BIG DATA AND DIGITAL FUTURES (MSc/PG.Dip/PG.Cert)

This MSc responds directly to the growing demand by employers for a new generation of postgraduates who can critically engage with big data theoretically, methodologically and practically.

In contrast to many big data-focused degrees (such as Data Science or Data Analytics) where the emphasis is almost exclusively on data practices and computational tools, this degree underpins key practical skills with a range of theoretical approaches to data.

Is this course for me?

This degree is aimed at students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who want to learn more about the ways in which data and digital processes play a role in everyday life. Although no specific background is required, your application must demonstrate an ability to work creatively and an interest in big data and digital futures in general.

The MSc degree provides an excellent route to those intending to undertake further postgraduate research at doctoral level, whilst the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate allow you to focus or skill-up in particular data-driven approaches in shorter time.

For further information, contact the Course Convenor, Michael Castelle: M.Castelle.1@warwick.ac.uk or Director of Postgraduate Taught Courses Dr Sanjay Sharma: sanjay.sharma@warwick.ac.uk, or Dr Michael Dieter:m.j.dieter@warwick.ac.uk

Where will it take me?

The MSc will enable students from various disciplinary backgrounds to understand and act in a society transformed by big data, networks and computation and develop a range of interdisciplinary capacities.

Upon graduation, students can follow an academic or professional career working in knowledge-based companies, NGOs, and in such fields as information policy, new media production, public relations, or administration and entrepreneurship in big data and digital culture-based companies.

Recent MSc in Big Data and Digital Futures graduates have gone on to pursue the following careers:

Business Analyst, SkyscannerLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Software Product Owner/Consultant, Valtech Mobility GmbHLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Senior Data Coach, MultiverseLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window London-based data science training company
Smart Building Engineer, Schneider ElectricLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Analytics Graduate, Jaguar Land RoverLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Systems and Data Analyst, Redwood BankLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Information Analyst, Oxfordshire City CouncilLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

The MSc can also lead to academic studies e.g. the MPhil/PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies or other relevant disciplines. Likewise, the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate allow excellent foundations for students from different disciplinary backgrounds to learn more about big data and to skill-up in a relatively short time on particular research skills.

Core and optional modules

CORE MODULES

OPTIONAL CORE MODULES

Term 1

Data Science Across Disciplines (IM939) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods (PO91Q)Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Term 2

Scaling Data and Societies (IM950) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Advanced Quantitative Research (PO92Q) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

OPTIONAL MODULES

Please note that the modules listed here will be available each year subject to staff availability and student number uptake. Modules will also be updated annually. For further information, contact the Director of Taught Postgraduate Degrees, Dr Sanjay Sharma: sanjay.sharma@warwick.ac.uk, or Dr Michael Dieter:m.j.dieter@warwick.ac.uk

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Machine Learning (IM931)
Foundations of Data Analytics (CS910)
Data Mining (CS909)
Visualisation Foundations (IM942)
Advanced Visualisation Labs (IM946)
Data Visualisation in Science, Culture, and Public Policy (IM949)
Media Activism (IM933)
User Interface Cultures: Design Method, and Critique (IM923)
Urban Data: Theory and Methodology (IM919)
Ecological Futures: Science, Media and Culture (IM934)
Approaches to the Digital (IM902)
Digital Objects, Digital Methods (IM904)

All our modules offer European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits and please see individual module pages for equivalence. Optional modules from other departments may be considered as part of your degree programme. Should you wish to undertake an outside option, you will need to discuss this with your Masters Convenor.

Essential information

DURATION

MSc:

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 2 years

Postgraduate Diploma:

Full-time: 9 months

Part-time: 18 months

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Band BLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

There may be the option to attend the Pre-Sessional English Programme prior to commencement of study. See the Pre-Sessional English Programme websiteLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for information, but note that CIM has the additional requirement of a minimum 6.0 in the IELTS writing component for acceptance through this programme.

Fees and Scholarships

COURSE FEES

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations, registration and some student amenities.

Status	MSc full-time (one year)	MSc part-time (two years)	PG Dip full-time (9 months)	PG Dip part-time (18 months)
Overseas	£27,230	£13,615	£25,860	£12,930
Home	£12,710	£6,355	£11,500	£5,750

We consider all eligible applicants for bursaries and scholarship while funds are available, so do apply for the course as early as possible if you'd like to be considered.

Opportunity

Eligibility

Further Details

CIM International Masters Bursaries

2024-25

To support exceptional overseas scholars, CIM are offering a number of bursaries to candidates applying to study our MA in Digital Media & Culture, MSc in Big Data & Digital Futures and MASc in Data Visualisation. Candidates must have submitted an application by the deadline below and be classed as residents of the countries named for tuition fee purposes. All awards will be a contribution towards tuition fees and will be made on a competitive basis.

Applicants from all African countries: £19,061 (70% of full-time 2024-25 Overseas fee)

Applicants from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka): £13,615 (50% of full-time 2024-25 Overseas fee)

The deadline for applicants from these regions is: 23:59 (BST) 30 April 2024.

Please click hereLink opens in a new window to apply

CIM Home Bursaries

2024-25

To support talented scholars from the UK, we are offering a number of bursaries across our three taught masters programmes to applicants classified as Home for fee purposes. Each award will be an £8,000 contribution towards tuition fees and be made on a competitive basis.

The deadline for applications is: 23:59 (BST) 31 July 2024.

Please click here to apply

Postgraduate Loans

Home / EU students may be eligible to apply for a loan to support their study and living costs. Postgraduate Loans have to be paid back.

Please click hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Warwick Alumni Discount Scheme

10% tuition fee discount will be available to Warwick graduates who have Home/EU or Overseas fee status. You must be a graduate of Warwick at any level of qualification.

Please click hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Warwick Taught Masters Scholarships

Bursaries to support Home fee status students and UK domicile EU students who satisfy certain eligibility criteria.

Please click hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

Fee and stipend awards to support MA/MSc candidates from member states of the Commonwealth.

Full details are available hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

PhD Funding is possible through a number of sources at Warwick.

Further information on entry requirements are available hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

Big data and digital futures (MSc/PG.Dip)

Increasingly, big data is used to track and trace social trends and behaviours. This course addresses how big data challenge traditional research processes, and impact on security, privacy, ethics, and governance and policy.

Apply here Sign up for updates

Our other courses:

MA Digital Media and Culture

MASc Data Visualisation

MPhil/PhD Programmes

Graduate Testimonial:

Edvin Dudinskij

MSc Big Data and Digital Futures

“The uniqueness of this program was the main factor that attracted me to the MSc at Warwick. This degree program is different compared to other Big Data courses offered in the market. Its aim is not focused solely on teaching students what tools to use to analyse Big Data, but it rather teachers concepts and methodologies that question the essence of using specific data to find new insights and answer particular questions. Thus, this degree prepares you for the future with the long-term view in mind rather than focusing what is only temporary and short-term.

After my Master’s, I took up a position as a Business Analyst at Skyscanner where my work involves providing visual insights and recommendations by creating new methods and techniques for analysing travellers’ data. My long-term career aspiration would be opening my own consulting company which would specialise in Big Data.”