Undergraduate School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences ⭐ Professional Accreditation

University of the West of Scotland

MSc Big Data

A specialized master’s degree addressing the massive expansion of global data infrastructure, providing high-level practical expertise in advanced data science, data mining, and scalable intelligent systems.

Paisley September January

Duration

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time (September intake) / 1.5 years full-time or 2-3 years part-time (January intake)

IELTS (min)

6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Course overview

About the Course

The MSc Big Data focuses on resolving the core dimensions of modern data engineering—Volume, Velocity, Variety, and Veracity—equipping computing graduates with advanced hands-on expertise in scalable processing frameworks.

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This highly specialist postgraduate programme addresses the growing importance of identifying, engineering, and utilizing Big Data technologies within enterprises, public frameworks, and global social media systems.

Programme structure

Course Modules

This programme is structured to build strong subject knowledge, academic readiness and applied professional capability through each stage of study.

  • Advanced Data Science (COMP11068) - 20 Credits
  • Intelligent Systems (COMP11071) - 20 Credits
  • Data Mining and Visualisation (COMP11069) - 20 Credits
  • Mobile Networks and Smartphone Applications (COMP11062) - 20 Credits
  • Professional Computing Ethics (COMP11001) - 10 Credits
  • Software Design for AI-Driven System (COMP11137) - 10 Credits
  • Research Design and Methods (COMP11017) - 10 Credits
  • Emerging Topics in Computing (COMP11060) - 10 Credits
  • Masters Project (COMP11024) - 60 Credits

Placement Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Step into technical leadership roles within data-driven economies

Graduate Outcomes

Strong

Formally accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and validated by the UWS Industrial Advisory Board.

Graduates are highly sought after by domestic and international IT companies, financial services, healthcare authorities, and commercial enterprises striving to unlock hidden value within modern high-…

What our students say

The master's project structure enables students to reach clear milestones—from initial design specification panels to complete system evaluation—ensuring profes…

Prof Naeem Ramzan, Programme Leader

Key placement benefits

  • Advanced Data Science & Visualisation
  • Scalable Architecture & Data Mining
  • Intelligent Systems Engineering
  • Ethical Systems Design & Compliance

Placement providers

  • Multinational Enterprises & Cloud Providers
  • Financial Institutions & Advisory Firms
  • Government Sectors & Smart Cities Projects
  • Leading Global Research Frameworks

Tuition information

Tuition Fees

2026/2027 Academic Year

Scholarships Available
£18,900 for the full course

£2,700 per 20-credit module

Flexible modular payment schedules are available upon institutional request.
Enhanced International Scholarships may substantially reduce the gross tuition fees.

*Tuition parameters undergo regular annual assessment. Values listed explicitly match international student framework metrics.

English language

Entry Requirements

Postgraduate proficiency baselines for English language entry.

6.0

IELTS Score Required

Minimum 5.5 in each individual component

Accepted alternatives

Other recognized tests

  • TOEFL iBT

    78

  • Pearson PTE Academic

    54

  • Duolingo English Test

    105

Equivalent verified language certifications are dynamically validated by the international admissions office.

Maximum Exemptions Available

Professional Relevance

Formally accredited for industry excellence

Adheres closely to the UK QAA Benchmark Statement for Master's Degrees in Computing and integrates external engineering standards.

BCS Accreditation

British Computer Society Specialist Masters Standard

Contributes partial fulfillment towards CITP Further Learning and educational CEng requirements.

International applicants subject to immigration control mechanisms may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Official admissions guidance

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold an appropriate undergraduate qualification/Honours degree (2.2 or above) in Computing, Engineering, or a closely related quantitative discipline. Alternative equivalent academic, vocational, or professional qualifications are assessed individually by the Programme Leaders.

Our specialized international teams are ready to analyze your degree transcripts and establish direct entry options.

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