MSc in Big Data Technologies

Embark on a career in a leading-edge field and master the exciting and challenging world of big data!

Big data techniques are revolutionising how organisations and industries acquire and analyse data, offering valuable insights into how people live, work, play, travel, shop and exercise. These insights are valuable to marketers, researchers, designers, city planners, app developers, educators and many more.

GCU's MSc in Big Data Technologies helps students build the fundamental knowledge and practical skills for success in this fast-growing field. You'll develop competence in a range of emerging technologies: big data, cloud computing and the internet of things. You'll learn from the experts; GCU is internationally recognised for the strength of its research in these exciting subjects, driving 21st-century innovation.

With both full-time and part-time study available, the programme is ideal for someone with a background in computer science, software engineering, web technologies or computer engineering who wants to enhance or update their skills. Those with backgrounds in mathematics and electronics are also well suited.

The up-to-date curriculum keeps a career-focused approach, so you'll gain valuable skills you can immediately put to work in the industry.

• Apply leading-edge tools and technologies from companies such as IBM, Microsoft and SAS
• Explore industry-standard open-source development platforms such as Hadoop
• Achieve industry recognition with SAS joint certification in the programme's Data Analytics module

Your expertise in big data will enable you to provide new insights into human behaviour and psychology, which can help us build stronger and happier societies across the globe. Your work could shape smart, sustainable cities; remove barriers to education; help people make healthier choices day-to-day; improve public health… and so much more. All meaningful ways of contributing to the common good.

Graduate prospects

When you graduate, you'll be a competitive candidate for roles as a systems developer, architect or administrator in data and analytics. You'll find opportunities in a diverse range of industries: engineering, pharmaceuticals, finance, healthcare, retail, security, smart environments and more.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018 . This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling in the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

More information is available from our award-winning Visa Immigration Support & Advice (VISA) team.

Why choose this programme?

This programme will equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills of the core technologies for harnessing the big data challenges, including capture, curation, storage, integration, sharing, search, analysis, mining of large distributed unstructured datasets. Studies on this programme are supported and enhanced uniquely by the University’s internationally excellent research strengths, especially in cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things and cyber-physical systems.

Of parallel importance in our programme is to cultivate the professionalism which is expected within the industry. With all the future-proofing capabilities synthesised coherently together, graduates of the MSc in Big Data Technologies will be amongst the most highly skilled ICT graduates, responding confidently to the needs and challenges in diverse big data application domains.

Work placements

Students will be made aware of placement opportunities provided by our industry partners. Typically a placement would be undertaken after graduating from the MSc programme but opportunities can sometimes be made available for students to undertake their MSc Dissertation in partnership with a commercial company.

Assessment methods

Assessment is used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes. The methods of assessment include class tests, coursework assignments, practical tests and technical reports. Practical implementation and evaluation form a significant part of the assessment for the taught modules and for the work of the MSc dissertation.

Glasgow Caledonian University is a distinctive, inclusive and forward-looking university that is committed to its social mission to promote the common good. We have become an international centre of excellence in higher education, promoting employability and global citizenship in our graduates. We win awards for our support and commitment to the student experience, whilst delivering innovation through our world-class research in key areas of strength. We have a tradition of widening access to higher education for talented individuals regardless of their backgrounds, and we leverage our intellectual and social capital for the benefit of the communities we serve in Scotland and internationally.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a vibrant, innovative and multi-award winning University for the Common Good.

We aim to contribute to society in a manner that embraces yet goes beyond the traditional role of a university. GCU’s For the Common Good commitment is brought to life and delivered by students and staff across academic schools and departments.

Welcome to the School of Engineering and Built Environment

GCU's vast IT, engineering and construction experience is housed within the School of Engineering and Built Environment. Our supportive staff are experts in their field; well-connected frontrunners in areas such as IT security and web development, environmental science, telecommunications, surveying and building services. Our research into built environment and connections with industry leaders in growing markets such as games design make us an exciting choice for students, staff and researchers.

GCU's School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE), one of three academic schools in GCU, brings together the Department of Construction and Surveying, Department of Engineering and Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems. Inter-departmental collaborations allow the school to offer stimulating, unparalleled range of teaching and flexible delivery options, combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge practice.

We are especially proud of our industry links and partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning in our curriculum, which is reflective of the changing needs of the labour market. Furthermore, we are fortunate to welcome a large number of part-time students each year who bring a great deal of practical experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Departments

The School has over 200 academic staff in its three departments. Our primary output, consistent with the University’s strategy, is the education of students to the highest possible standard, producing highly qualified graduates with degrees that are accredited by the premier national and international authorities.

We work to support the Common Good through our roles in the education of students from socially challenging backgrounds, through our innovative support of the public sector and by our research which aims to benefit society.

Construction and Surveying

The Department of Construction & Surveying has for many years produce more graduates for the construction and property sectors than any other university in the UK.

Engineering

The Department of Engineering is highly respected nationally and internationally for teaching, research and consultancy.

Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems

The Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems (CCIS) is led by Professor Tom Buggy and consists of Communication Networks & Security Engineering, Computer and Electronic Systems Engineering, Digital Media Design, Interaction Design & Engineering and Software Engineering.

Professional Accreditation

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest advances in the industry but help our graduates to stand-out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Builders)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMeche (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest industry advancements but also help our graduates to stand out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• APM (Association for Project Management)
• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIHIT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• InstMC (Institute of Measurement and Control)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)