Machine Learning with a Year in Industry MSc at Royal Holloway University of London

The course

Machine learning has already revolutionised the user experience of millions of web users the world over, and yet the discipline is still comparatively young. In time, this form of artificial intelligence will have an even more profound impact on the way we use software and interact with computer technology. Study Machine Learning at Royal Holloway, University of London and you’ll equip yourself with a set of crucial skills to assist in the development of the next generation of search and analysis technologies.

Skills that you will acquire include the ability to:

• develop, validate, and use effectively machine learning and statistical models
• work with structured, unstructured, and time-series data
• extract value and insight from data
• work with methods and techniques such as clustering, regression, support vector machines, boosting, decision trees, and neural networks
• develop and use universal prediction algorithms, including universal strategies for dynamic investment
• complement predictions with provably valid measures of accuracy and reliability.
• work with software packages such as MATLAB and R

You’ll study in one of the UK’s leading research departments, and contribute to our renowned research culture with your own Independent Project. You’ll benefit from cutting-edge research-led teaching, with the department’s research strengths including Algorithms and Applications, Machine Learning, Bioinformatics and others.

You will be taught by world-leading academics. Research in Machine Learning at Royal Holloway started in the 1990’s, at which time Vladimir Vapnik and Alexey Chervonenkis, the inventors of Support Vector Machines, were both professors here. We have developed both fundamental theory and practical algorithms that have fed into the analytics methods and techniques that are in use today. Current researchers include Alexander Gammerman and Vladimir Vovk, the inventors of conformal predictors theory, and Chris Watkins, who developed ‘Q-learning’, a work that is fundamental to planning and control.

Royal Holloway’s location close to the M4 corridor – otherwise known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ – gives you the chance to benefit from networking and placement opportunities with some of the country’s top technology organisations. By electing to spend a year in industry you will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice and gain real business experience. In the past, our students have secured placements in blue-chip companies such as Centrica, Data Reply, Disney, IMS Health, Rolls Royce, Shell, Sociéte Générale, VMWare and UBS, among others.

You’ll graduate with a highly desirable Masters qualification in a rapidly expanding sector with excellent graduate employability prospects. The skills and knowledge you’ll develop will be in high demand by employers including Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Yahoo, and you'll be well prepared to pursue a rewarding career.

• Gain invaluable skills and experience with a year in industry at one of the country's leading tech organisations.
• Benefit from strong industry ties, with close proximity to ‘England’s Silicon Valley’.
• Graduate with a Master's degree offering excellent graduate employability prospects.
• Tailor your learning with a wide range of engaging optional modules.

Your future career

Demand for data scientists is buoyant, in the UK and worldwide, with salaries much higher than other IT professions and at least double the UK average full time wage. A Master's in Machine Learning at Royal Holloway, University of London offers students excellent graduate employability prospects. You’ll develop practical skills in machine learning techniques, making you an attractive candidate to employers. You’ll also be well-placed to pursue PhD study, should you choose to progress your studies further.

You’ll develop a range of highly sought-after transferable skills, while our proximity to the M4 corridor technology hub – also known as ‘England’s Silicon Valley’ – will provide you with excellent placement and networking opportunities to pave the way for a rewarding future career. We bring several companies to our campus throughout the year, both for fairs and for delivering advanced topics seminars, which are an excellent opportunity to learn about what they do and discuss possible placements or jobs. Our recent graduates have gone on to enjoy roles at organisations such as British Aerospace, Microsoft, Amazon, and American Express.

• Strong industry ties help to provide placement and networking opportunities with some of the country’s leading institutions.
• Together with our on-site Careers and Employability Service, we run one-to-one coaching sessions and workshops, helping you to find a placement or job and lead a successful career.