MSc Mathematics and Data Science

at University of Stirling

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 analysing 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.)
 

Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2021). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
 

Course Details

Teaching
Core teaching will take the form of lectures and recorded videos from the lecturer, allowing you to study at your own pace. In addition, you will have small group discussion groups and practical sessions. These allow you to ask questions, learn from peers and practice the material covered in the core teaching material.
 

During the summer, you will carry out a research project of your choice. This project is usually based around a real-life problem and requires the analysis of a data set or the building of a mathematical model. This provides a great opportunity to showcase the skills learnt during the course and demonstrate to employers you can use the skills developed.
 

We have a programme of invited speakers from industry giving you the opportunity to ask questions of people who are doing data science every day. Recent participants include MongoDB, SkyScanner and HSBC.
 

Assessment
Assessment is primarily through coursework and projects. These projects often involve analysing real-life data or applying the methods from the module to a specific application. There are also presentations, group assignments and research projects to further develop your skills.

Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
 

Other routes of entry
If you don’t currently meet the academic requirements for this course, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need for direct entry.
 

English language requirements
 

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill 
• Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition Test 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
• Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
• Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
• Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - High Pass overall with minimum 25 in each sub-skill

Overseas (non-EU) students

2022/23 - £21,345
2023/24 - £21,845
 

Course fees

Fees shown are for a full-time, one-year Masters course.

• If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
   

Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
 

European Union and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

As opposed to focussing on a single application or field, this course was designed to give you the core skills needed to go into mathematical modelling or data science, including becoming a data analyst, data engineer, researcher or modeller.
 

This has allowed past graduates to enter into a wide range of sectors, including:

• financial institutions
• energy firms
• sport and fitness
• start-ups
• NHS
• Environmental agencies
• the Scottish Government
• PhD in UK and overseas
   

95% of our postgraduate leavers are in employment or further study within fifteen months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA).
 

Our career services is 1st in Scotland, top 5 in the UK and top 15 in the world (UK International Student Barometer (ISB) Benchmark and Global ISB Benchmark 2018).