Data Science

Our intensive MSc Data Science is designed for graduates who are new to computer science and wish to develop the knowledge and skills for a successful career in data science and AI, working as a data scientist or as a software developer of data-intensive systems. It is also ideal if you are working in IT or data science, without a relevant degree, and want to update your skills and place them in a broader context, while also obtaining a formal qualification in this area of emerging importance.<br/><br/>On this course you will gain a broad knowledge of the techniques and concepts of data science and acquire strong programming and data analysis skills using Python, R and Java - the most popular programming languages used by data scientists today.<br/><br/>Our MSc Data Science also allows you to develop foundational skills in software development and specialist skills such as natural language processing and deep neural networks.<br/><br/>To accommodate graduates at different stages of their career or with different work or care commitments, we offer alternative modes of study:<br/><br/><br/>- a mix of intensive daytime and evening classes with entry in October or January, and<br/><br/><br/>- part-time with evening classes spread over two academic years (ideal for those in full-time employment).<br/><br/><br/>**Highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students. Our research dates back to the late 1940s, when one of the first electronic computers was developed at Birkbeck by Dr Andrew Booth. We now house the Computational Intelligence Research Group and the Information Management and Web Technologies Research Group, both of which collaborate with other research groups and with industry, in the UK and abroad, and undertake interdisciplinary research in the life, natural and social sciences, and the humanities.<br/><br/><br/>- We provide a stimulating teaching and research environment, with academic specialists in all fields, including information and knowledge management, web and pervasive technologies, computational intelligence, and information systems development, among others. <br/><br/><br/>- You will have 24-hour access to laboratories of networked PCs with a range of language compilers, database and other application software. We are connected, via the SuperJANET network, to the computers of other academic institutions in London, elsewhere in the UK and abroad.<br/><br/><br/>- The Birkbeck Knowledge Lab draws on multi- and interdisciplinary perspectives and methodologies from across the sciences, social sciences and the arts, to investigate how digital technologies and digital information are transforming our culture and how we learn and work.<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.<br/><br/><br/>**Careers and employability**<br/><br/>Graduates can pursue career paths in software engineering, information systems management, consultancy, or research. Possible professions include:<br/><br/><br/>- database administrator<br/><br/><br/>- IT consultant<br/><br/><br/>- systems developer<br/><br/><br/>- systems analyst<br/><br/><br/>- information systems manager<br/><br/><br/>- IT sales professional<br/><br/><br/>- technical author.<br/><br/><br/>We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.