Master of Science in Data Analytics (MSc) Online
Enhance your employability with Aston University’s Data Analytics (MSc).
The online programme will enable you to develop the expertise to plan, design and implement appropriate data analytics solutions, and in turn, succeed in the real world.
Programme Overview
This MSc programme focuses on developing a systematic understanding of data analytics, providing you with the knowledge and skill set to plan, design and implement appropriate data analytics solutions in practical scenarios. With a broad knowledge of data analytics techniques and the intellectual skills to create well-justified solutions, you will be prepared for future challenges in the field of data analytics.
College of Engineering and Physical Sciences: The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) at Aston University is a hub of teaching and research excellence, engaging in collaborative and impactful research throughout our institutes and schools.
Triple Gold: Aston University has been awarded Triple Gold – the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
66th in the World: Aston University is ranked 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024).
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What You Will Learn
- Design solutions to real-world problems: Create solutions based on a knowledge of theories, principles and underlying concepts of data analytics.
- Create and implement algorithms: You will learn to plan, design and implement advanced computational skills and be able to assess the applicability of these algorithms.
- Analyse and critique methodologies and techniques: Fully understand and analyse methodologies and techniques related to data analytics and employ this knowledge to solve problems.
- Communicate complex data analytics concepts: No matter the audience (academic, technical or non-technical), you will be able to communicate complex data analytics concepts.
- Evaluate data analytics systems: Having an awareness of ethical and legal implications, you will learn to evaluate data analytics systems.
Why Study Online With Aston University?
Aston Online offers significant advantages, making it an appealing choice for prospective students globally.
Flexibility and convenience – fit your studies into your work/life balance.
Built for online – interactive, engaging, and purpose-designed curriculum available 24/7.
Affordable – spread the cost, pay monthly or in instalments, and earn as you learn.
Supported – dedicated student support and online tutors.
Expert tutors - staff with industry experience and experts in their fields.
Empowering creativity – complimentary full access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools for developing dynamic multimedia content and presentations through video, graphics and audio.
Transparent pricing – apply for free, with no hidden costs.
Ready for work and life – rigorous academic standards and curriculum focusing on the skills sought by employers (for now and the future).
Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
Career Prospects
Our Data Analytics (MSc) programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Graduates are in high demand and are employed in a variety of settings, including banks, consultancies, government departments, charitable and not-for-profit organisations.
Roles our graduates have gone on to secure include:
Business Analyst: Use data to inform strategic decisions, improve business, and optimise operations.
Data Analyst: Collect, analyse, and interpret complex data sets to help companies make informed decisions.
Financial Analyst: Use financial data from revenue, expenses and income to help companies make better financial decisions.
Data Quality Analyst: Ensure that data sets are accurate, reliable, and usable by detecting and correcting corrupt or inaccurate records from a record set, table or database.
Programme Structure
Our online Data Analytics (MSc) curriculum equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the field. You will delve into a wide range of topics, gaining the skills and knowledge to design and implement skilful solutions using collected data.
Modules
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30 credits
An introduction to the fundamental skills required to succeed in the programme. You will be introduced to programming in Python and database concepts. Alongside this, you will enhance your skills in areas such as calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics.
Machine Learning in Practice: Applications, Responsible Use and Ethics
30 credits
Gain the practical skills and understanding of all stages of the machine learning pipeline to prepare you for your future career and further study. Twinned with this, you will also consider the theoretical and ethical underpinnings of AI. Real-world problems will be chosen as case studies, offering a realistic view of the current progress of AI, while also focusing on challenges such as sustainable AI practices and more.
Neural Networks and Deep Learning
30 credits
An introduction to the theory of neural networks and deep learning technologies with a focus on applications to real-world problems. You will learn how various methods interrelate, their advantages and disadvantages concerning specific problems, and their theoretical underpinnings.
Prescriptive Analytics
30 credits
This module will focus on turning real-world problems into mathematical and spreadsheet models and examine how students can use models to help rational decision-making in organisations. They’ll develop a deep knowledge and understanding of the main modelling concepts and they will be able to quickly identify problems and situations in business where the use of those models can be beneficial. The module also aims to provide students with hands-on experience on implementing an efficiency and productivity assessment using methods such as Data Envelopment Analysis or Stochastic Frontier Analysis.
Aston Global Advantage and Research Methods
30 credits
Access a transformational opportunity to work within inclusive teams to investigate, develop, and propose a novel, digital, data-driven, entrepreneurial AI-enabled, software-based solution to a real-world business challenge and prepare you for your major project.
Programme Outcomes
- Design solutions to real-world problems based on a knowledge of theories, principles and underlying concepts of data analytics.
- Create and implement algorithms using advanced computational skills and be able to assess the applicability of these algorithms.
- Analyse and critique methodologies and techniques related to data analytics and employ this knowledge to solve problems.
- Communicate complex data analytics concepts for academic, technical and non-technical audiences.
- Evaluate data analytics systems in light of their ethical and legal implications.
- Critically review academic and professional literature and conduct independent research using appropriate tools.
Entry Requirements
A 2:2 Honours Degree or international equivalent in a numerate, technical or scientific subject. [Students will be given instruction and practice opportunities in coding, statistical and mathematical fundamentals, but prior experience of both is desirable.]
* English language skills are assessed during admissions. If we need evidence of your English language skills, we may ask you to take one of the recognised tests such as IELTS.
Additional requirements
You will also need to provide:
- A professional reference
- If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
- If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
- An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
- A completed application form.
A Levels
BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ or Core Maths minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.
Alternative entry requirements
We accept applications from candidates with relevant work experience who have not completed a graduate qualification.
We take a holistic approach in evaluating applications. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this programme for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Please contact our Admissions Team for advice before applying at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
International students
Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. You can check qualifications in your country here, including equivalent qualifications from Africa, Americas, Australia, North East Asia, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, South East Asia, and Western and Central Asia.
Have a question about our international entry requirements for online programmes? Email us at: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)
BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)
The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.
31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.
You must also have Standard Level grade 4 in Mathematics and grade 5 in English Language.
The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:
- Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
- Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
- Education and Childcare - grade D
- Onsite Construction - grade D
- Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
- Digital Business Services - grade D
- Digital Support Services - grade D
- Health - grade D
- Healthcare Science - grade D
- Science - grade D
- Accounting - grade D
- Finance - grade D
- Management and administration - grade D
- Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
- Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
- Legal Services - grade D
Additional to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:
GCSE Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4 and above.
Find Out If You Qualify
If you have any questions about your eligibility or the application process, please get in touch with the Aston Online Admissions Team:
Email: enquiries@astononline.ac.uk
Call: +44 (0) 121 824 6374
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00 GMT
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