MSc Data Analytics and Technologies

Program Overview

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Course Details

Data skills are in-demand

A survey of 9.2 million UK job adverts found that just over one in ten roles required data expertise (1). Across the economic spectrum, there is a growing need for professionals who can unlock the potential of data, turning raw information into actionable insight. From healthcare, government and public services to marketing, telecommunications and the energy sector, data skills are highly transferable between industries. The University of Bolton's MSc Data Analytics and Technologies is open to computing graduates and those with extensive relevant work experience wishing to launch their career in data analysis, data visualisation and the technologies that underpin these essential business activities.

Supporting you to become the 'complete package'

Employers are not looking for 'robots' that process data – they are looking for well-rounded human beings with a combination of high-level technical expertise and essential interpersonal and employability skills, such as leadership, communication, critical thinking, team working and problem-solving. We draw expertise from across the University to ensure you gain the vital mix of hard and soft skills necessary for career success. In addition, our extensive links with regional and national employers offer opportunities for masterclasses, networking and individual industry-based projects. Overall, this course offers you the opportunity to develop extensive knowledge of data analytics and a broad grounding in technology solutions, coupled with essential skills development for business and leadership. Together these attributes will take your CV to the next level.

Mastering the data

Our experts will support you as you develop an extensive knowledge of data analysis principles and methods and gain a broad grounding in technology solutions. We'll focus on high-impact areas such as digital marketing and how the culture of the web, social media and digital technologies affect consumer behaviour. You'll be encouraged to explore how concepts from consumer psychology, marketing and business intelligence are applied in areas such as web analytics, email marketing, search engine optimisation and online advertising. We'll guide you as you learn how to use a selection of data analytics software packages, and apply this knowledge to contemporary case studies in a hands-on way to extract and present valuable insights from the data. This course offers you the skills to interrogate and make sense of data, unlock vital insights and communicate your discoveries.

Helping you pursue Amazon Web Services (AWS) certification

To ensure you have the skills to effectively manage and store data, we'll support you in developing critical understanding and practical ability in the use of core IT infrastructure, architecture, processes and technologies. This will be particularly helpful when you undertake cloud-based data analysis. Companies are increasingly using the public cloud, so need professionals with the skills to design, deploy and manage applications in cloud computing. Therefore, we offer specific materials to help you pursue AWS certification as a Cloud Practitioner (2). AWS certification emphasises hands-on experience and best practice, meaning it stands out for its rigour and thoroughness in evaluating your skills. As the market leader in the cloud computing space, AWS certification demonstrates and validates your technical cloud knowledge and skills, helping you stand out to employers.

Future-proof your career

Big data, cyber laws, consumer data analytics and AI is revolutionising and transforming how people do business. Being able to adapt and work effectively in a digitally enriched business environment is a key skill required by employers. Our MSc Data Analytics and Technologies degree offers an innovative approach that will help you to become your own career coach. We'll take a multi-faceted approach to help you gain a combination of academic, analytical, business and professional skills that will prepare you for a career as a data analyst, as well as provide a sound basis for doctoral-level study. We'll use tried and tested, research-informed coaching and training methods to support your development and help you form clear plans for your future. You'll undertake individual industry-based projects and create a body of work that focuses on your progression into employment. Completing this course will extend your skills and increase your self-confidence so you can compete with confidence for your dream job, secure a promotion or build your own business.

(1) https://royalsociety.org
ews/2019/05/data-science-skills-shortages/ accessed on 9 February 2023

(2) Please note, to achieve AWS certification, you'll need to commit to significant additional independent study. Achieving AWS certification is not part of the learning outcomes for this master's degree.

Would you prefer to complete your course over a longer timeframe?

We also offer this course with a duration of 18 months full-time or 24 months part-time. For full-time study, please visit our MSc Data Analytics and Technologies: Extended course search web page for details and to apply. Alternatively, for part-time study, please visit our MSc Data Analytics and Technologies course search web page.

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Highlights

Dr Selva Pankaj, the author of 'Thinking into Character – A Proven Methodology for the Creation of Success & Self-Fulfilment', is a valued partner of the University whose work will support you in the development of business and career planning, confidence and knowledge.

Our industry‐engaged staff have strong links with organisations across the range of public, commercial and industrial sectors, offering opportunities for industry masterclasses and lectures, joint projects, and networking.

We offer you the opportunities to develop extensive knowledge of the key data analysis principles and methods, along with a broad grounding in technology solutions.

Working with local and regional public bodies, we offer you the chance to participate in data-focused hackathons that use outcomes to benefit communities.

