Computing - Data Science - Sligo

Course Summary
The part-time online MSc in Data Science offered by IT Sligo prepares graduates for future work opportunities in data analytics, big data and artificial intelligence. Data Science is an occupation in high demand with strong employment growth across multiple industry sectors. Our unique Masters programme combines 6 taught modules with a strong research project, where students are given the opportunity to implement their learning within a real-life context.

The programme is delivered part-time online over two stages.

Stage one of the programme consists of six taught modules, delivered over three semesters. The taught modules examine key aspects of Data Science. These taught modules will provide the student with the fundamental skills required for solving problems in the area of Data Science. An additional taught module in Research Methods will also be provided to assist the students in beginning stage two.

Stage two consists of a research project which is designed to develop a real and tangible research project, relevant to academic requirements, the student's career aspirations and/or employer's needs. The student will complete the project over three semesters. Students will be able to propose their own project areas, subject to agreement with their supervisor. Work related projects are encouraged, again, subject to agreement with their supervisor.

The taught programme includes modules in the following areas:

Introductory Programming for Data Science
Programming for Data Science will introduce the learner to the core concepts of data science programming. The student will be introduced to the Python programming language (specifically SciPy) generally, and will employ functions to manipulate lists, before implementing multi-dimensional arrays using Numpy or similar in order to perform statistical operations and linear equations. The student will then manipulate data frames and time-series data using pandas or similar. SQL programming will also be introduced. Finally, the student will create, populate and query a NoSQL cloud database.

Applied Statistics and Probability
This module covers the statistics and probability required for a MSc in Data Science. The learner will gain the expertise to interpret the probabilistic models used in the appropriate literature. It will cover statistical methods to analyse and quantify processes. It will enable learners to model problems using probabilistic and statistical mathematical methods.

Data Analytics and Visualisation
This module covers the data analysis and visualization skills required for a Masters in Data Science. This topic will introduce the learner to data analysis techniques, which helps to interpret and extract meaningful information from raw data. The learner will gain the expertise in data pre-processing, exploratory data analysis and visualization, pattern recognition and discriminative classification. The learner will work on solving real-world problems.

Applied Linear Algebra
The subject covers the linear algebra required for post-graduate engineering and computing courses. The learner will gain the expertise to interpret the linear algebra models used in the appropriate literature. It will also enable learners to model problems using linear algebra methods.

Machine Learning
This module introduces the topic of machine learning algorithms (algorithms that learn from data), with the first part of the module dedicated to the standard shallow forms of machine learning before moving on to Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Networks for use in computer vision tasks, particularly recognition, classification and localisation. The emerging topic of Deep Reinforcement Learning will be briefly introduced. The module will look at training strategies and frameworks for Deep Learning. As well as the technical/scientific elements, students will reflect on the ethical implications of machine learning.

Programming for Big Data
This module introduces students to the architectures and tools underpinning the management and processing of large scale datasets, which are too big for conventional approaches. Students will understand these architectures and tools and be able to use them to code solutions, query data from structured, unstructured, and streamed sources, and analyse that data using appropriate algorithms.

Students will also be able to evaluate a variety of Big Data Cloud platform providers e.g. Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, in order to deploy and host data solutions.

Key Course Information
The MSc in Computing (Data Science) is fully online, delivered over 2.5 years, consisting of six taught modules and a significant research project.

Study hours: Whether you are studying part-time online, blended or full-time online, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.

Live Lectures: Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. For the MSc in Computing (Data Science), students are expected to attend 2-3 lectures each week which can range from 1-3 hours. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle.

Semester 1
Title Credits
Applied Statistics and Probability 05
Introductory Programming for Data Science? 05

Semester 2
Title Credits
Applied Linear Algebra 05
Data Analytics and Visualisation 05
Machine Learning 05

Semester 3
Title Credits
Research Methods for Data Science 05
Programming for Big Data 05

Semester 4
Title Credits
Data Science Research Thesis 55

To qualify for entry to the programme a standard applicant must hold a Level 8 Honours Degree 2:2 or above. While it expected that most applicants will have an honours degree in Computer Science or related discipline, due to the multidisciplinary nature of Data Science an Honours Degree in Engineering, Business and Science will be sufficient. However, some programming knowledge (Ideally Python or C/C++ or R) and mathematics knowledge are prerequisites to the course. Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/ credit for some parts of the programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available at www.myexperience.ie which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions@itsligo.ie .

Applications for online programmes are accepted on the atu sligo website.

All programmes advertised will run subject to sufficient student numbers.

ATU sligo online has two intakes per year, the main one being in September with a smaller listing of programmes for January. For confirmation on start dates check www.itsligo.ie/online

For September, applications open from 1st February each year. Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st august.

For January, applications open from 1st November each year. Closing date for applications is mid-January.

The online application form requires personal details, previous qualifications, professional accreditations, employment history and a personal statement. We recommend collating all the necessary paperwork i.e. Transcripts of previous qualifications, academic certificates before you submit an application.

Once submitted, our admissions team will contact you to confirm eligibility and request copies of any previous qualifications.

Academic staff review every application and approve eligible candidates for the programme.

Admissions team will notify you if you are accepted onto the course and will request deposit to confirm your place.

Places are limited, so please apply early.

90

2.5 years part-time, online.

The standard fee for the course is €9,000, or €4,500 per year if completed in two years.

Contact the college for the next start date.

Career Opportunities
Data Scientists will implement and assess the models for increasingly complex and technical roles currently required by industry. Skills such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science are highly sought after in manufacturing, insurance, retail, health & education sectors to harness opportunities associated with researching and making decisions based on data. A qualification in Data Science skills can lead to an exciting career in an array of industries including IT, financial services, retail, and manufacturing. These roles are not confined to IT based positions but can lead to roles in business intelligence, analysts, or data warehouse consultants.