Developed to meet the demand for data science professionals, our postgraduate Data Analytics course enables you to effectively structure, analyse and gain insight from a wide range of complex data across different industries.
Designed in close consultation with industry partners including the NHS Business Services Authority, Teradata, BT, SAS, the Pensions Regulator and local Brighton companies, your learning is informed by current business developments through case studies looking at real-world data sets, research questions and scenarios. You have the opportunity to collaborate on projects with our industry partners, and can also use your own data, project ideas and industry links.
Guest lecturers will share their knowledge and expertise with you, such as Tom Khabaza who is a founding chairman of the Society of Data Miners, author of 9 Laws of Data Mining and was involved in designing the course.
You will develop a skill set in specialist data analytics and associated software, quantitative methods and techniques, and business intelligence. Our staff are experts in their field and you have the chance to develop your knowledge in specialist areas where we have ongoing research and expertise, such as sequential forecasting, natural language processing and image processing.
Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional wanting to gain data analysis skills, this course is available on a full or part-time basis to help you manage your studies around other commitments.
The course covers three main areas:
You will learn how to assess project viability, propose sound business cases and strategies for analysis, perform and oversee analysis and manage large data projects successfully as well as developing your critical appraisal and presenting techniques.
Based at our Moulsecoomb campus, you will have access to computer and research labs equipped with specialist, sophisticated software including SAS, SPSS Statistics and SPSS Modeller. Affordable student licences for home use are also available.
With a flexible timetable to suit full-time or part-time students and commuters, and lecturers available to support you in your module choices, there are different study routes available to you.
You will study five core modules. One of these involves a major project, potentially in collaboration with industry. You will also choose option modules, subject to availability, allowing you to focus on particular areas of interest.
Core modules
Option modules*
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
A wide variety of organisations draw upon data analytics specialists to help produce valuable information for decision-making, for example commodity price forecasting, customer intelligence, clinical trials, R&D and many other areas utilising large amounts of data.
Graduates are able to choose from a range of private, governmental and academic roles, depending on their personal interests. Some of our full-time students find a full-time job and switch to part-time study in the middle of the course.
Graduate destinations include:
These postgraduate programmes aim to create highly sought-after researchers who are ready to apply their advanced knowledge and practical skills in the workplace or on further research.
You will learn how to collect, analyse and interpret social data and become skilled in interview techniques, surveys, problem-solving, communication skills and the latest industry software.
Students examine issues from across the social sciences and are introduced to both quantitative and qualitative research methods before having the option of specialising.
During the programme, you will research real world issues such as evaluating local health care services, predicting voting behaviour during elections or researching the impact of Hull’s year as the 2017 UK City of Culture on local people.
Taught by experienced researchers who are experts in their fields, the interesting and varied curriculum will be delivered through an enquiry-based approach to teaching including small-group work, tutorials, workshops and independent study.
It was designed with input from industry experts, former students and leading academics to ensure that it means the demands of the modern social research industry.
Students will be provided with a high level of academic support across the programme and all modules will be taught on one specific day (currently Thursdays) to accommodate part-time and working students.
There are four variants:
MSc in Social Research
Semester 1 (PGCert)
Semester 2 (PGDip)
Summer period (Masters)
MSc in Social Research with Quantitative Methods
Semester 1 (PGCert)
Semester 2 (PGDip)
Summer period (Masters)
MA in Social Research with Qualitative Methods
Semester 1 (PGCert)
Semester 2 (PGDip)
Summer period (Masters)
MSc in Social Research (Doctoral Training Pathway)
Semester 1 (PGCert)
Semester 2 (PGDip)
Summer period (Masters)
* All modules are subject to availability.
These programmes are an ideal route for those aiming for research careers in the public, voluntary or private sectors, including would-be senior civil servants keen to take advantage of the Government’s Fast Stream scheme to find the leaders of the future.
It equips students with practical skills and experience for a wide range of organisations including research agencies, charities, independent organisations, trade unions, pressure groups and lobby groups.
The programmes also offer continuing professional development for those already working as researchers and who want to advance their careers. It is also an excellent training programme for those wishing to progress to PhD level study.
The benefits of GIS are increasingly recognised within government, business, education and the voluntary sector, and the applications of geospatial data technologies are steadily growing. Using GIS, it is possible to combine data from a broad range of sources and in a variety of formats, such as paper and digital maps, routinely collected administrative data, censuses and population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking and surveys, LiDAR and crowd-sourcing. The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors – common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning and humanitarian assistance, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction and retail analysis. Increasing uptake of GIS and associated techniques and technologies means that there is a growing demand for qualified personnel who have the skills to manage spatial data effectively. Strong industry links help ensure that our course is relevant to the needs of employers.
