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The need for data scientists and data engineers tripled over the past five years. In England, there is an “explosive demand” for data science skills, according to the Burning Glass Technologies analysis commissioned by the Royal Society. This is faster than the rate of overall job postings in the UK, which only rose 36%, according to the report “Dynamics of Data Science: Ensuring a Healthy Data Science Skills Landscape Across All Sectors in the UK.”
Nigerian student Kayode Ajayi noticed this. Wanting to gain in-depth knowledge in this field, he signed up for the MSc Data Science and Business Analytics programme at The University of Plymouth’s renowned School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.
“Having a friend who graduated from the University of Plymouth, I was told about the school’s environment and culture, which really stood out for me,” shares Ajayi, adding that he has found the University to be accessible and welcoming for international students.
Sharique Ahmad from India agrees. “The University of Plymouth’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is a perfect blend of business, computing and mathematics, and this is what I am looking for,” shares Ahmad.
The University of Plymouth’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics provides everything that student Sharique Ahmad was looking for. Source: The University of Plymouth
The school’s MSc Data Science and Business Analytics programme is a conversion master’s, which means students with a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) and no prior knowledge of data analysis, statistics, or work experience are accepted. The modules are designed to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge. As Ahmad puts it, all modules are “important in their way for our academic and professional development.”
This will help you be in a prime position to pursue prestigious and extremely well-rewarded roles such data analyst, data manager, research and business analyst, and social media and business strategist, to name a few.
For Ajayi, the programme makes him well-equipped to offer value to organisations in the UK before returning to Nigeria. “Much later, I plan on going back to my country to establish an organisation to help people over there and solve some problems,” he says.
The school’s MSc Cyber Security is another programme that offers excellent career prospects, giving you the opportunity to help reduce the current shortage of cyber security skills in the marketplace.
Just ask Shashwat Adhikari from Nepal who attributes his interest in cyber security to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the subject. “With new vulnerabilities and attacks cropping up every other day, and the exponential advancements in technology, I find the constant need to stay updated and for required research, both of which suit my curious and short attention spanned nature,” enthuses Adhikari.
He especially enjoys the programme’s Ethical Hacking module the most, mostly due to the University’s impressive lab facilities certified by the UK National Cyber Security Centre and the programme’s course and staff.
“The thoroughly thought-out lab facilities at the University must be commended as they make the learning environment much more practical and hands-on, allowing for a better learning experience,” highlights Adhikari.
The school’s MSc Cyber Security programme boasts a strong alignment of learning to industry recognised certifications, such as AccessData Forensic Examiner (ACE), and EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The course also has extensive links with major professional bodies and societies such as the BCS, ISACA, IFIPTechnical Committee 11 and the Chartered Institute of Information Security. It’s also closely linked with the Centre for Cyber Security, Communications and Network Research (CSCAN) research activities.
“These certifications help in adding additional qualifications to my resume,” shares Prajyot Kavalekar from India when he explains his reason for choosing the University of Plymouth.
All of these make the programme a great stepping stone for aspiring engineers. For Adhikari, he’s hungry for more. “I have been thoroughly impressed with the facilities and dedication of the staff at the university, to the point that I decided to join the University of Plymouth’s Doctoral College to pursue my PhD.”
Shashwat Adhikari attributes his interest in cyber security to the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the subject. Source: The University of Plymouth
If another aspect of computing such as AI is what you seek, then the University’s MSc Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be for you. It’s the University’s newest and most cutting-edge programme, which utilises the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS), which builds upon world-leading excellence in computer science, robotics and neural systems research.
For students, this translates to state-of-the-art robotic laboratories, deep dives into state-of-the-art AI technologies, close working with researchers, as well as learning through large projects coordinated by the CRNS staff in collaboration with major international centres in cognitive robotics and computational neuroscience. All of these experiential learning opportunities will let you gain an appreciation of the wide range of industrial applications AI has in the modern world. This will be your springboard to become a leader in the future of AI industries.
Whether you pursue an MSc Data Science and Business Analytics, MSc Cyber Security or MSc Artificial Intelligence (AI) master’s at the University of Plymouth, these programmes are what you’ll need to excel in the ever-changing and fast-paced industry. Not convinced? The school has pledged and is an official Signatory of the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code, a framework for organisations with a mission to increase the diversity and number of young people entering engineering careers.
Want to study one of our master’s programmes but think you may not meet our entry requirements? The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) may be able to help you! As an associate college of the University, they offer pre-master’s foundation programmes that can lead you directly onto MSc programmes within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Their pre-master’s courses are one-semester long programme (three months) focusing on three main areas:
i) Critical Thinking for Postgraduate Study;
ii) Interactive Learning Skills and Communication;
iii) Research Methods for Postgraduate Study.
More than 90% of our students complete their pre-masters successfully, with more than 90% going on to complete their master’s successfully! Apply online today!
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