Professional Doctorate Data Science

You will undertake a number of taught modules to equip you with the skills required for data science research. These modules are taught through lectures, practicals and small group work and are assessed through a variety of course work and exams.
 

Compulsory modules:

• Mathematical Foundations (10 credits)
• Statistics for Data Science (10 credits)
• Representing and Manipulating Data (20 credits)
• Commercial and Scientific applications (20 credits)
• Relational and non-relational databases (20 credits)
• Data Analytics (20 credits)
• Cluster Computing (20 credits)
• Research Dissertation project (60 credits)
   

To prepare for the professional doctorate, an independent research project (60 credits) will include a systematic review of an appropriately challenging applied research topic/area, and development of a full Doctorate research proposal as outputs – assessed through an oral viva exam and research poster presentation.
 

Following the taught component, you will undertake a period of industry-led applied research (360 level 12 credits) by working with experienced academic and industrial supervisors, on original piece(s) of an applied research project. The project could either be a single long project or a portfolio of data-centric projects, depending on the industrial organization’s strategic priority needs. Outcomes will be presented in a doctoral dissertation assessment through a viva examination by internal and external examiners.
 

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.

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 - £16,734
 

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.

Demand for people with data science skills is projected to grow rapidly in the coming years attracting high salaries.
 

Our Professional Doctorate in Data Science is run in partnership with industry and is designed to produce graduates with the skills that companies need.