This MSc is part of the University of Bolton's 'Career Development Masters' suite, offering shared modules that give you a wider business perspective. Inspired by the graduate training programmes of major companies, these modules will help you develop high-level employability and transferable skills and apply them in your career.

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Key Features

Teaching and supervision are delivered by dedicated staff chosen for their expertise and experience in fields relevant to data analytics and big data, relevant technologies and your professional development needs.

We offer an engaging programme of visiting speakers so you can enjoy masterclasses with industry professionals, gaining insights into contemporary issues, developments and practice in data analysis, digital technologies and the broader commercial environment.

We'll offer you opportunities for interdisciplinary work and collaboration.

Upon graduation, you'll be able to showcase your expert knowledge to employers through your Professional Dissertation. This independent and substantial body of work will demonstrate your mastery of an aspect of data analytics and technologies, as well as your postgraduate-level skills in research and critical thinking.

By choosing to study with us, you'll have the chance to enjoy Bolton's many shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. Manchester, one of the UK's most multicultural and lively cities, is less than 20 minutes away by train. Not forgetting, the North West of England is renowned for its beautiful countryside, coastline and heritage. This makes Bolton an ideal base from which to explore some of the best cultural and outdoor activities the UK offers.

Program Outline

Data is rewriting the rules of many professions, and employers from government departments to technology start-ups are scrambling to recruit professionals who can help them make sense of it. The demand for workers with specialist data skills is enormous. The global big data analytics market was valued at over US$240 billion in 2021, with significant growth expected in the coming years (3). Moreover, the UK data market is the largest in Europe and the third largest in the world (4). Organisations from across the economic spectrum are seeking to recruit people with data science skills, and the opportunities for professionals continue to grow.

Our MSc in Data Analytics and Technologies offers a postgraduate route into this in-demand and varied career. It's an ideal bridge into data analysis and technologies if your undergraduate degree is in a computing-related subject area. Additionally, it's an excellent option if you've been working in a relevant field, gaining degree-level knowledge through experience and self-study rather than formal education.

As a graduate of this master's degree, you'll possess an impressive all-around combination of skills and knowledge. In addition to a strong theoretical and practical understanding of data analytics and technologies, you'll be able to demonstrate essential interpersonal and people skills, such as collaboration and team working, negotiation and persuasion. You'll clearly understand the contexts in which data analysts work, coupled with commercial awareness and business-relevant knowledge. You'll also possess high-level academic skills in research, critical thinking and curiosity. Not only will all this help you become established early on in your career, but you'll also be primed to take on leadership roles. Moreover, you'll have the lifelong learning, problem-solving and decision-making skills needed to adapt to new challenges throughout your career.

(3) https://www.statista.com/statistics/1336002/big-data-analytics-market-size/ accessed on 9 February 2023 (4) https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/outsourcing-itobpo/big-data/market-potential accessed on 9 February 2023

What can I do with this qualification?

An essential focus of this course is on giving you the confidence to promote yourself effectively by drawing on the most appropriate elements of your expertise and presenting your ideas and work in the correct way. As a graduate of this industry‐focused, hands-on MSc, you'll possess strong skills in data analytics and technologies, along with clear plans for how to use these to progress your career. Depending on your prior qualifications and experience, a wide range of career opportunities will be open to you, as will the option of further study towards a PhD should you choose a career in research or academia.

Data analysts are in high demand across all sectors, and data analytics roles are diverse. You may be involved in looking for trends and patterns to help companies make business decisions, predict demand for goods or services, or check quality control standards in areas like food and drug testing. There are also many roles in marketing and marketing research; for instance, in opinion poll design and analysis, analysing trends in consumer feedback and search engine optimisation for websites.

Organisations in areas such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education all need professionals to help mine and analyse large datasets, draw conclusions and present these insights to managers so that they can drive the business forward. Big data has intensified the need for analysts who can create data dashboards, graphs and visualisations to communicate trends to business leaders and other stakeholders. Conversely, small and medium-sized enterprises need consultants to help them make business decisions based on their data on an ad hoc basis, so you could consider starting your own business to support their needs.

Completing this course will open a multitude of doors, and you'll be well prepared to seek employment or promotion, or become self-employed using the enterprise and innovation skills you've developed as part of the course. You'll also be invited to continue your education via the MPhil and PhD degrees available at the University of Bolton.

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Alternative career options

Depending on your prior qualifications and experience, after graduation, you can also use this master's degree as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Some possibilities include:

Leadership and management

Use of technology in enhancing business and industrial processes

Solutions driven business and industrial investigation

Marketing and public relations

Social media management

Information systems management

Cyber security

Social enterprise

Policy management

Education and teaching

Advising and consultancy