Master of Science in Data Science at Institute of Technology Carlow

The MSc in Data Science NFQ Level 9 course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge base and skillset to fulfil and succeed in a variety of roles within data science driven organisations.

The course is designed to meet current industry needs and provides students with a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the analysis and utilisation of large data sets, together with experience in conducting data science development projects, thereby preparing graduates for positions of responsibility in the Big Data and IT industries.

As well as studying a range of core taught modules, learners will undertake a significant research and/or programming project to further enhance their skillset from the creation of a project proposal to the delivery and deployment of a significant data science project.

This innovative course will build on participants’ professional and personal skills in areas such as presentation, communication and soft skills as well as data science development, integration and critical thinking around the design, implementation and deployment of data science solutions and systems in industry.

What will I be able to do when I finish this programme?

The aim of this programme is to provide learners with an understanding and ability to critically evaluate and utilise data analytics and the associated processes, systems, algorithms, technologies and insights garnered, ethically, in appropriate contexts. The programme also focuses on current research in the field and enables participants to review and critically assess this research.

What subjects will I study?

• Programming for Data Scientists
• Data and Data Storage Technology
• Statistics for Data Science
• Research Methods
• Infrastructure for Big Data
• Data Analytics and Algorithms
• Data Visualisation and Insight
• Project/Dissertation

Study Opportunities

Successful graduates from this course may progress to undertake specific data science research courses at level 9 or level 10 within the GameCORE research centre at Institute of Technology Carlow. A number of the development team for this programme are also attached to GameCORE and are engaged in data focused research and research supervision.

Graduates will have progression opportunities to other NFQ level 9 and Level 10 courses. Students who successfully complete the necessary 60 credits of the programme will be eligible for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Level 9) should they opt to leave the programme (Embedded Exit Award).

Potential employment opportunities

Data science is the interdisciplinary field of study of processes and systems to extract knowledge or insights from data in a variety of formats, either structured or unstructured, which is a continuing evolution  of traditional data analysis fields such as statistics, data mining, and predictive analytics.

Data scientists who have successfully completed this programme are equipped to work in ICT, finance, business, insurance, marketing and retail, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, telecommunication, media, sports and other sectors. The programme delivers rounded graduates for technical development and/or data science management positions in the previously mentioned sectors.