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.
The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll study three compulsory modules and one optional module in semester one.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP516) | 15 |
| MULTI-CORE AND MULTI-PROCESSOR PROGRAMMING (COMP528) | 15 |
| BIG DATA ANALYTICS (COMP529) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| EFFICIENT ALGORITHMS (COMP526) | 15 |
| OPTIMISATION (COMP557) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll study two compulsory modules and two optional modules in semester two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DATA MINING AND VISUALISATION (COMP527) | 15 |
| MSC GROUP PROJECT (COMP530) | 15 |
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MACHINE LEARNING AND BIOINSPIRED OPTIMISATION (COMP532) | 15 |
| SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY (COMP524) | 15 |
| ALGORITHMIC GAME THEORY (COMP559) | 15 |
| COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE (COMP575) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The dissertation project is completed over the summer.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PROJECT (COMP702) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning. It's a great way to gain insight into potential career options and start building your professional network. Completing this programme with a year in industry usually takes two years, with the placement typically running for 30 weeks from September to June.
View Advanced Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with a Year in Industry MSc
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
The Department of Computer Science (with history going back to the 1960s) is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and research. The latest Research Excellence Framework rated 100% of our research outputs as being world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any Computer Science department in the UK.
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.
Want to find out more about student life?
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.
In the UK, a machine learning engineer can expect a graduate entry level salary of £35,000.
With three to five years experience, this can rise to £50,000 to £80,0000.
At senior level or in a specialised or lead role, this can rise to £120,000.
source: Prospects, Sept 2024
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Part-time place, per year - £6,650
Full-time place, per year - £30,800
Part-time place, per year - £15,400
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies..
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.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
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.
Last updated 14 January 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions