Data Science & Informatics MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD

Overview

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area.

Data Science & Informatics at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. Our research looks at fields including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, through to Data and Information Visualisation.

Data Science has found applications across industry sectors, with business seeking to generate value from data using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The full economic and societal benefits have yet to be reaped. These benefits are enormous, particularly when combined with other emergent technologies such as AR/VR for data driven design and production processes in key industries. Embedding AI across the UK will create thousands of high-quality jobs and drive economic growth.

A recent study found digital technologies including AI created a net total of 80,000 new jobs annually across a population similar to the UK. It is estimated that AI could add £232bn to the UK economy by 2030 (UK Government Industrial Strategy White Paper 2017).

Our application areas of Data Science are aligned with our key strengths in Games and Cyber Security. We are exploring how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience.

We are also applying state of the art Machine Learning models for intrusion detection systems. Our expertise is broadening its reach into areas including health, community and social care. The majority of our research projects are rooted

in client-facing, real-world problems faced by games companies, charities, innovation centres and more.

Our vibrant research culture encourages areas of cross- and inter-disciplinary working. An example of this is a collaboration between psychology and data science where data analytics are applied to understand how people learn through game-based learning.

Our research degrees

You have the option of studying an MSc by Research, an MPhil or a PhD.

When deciding which degree is right for you, you should consider the level of commitment required, the duration, cost and your career aspirations.

That being said, our research degrees are flexible. You can begin an MSc or an MPhil and then seek to transfer to a PhD without having to start your project all over again. You can also switch from full-time to part-time study, and vice versa.

PhD

The award of the Doctor of Philosophy demonstrates that the main focus of your work is your personal contribution to knowledge in your discipline or field, through original research or the original application of existing knowledge.

How long is a PhD?

If you are studying full-time, you are expected to complete the award in 36 months. The minimum period to receive this is award is 24 months and the maximum is 48 months.

If you are studying part-time, you are expected to complete the award in 48 months. The minimum period to receive this award on a part-time basis is 72 months and the maximum is 96 months.