The MSc in Data Science by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Data Science gives students an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science. Data Science integrates a number of relevant disciplines such as statistics, computing, communication, management, and sociology to turn data into useful predictions and insights.

Msc in Data Science Overview

The field of Data Science by its very nature requires highly skilled individuals who straddle both academia and industry. As a result of the above unique skills mix, the demand for data scientists with the requisite skills has grown exponentially, far outstripping the current supply. Globally and locally, the education system is unable to stay abreast of this demand. WIDS aims to setup various training programmes, research opportunities as well as partnerships between academia and industry, in order to produce a stream of next generation data scientists who specifically perform cutting-edge research in data science by converting data to business value for industry.

The mission of the University of the Witwatersrand is to grow its global stature as a leading research-intensive university and a gateway to research engagement and intellectual achievement in Africa. To this end “Data Science” has been identified as one of the strategic directions for institutional research. WIDS will support this strategic direction by acting as a hub to enhance and coordinate multidisciplinary data-driven research, innovation and training activities across the whole University of the Witwatersrand.

Generally speaking, Data Science is an emerging transdisciplinary field to study “data”. Data Science integrates a number of relevant disciplines such as statistics, communication, management, and sociology to turn data into useful predictions and insights.  MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Data Science aims to train the students to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science. apply online.

Graduates of the programme can find data-orientated roles within academic institutions, technology, healthcare companies and the finance sector.

The programme comprises compulsory and elective modules. Cross-disciplinary data-driven projects are offered both within the University and from a wide range of industry partners. A candidate must undertake modules to the value of 180 credits and must successfully complete the following courses:

Aims and Objectives

Aims

The Wits Institute of Data Science (WIDS) seeks to be a world-leading interdisciplinary research and training institute with a focus on innovation in data science and machine intelligence. The mission of the University of the Witwatersrand is to grow its global stature as a leading research-intensive university and a gateway to research engagement and intellectual achievement in Africa. WIDS will provide a channel through which the above mission can be achieved by fostering intellectual excellence, international competitiveness and local relevance.

Objectives

• Act as a central point (or hub) to organize data science activities around three complementary areas: 
  • Mathematical foundations of data science:  modelling, statistics, optimization, algorithms, machine learning
  • Systems aspects of data science: database systems, data cleaning, data management, data integration, data visualization, computational technology 
  • Cross-disciplinary collaborations with domain research people across the campus 
• Train and educate the new generation of data scientists 
• Promote data science innovation through close collaboration with partners from industry and the public sector

 Compulsory courses

• Research Report: Data Science (90 credits, Year 2)
• Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
• Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning (15 credits, Year 1)
• Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming (15 credits, Year 1)
• Mathematical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
• Statistical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
• Computational Intelligence (15 credits, Year 1)

Elective courses

• Data Privacy and Ethics (15 credits, Year 1)
• Special Topics in Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
• Natural Language Technology (15 credits, Year 1)

Entry Requirements:

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualificationor a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.

Applicants require a minimum average of 75 percent. 

DEADLINE: 30 N0VEMBER 2021

 apply online

ALSO CHECKOUT OTHER OPPORTUNITIES ON OUR PAGE