MSc Big Data

University of Stirling

The global data science platform market size was valued at £80.37 billion ($103.93 billion) in 2023. It is projected to grow to £600.75 billion ($776.86 billion) by 2032 (source: Fortune Business Insights 2024/5). Scotland has an exciting future at the heart of the data science revolution, with more than £660 million invested in turning our capital city, Edinburgh, into the ‘Data Capital of Europe’ (Source: Scottish Development International 2020). The city of Stirling hosts over 70 tech companies, making it a key hub for digital growth and a major tech centre in Central Scotland (source: FinTech Scotland). Become expert in big data technologies and data analytics The MSc Big Data is an advanced Masters course covering the technology of big data and the science of data analytics. As a big data scientist, you’ll help companies make sense of large amounts of data, providing rapid insights that enable them to make better, quicker decisions. You’ll learn how to collect, manage and analyse big, fast-moving data for science or commerce through cutting-edge technology such as: SQL and NoSQL databases Hadoop Python Machine Learning R Work on commercially relevant projects On our Big Data MSc, you get the opportunity to work with academics on ongoing commercially relevant research projects. You can also take part in projects with industry or technology providers. Past projects include: Fishvet Group: Developing search tool for pathology reports using NLP Sainsbury’s Bank: Driving customer value by engineering novel features from big data The course has been developed, with the option to apply for an internship in partnership with companies that employ data scientists and to make industry connections that benefit your future career. Engage with the data science industry This big data Masters degree offers a great chance to build your professional network with peers and industry leaders. You’ll engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include Huawei, Bigspark, Red Star (AI for healthcare), Virtonomy, KBC Group, and Leonardo UK. Designed to help you get a data science job In a fast-changing world, businesses rely more on big data for decisions. This course provides you with the skills that are in demand in the industry. There are opportunities for paid internships. Previous students have had internships with: IES Ltd WuTap LLC Celestia Technologies Group UK Ltd The Cabinet Office We are a member of The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre developing data science talent and skills required by industry. They offer great networking opportunities for our students. For students interested in a January start, the course duration is 21 months. For example, students starting in January 2026 will graduate in November 2027. This structure allows for flexible learning and the opportunity to develop other skills during the summer period when teaching is not scheduled.