Data Science (with specialisation in Visualization) MSc, PGDip, PGCert
Our Data Science with specialisation in Visualization MSc gives you the knowledge, experience and expertise to solve real-world problems and realise data-driven insights for organisations.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2023
Important application information
Overview
Data Visualisation is an increasingly important part of data science. It aims to bridge the gap between the human and data. It supports human perception and cognition to make sense of data analytics outputs.
We created the PGDip, PGCert, MSc Data Science with Specialisation in Visualisation in collaboration with a number of high profile industry leaders. It aims to address the skills shortage in data analytics.
Our master's in data science brings together students and industry practitioners to develop and translate new technologies into industry practice.
You'll receive a comprehensive grounding in the theory and application of data science. You'll also gain the ability to apply these skills to real problems in a given application area.
Through project work, you'll experience the full lifecycle from design of interactive visualization to experimental evaluation of an advanced visualization approach.
Topics covered in the course include:
- cloud computing
- Bayesian statistics
- machine learning
You'll benefit from our substantial expertise in data science. We focus on a wide range of application areas, including:
- healthcare
- transport
- cybersecurity
- smart cities
- manufacturing
This data science course is part of the following suite:
READ MORE
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MSc, PGDip, PGCert
An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:
- subject-specific taught modules
- a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words
You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.
A Master of Science is awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
A PGDip is awarded if you successfully complete all of the taught modules (120 credits).
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
A PGCert is awarded if you successfully complete half of the taught modules (60 credits).
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
What you'll learn
The MSc data science has three phases.
In phase one you’ll be introduced to core knowledge and skills in statistics and computer science.
These modules are taught as an intensive block, with two modules taught concurrently for full-time students. Teaching is timetabled to accommodate participants from industry, working alongside full-time employment.
Phase two will present further advanced technical modules. You'll be introduced to the aspects that underlie all areas of data science practice including:
- professionalism
- legislation
- ethics
This phase also includes a group project in collaboration with industry. You'll develop and evaluate a data science solution to a complex, real-world problem.
Phase three is an individual research and development project. You'll receive personal supervision in one of the School’s research labs in collaboration with industry or with your current employer.
This MSc forms part of the following suite of data science courses:
- Data Science MSc, PGDip, PGCert
- Data Science (with specialisation in Artificial Intelligence)
- Data Science (with specialisation in Statistics) MSc, PGDip, PGCert
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
If you have permission from the Degree Programme Director, you can swap Engineering for AI to take one elective module from the following list:
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Image Informatics | 10 |
Cloud Computing with Project | 10 |
Deep Learning | 10 |
Data and Truth | 10 |
If you have permission from the Degree Programme Director, you can swap Engineering for AI to take one elective module from the following list:
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Image Informatics | 10 |
Cloud Computing with Project | 10 |
Deep Learning | 10 |
Data and Truth | 10 |
If you have permission from the Degree Programme Director, you can swap Engineering for AI to take one elective module from the following list:
How you'll learn
The School of Computing and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics deliver the course. The course starts in mid-September.
If you’re a part-time student, you have the flexibility to study over two years. The part-time version of the course encourages participation of practitioners from industry. As a part-time student you can:
- align your assessed work with the priorities of your job role
- carry out your individual project in your place of work (as long as the supervisory processes in place meet University standards)
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Poster
- Report
Project work
We'll provide you with the opportunity to undertake a project with industry, working alongside organisations and collaborating with the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD).
Throughout the degree you'll undertake individual and group-based projects.
Your six-month individual project gives you an opportunity to:
- develop and deepen your knowledge and skills
- work in a research or development team
You can develop your project:
- at the University under an academic supervisor
- by securing an industrial placement working with your current employer
You'll have one-to-one supervision from an experienced member of staff, supported with supervision from industry partners as required.
You'll be assessed by a portfolio of practical work, accompanied by an oral interview. There will be no written examinations as part of the Data Science MSc.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
We're home to the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD). We're also a partner of the Alan Turing Institute, the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. All our academic staff involved in teaching data science modules have international reputations for their contributions to the field. Many of them have extensive experience as practitioners in industry as well as work in academia.
Dr Matthew Forshaw is the Degree Programme Director for the Data Science suite of postgraduate programmes. He is also the National Skills Lead for The Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national institute for data science and AI research.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Computing is based in the £58million Urban Sciences Building, a flagship development located on the £350m Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Dr Alma Cantu
Degree Programme Director
School of Computing
Alma.Cantu@newcastle.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Live chat
Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.
You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email
Chat to a student
Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.
Social Media
Get involved with the School of Computing.