The course is designed to help people gain understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality and applications. Content focuses on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. It also includes modules on remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Additional optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
In addition to acquiring substantial theoretical knowledge of the subject, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, focusing primarily on ArcGIS but also including ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins. One of the core modules provides experience of web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whilst an optional module in customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and the Python programming language.
After successfully completing the PgDip modules, you may transfer to the Masters part of the programme. This requires the completion of a substantial independent research project, written in the form of a research journal article (which may, with agreement of your supervisor, be submitted for publication).
As part of the course resources, you will be provided with a free copy of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package ERDAS Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.
Gaining experience in the workplace and being able to apply academic learning within that context is very beneficial for students preparing to enter the workplace, so we offer the option of undertaking a GIS Work Experience module to full-time students. This entails working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements (which are unpaid) may be in the public sector, private companies, charities or education. Students who take this module find it extremely helpful for both their professional and personal development and refer particularly to benefits such as broadening their technical skills, gaining experience of team-working and of independent problem-solving, improved confidence and of learning about the geospatial industry and employment through exposure to real-world applications of GIS.
Part-time students who are in GI-related employment may opt to undertake the GIS Workplace Project.
GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geo-spatial data is also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.
The benefits of GIS are increasingly recognised within government, business, education and the voluntary sector, and the applications of geospatial data technologies are steadily growing. Using GIS, it is possible to combine data from a broad range of sources and in a variety of formats, such as paper and digital maps, routinely collected administrative data, censuses and population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking and surveys, LiDAR and crowd-sourcing. The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors – common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning and humanitarian assistance, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction and retail analysis. Increasing uptake of GIS and associated techniques and technologies means that there is a growing demand for qualified personnel who have the skills to manage spatial data effectively. Strong industry links help ensure that our course is relevant to the needs of employers.
The course is designed to help people gain understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality and applications. Content focuses on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. It also includes modules on remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Additional optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
In addition to acquiring substantial theoretical knowledge of the subject, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, focusing primarily on ArcGIS but also including ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins. One of the core modules provides experience of web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whilst an optional module in customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and the Python programming language.
After successfully completing the PgDip modules, you may transfer to the Masters part of the programme. This requires the completion of a substantial independent research project, written in the form of a research journal article (which may, with agreement of your supervisor, be submitted for publication).
As part of the course resources, you will be provided with a free copy of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package ERDAS Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.
Gaining experience in the workplace and being able to apply academic learning within that context is very beneficial for students preparing to enter the workplace, so we offer the option of undertaking a GIS Work Experience module to full-time students. This entails working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements (which are unpaid) may be in the public sector, private companies, charities or education. Students who take this module find it extremely helpful for both their professional and personal development and refer particularly to benefits such as broadening their technical skills, gaining experience of team-working and of independent problem-solving, improved confidence and of learning about the geospatial industry and employment through exposure to real-world applications of GIS.
Part-time students who are in GI-related employment may opt to undertake the GIS Workplace Project.
GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geo-spatial data is also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.
This programme provides practical, career-orientated training in social science research methods, including research design, data collection and data analysis relating to both qualitative and quantitative modes of inquiry.
Students will have the opportunity to specialise in particular methodologies and to learn more about the application of these methodologies to illuminate important issues and debates in contemporary society.
The programme is designed to provide a fundamental grounding in both quantitative and qualitative research skills, along with the opportunity to specialise in more advanced training in quantitative research, qualitative research or in practical applications of research techniques.
Semester 1
This module offers an introduction to the different styles of social science research as well as guidance and illustrations of how to operationalize research questions and assess them empirically. Students will be shown how to conduct systematic literature searches and how to manage empirical research projects. The module will also explore issues around the ethics of social science research as well as the connection between social science research and policy concerns. It is designed as preparation for undertaking postgraduate research and dissertation work.
This module aims to deepen students' understanding of key debates in social theory and research, providing advanced level teaching for those building upon basic knowledge and undertaking postgraduate research. It is designed to demonstrate and explore how social theory is utilised, critiqued and developed through the pursuit of social science research.
The purpose of this module is to illuminate the theoretical underpinnings of qualitative research. The module will discuss the impact of various theories on the nature and conduct of qualitative research particularly around questions of epistemology and ontology. The role of different types of interviewing in qualitative research will be utilised in order to explore the relationship between theory and methods.
The aim of the module is to provide a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of measurement and constructing quantitative data in the social sciences. Through lectures and practical exercises, this module will provide students with relevant knowledge of secondary data sources and large datasets, their respective uses and usefulness, and their relevance for the study of contemporary social issues
The module will provide students with an overview of different approaches to qualitative data analysis. It will include introductory training to this skill that includes such techniques as thematic analysis and discourse analysis, as well as computer assisted qualitative data analysis. It will provide the knowledge necessary for the informed use of the qualitative data analysis software package NVivo. The module gives students a base level introduction to the analytical and technical skills in qualitative data analysis appropriate to the production of a Master's dissertation and/or use of CAQDAS software for social science research purposes.
This module provides an introduction to the basics of quantitative data analysis. The module will begin with a brief review of basic univariate and bivariate statistical procedures as well as cover data manipulation techniques. The module is taught through a series of seminars and practical workshops. These two strands are interwoven within each teaching session. Please note that students may be granted an exemption from this module if they have already successfully completed a module that has the equivalent learning outcomes.
This module advances students' confidence and knowledge in the use of SPSS. The module focuses on multivariate regression models, including the appropriate use and awareness of statistical assumptions underlying regression and the testing and refinement of such models.
A dissertation of no more than 15,000 words on a topic relevant to social science research methods training. The thesis will involve either carrying out and reporting on a small social science research project which includes a full and considered description and discussion of the research methods employed or the discussion of a research issue or technique to a level appropriate for publication.
We offer a range of advanced modules in quantitative and qualitative research methods, for example, logistic regression, internet-based research and visual research methods. We also provide specialist modules which reflect the teaching team’s diverse research interests, from the social logic of emotional life to conflict and change in divided societies. Optional modules generally run during the Spring semester and are offered subject to sufficient student demand and staff availability. Students will be able to choose a maximum of three to four option modules (depending on whether they need to complete Quantitative Data Analysis: Foundational). Please note that it is unlikely that all the following modules will be available for 2017/8. Please check with the Programme Director for queries about specific modules.
The MSc Psychology of Child Development is designed to advance your knowledge of child psychology and research skills, and is ideal for graduates in Psychology or related subjects and professionals working with children as continued professional development. You’ll further your knowledge through a number of exciting taught modules and an independent research project tailored to your individual interests. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art research facilities including our specialist Child Observation Suite (COS) which you can utilise as part of your research project. There are opportunities to work to participate in research conferences, peer reviewed publications or work as a research assistant. Our current students regularly publish alongside academics in peer-review journals.
The School’s provision is recognised by the British Psychological Society. We continuously engage with employers to make sure our curriculum delivers the skills and knowledge industry needs. These include a number of professionals from various sectors, including NHS Trusts, patient groups, medical practitioners, allied health professionals, the Prison Service, police forces, local education authorities, schools and professional sports organisations.
We aim to provide the best possible facilities for our students. The School is based in the multi-million pound purpose-built Darwin Building. There are specialist teaching and research labs, whilst the Building also includes a state-of-the-art lecture theatre and computer rooms. The modules are delivered in a variety of ways, for example, the advanced methods module is taught via lectures and SPSS workshops. The three child development modules are taught by lectures, interactive workshops and directed reading. The advanced research project involves individual meetings with a supervisor. Assessment is by 100 per cent coursework.
Teaching takes place on a Tuesday, between 11am-4pm, to support those of you with full-time jobs or family commitments, and the course can be completed over 1 year (full-time) or 2 or more years (part-time).
In addition, the aim is to provide coverage of a variety of current topics that will give a good overview of current research and theoretical perspectives in the Psychology of Child Development.
Child Observation Suite (COS)
The COS is a large observation room with mirrored walls, equipped with video and audio recording equipment; an L-shaped researcher room from which to observe, including a fully equipped teaching facility with a video editing suite and remote controls for video cameras; a comfortable and fully equipped waiting room suitable for adults and children. You will be able to observe a hands-on replication of Mary Ainsworth’s Strange Situation, exploring differences between children in their levels of parental attachment and their nurtured behaviour, via their exploration of the play room.
We offer a number of places to students who wish to pursue research degrees (MSc by Research/MPhil/PhD). For more information, please visit Research.
There are opportunities to work to participate in research conferences, peer reviewed publications or work as a research assistant. Our current students regularly publish alongside academics in peer-review journals.
This programme delivers high-quality research methods training, including practical experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis software packages and detailed analysis related to research epistemology and the philosophy of social science. It can provide opportunities to gain 'hands on' experience and contribute to current research projects, working, for example, with the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM).
The programme is suited to those hoping to later pursue a research degree (usually PhD) but who do not meet the research methods training entry requirements, as well as those who wish to apply for an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) studentship, as the programme is recognised by the ESRC for 1+3 funding.
The programme is a Faculty-wide course and modules are taught within the School of Education, the School of Applied Social Sciences (Sociology) and the Department of Psychology. This provides you with the opportunity to come into contact with other students studying research methods in different disciplines across the Social Sciences.
Either:
Or:
Either:
And:
Or:
15 credits from:
Teaching is offered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will take part in a range of learning activities, including reading, discussion, presentations, criticising existing research, analysing and interpreting data, designing experiments, search literature and synthesising the results of multiple studies. Each module is assessed with an assignment (3,000) words for a 15-credit module and a dissertation of 12,000 words.
Career opportunities in education are wide and include classroom teaching, educational leadership and management, administration and policy development.
Learn how to overcome the major challenges facing industry, business and the public sector today, and influence the decision-making processes of the future.
We run a core module on Data Analytics which will introduce students to SAS Enterprise. A coursework prize for this project will be sponsored by SAS.
Recent highlights included a case study run by British Airways, a presentation from SAS on the Future of Analytics and ongoing dissertation projects with Unilever and LBM.
Assessment varies depending on course units taken. It may include a combination of course work, group project assessment and presentations, report, assignments, in-class tests and examination. The dissertation normally ranges between 12,000 and 25,000 words.
During the course you will be taking 180 credits in all. The eight taught modules during semester one and two total 120 credits and consists of both compulsory and optional taught units which can be viewed in the list below.
The core courses unit introduce you to mathematical principles and practical tools for Optimization, Decision Making, Data-Mining, Statistical Analysis, Simulation and Risk Analysis. Specific software packages include SAS, SPSS, Minitab, AMOS, Eviews, Excel, Excel Solver, SIMUL8, iThink, Risk Solver, IDS.
Over the summer period, you will carry out your Research Dissertation, worth 60 credits. Examples of recent dissertation project topics include:
Contact us for further information on scholarships available .
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
There are many potential career roles for postgraduates with an understanding of analytical approaches in business and management - including job titles such as operational research analyst, systems analyst, risk analyst, financial analyst, performance analyst, business analyst, marketing analyst, business modeller, and operations, logistics, production, project, risk, quality, performance, or general manager. Employers include general and specialist consultancies, the finance, retail and manufacturing sectors, government analytics units, defence and major 'solution providers' in IT systems, outsourcing and telecoms.
In many of these areas an MSc is generally accepted as highly desirable for developing an initial career in the field. In addition to preparing you for specialist professional work, the course is also a valuable preparation for further study and for research degrees.
More details on our Careers Service.
Latest information on visa changes and opportunities in the UK for international students.
The role of Psychologists in our every day lives is becoming much more prominent with more emphasis on areas such as cognitive behavioural therapies, mindfulness, and other support to improve our lives now available via the NHS and more people seeking self help methods and private support to cope more effectively with different situations throughout their lives. Psychologists are also much in demand in areas which need understanding of the most common human behaviours to shape products which are helpful to our lives. This can be anything from our smart devices to websites and products we use at different stages of life. Psychologists can also help to determine what benefits are gained from projects which do not have a monetary value attached but are life enhancing. When Psychologists get involved in user centred design areas the effects on how we interact with our world can be dramatically improved, meeting and exceeding our expectations, working when things didn't work for us before and having a beneficial effect on our thinking and mental health. This often can improve physical health.
The MRes degree programme is designed to provide you with a thorough grounding in the skills required for a career in psychological research. You will gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of particular theoretical perspectives, research methods, experimental designs and statistical procedures. You study specific types of people at different stages of life discovering and improving your ability to research and test for specific scenarios which you can then analyse using regression , variance and SPSS. Many projects have been published from this programme into internationally renowned journals.
Introduction to Postgraduate Process
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about international fees
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
For EU, UK, Scotland find out about fees from the programme page
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and latest postgraduate opportunities
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
Established provider of online distance learning Master’s courses in Environmental Science and Geography
