state-of-the-art facilities from across the University, in particular Computer Science and Mathematics.
Facilities will depend on the subject specialism but include laboratories, libraries, project spaces, lecture theatres, study and networking spaces as well as shared social spaces. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Apply
Find out more:
Apply for a postgraduate course (including PGCE International) via our online portal.
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