Course details
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
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Gain hands-on experience of big data analytics, data mining and visualisation techniques using high-performance computer technology. This MSc is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and enables you to develop IT solutions to big data problems in a sector with a significant skills shortage.
Big data is increasingly important in the contemporary business and IT world. For many public and private enterprises, analysis of large-scale data sets is critical to growth.
This MSc will prepare you for employment in an IT industry where big data professionals are in high demand.
You’ll learn how to interrogate vast amounts of structured and unstructured data and make informed insights from datasets that are too large to be readily processed using standard techniques.
We’ll provide an overview of the key algorithms, algorithmic approaches and software environments you’ll use when solving big data problems and explore data mining techniques.
Hands-on programming experience with the latest multi-core and multi-processor platforms will ensure your expertise in big data is underpinned by knowledge of high-performance computing. Further opportunities to specialise and enhance your knowledge of algorithms, optimisation and machine learning are available through a range of optional modules.
You’ll work as part of a small group on a practical project to find a solution to a big data problem. We’ll also provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research in preparation for your dissertation.
The programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the leading professional body for those working in IT. It is continually updated to reflect new technologies and trends.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In this module the students will learn and practise all the necessary skills needed to conduct independent research in computer science, including literature search, project management, presentation techniques, peer reviewing, writing skills and critical review of texts. They will also learn about the professional, legal, social and ethical framework of the IT industry. The module covers, e.g., planning and scheduling projects and drawing Gantt charts. Students shall also conduct a research project (including research, paper, literature review, or MSc project proposal, …) and use tools like EndNote and Zotero bibliography manager within MS Word and Latex.
This is a module to cover theoretical and practical aspects of parallel programming for multi-core architectures with the main focus on hand-on programming experience with latest multi-core and multi-processor platforms.
This module provides an initial overview of key algorithms and algorithmic approaches and corresponding software environments used when developing solutions to Big Data problems and explains how to use these to analyse data. A significant portion of statistics, some advanced AI approaches as well as key deterministic and hybrid algorithms are included to support the development of future data analytics and to understand how to develop stochastic, machine learning and hybrid algorithms that can exploit Big Data and can be applied to solve real life problems.
Masters module on practical algorithms and data structures for large datasets.
This module is an in-depth tour over optimisation methods applied for various optimisation models. These methods are extensively used in both academic and industrial practices.
The module covers a range of topics and techniques for analyzing data. Students will learn about different types of data mining problems, including classification, clustering, association pattern mining, and social network analysis, as well as algorithms to solve them.
Students will program selected data mining algorithms from scratch using Python. This hands-on approach will allow them to gain a deeper understanding of how the algorithms work and how they can be applied to real-world datasets. They will experiment with different datasets to see how the algorithms perform and learn how to interpret the results.
This module is designed to allow students to consolidate work from the first semester by working as a programming team to realise a solution to a problem related to their programme of study.
This module teaches you about bio-inspired algorithms for optimisation and machine learning. The algorithms are based on reinforcement learning, DNA computing, brain or neural network models, immune systems, the evolutionary version of game theory, and social insect swarm behaviour such as ant colonies and bee colonies. These techniques are extremely useful for searching very large solution spaces (optimisation) and they can be used to design agents or robots that have to interact and operate in dynamic unknown environments (e.g. a Mars rover, a swarm of robots or network of satellites). The idea of learning optimal behaviour, rather than designing, algorithms and controllers is especially appealing in AI.
Safety and Dependability will cover techniques for the validation of systems against formal specifications. In a first part, safety specifications (something bad never happens) using the Hoare calculus and safe abstraction are covered. A second part refers to termination (something good eventually happens), exploiting well foundedness. In a third part, Markov chains and decision processes are studied, extending the qualitative safety and termination problems from the first part to qualitative/probabilistic properties, and extending them to a simple probabilistic specification language, PCTL. As part of the module, the ability of formulating (probabilistic) models as Markov chains and decision processes are taught, as well as the use of of-the-shelf tools like PRISM or IscasMC for their analysis.
The module introduces the student to the use of logic as a tool for specifying the desired behavior of hardware, software and artificial intelligence systems, and for checking whether a given system does indeed behave as desired. The module enables the student to gain familiarity with a set of techniques which are critical in contemporary industrial applications and in academic research. It consists of 30 lectures and 10 practical sessions.
This module focuses on algorithmic aspects of game theory. A main focus of this module is on the computational aspects in the design of mechanisms and auctions. as part of the module, the students learn about Googles sponsored serarch auctions, which is one of the most successful targeted advertising systems today.
Masters Level final project (individual project with dissertation)
Teaching on this programme comprises formal lectures, small group tutorials and practical sessions in PC and Mac laboratories. You will also take part in one or more group projects. At the end of the year, you’ll complete a major individual research project under expert supervision.
Modules are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours. You’ll be assigned coursework across the length of each semester. This typically takes the form of class tests, programming assignments or small projects.
Your dissertation is assessed through a combination of written reports and a presentation of your achievements.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Department of Computer Science is housed in a grade II listed building which has been extensively refurbished for 21st century needs and challenges and provides state-of-the art equipment and high-speed communication links.
Dr Terry Payne talks you through what you can expect studying Computer Science at the University of Liverpool and shows you some of the facilities and equipment you will be using.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
If you find a subject you love and you are interested in the majority of the modules, take the leap and do it! It provides so many opportunities.
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Designed to address a skills gap in the employment market, this MSc will enable you to apply your skills working with big data and your knowledge of high performance computing to real-world challenges.
The MSc has been developed, and is delivered, in close collaboration with the Hartree Centre in Daresbury, near Warrington. Hartree operate the UK’s largest supercomputer, capable of a thousand trillion calculations per second. They collaborate with both industry and the research community to help UK businesses and organisations explore and adopt supercomputing, data science and artificial intelligence technologies.
Potential roles working with big data include:
The transferable skills you develop will also prepare you for a variety of other roles across the IT industry, while your expertise working with data will mean you’re well suited to potential PhD study.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £13,300 |
Part-time place, per year | £6,650 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £30,800 |
Part-time place, per year | £15,400 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in computer science or a closely related subject. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Dr Ullrich Hustadt
Last updated 11 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions