MSc Scientific Computing And Data Analysis

Gain Masters-level knowledge in scientific computing, data analysis and its application.

Advances in fields such as Physics, Engineering, Earth Sciences or Finance are increasingly driven by experts in computational techniques. Notably, people skilled to write code for the most powerful computers in the world and skilled to process the biggest data sets in the world can truly make a difference.

The MSc in Scientific Computing and Data Analysis offers an application-focused course to deliver these skills with three interwoven strands:

• Computer Science underpinnings of scientific computing (algorithms, data structures, implementation techniques, and computer tool usage)
• Mathematical aspects of data analysis
• Implementation and application of fundamental techniques in a domain specialisation (presently Astrophysics, Particle Physics, Financial Mathematics, or Earth and Environmental Sciences (see G5T109).

Why study this course

This course will open doors for you, both in the industry as well as in further study, and aims to:

1. Train the next generation of expert research-aware data and computational scientists and engineers for the global high tech sector, equipped with genuine understanding of the underlying computing technologies and methodologies
2. Give you a deep insight into the state-of-the-art computational and data challenges in your chosen specialisation
3. Enable you to bridge the widening gap between application domains, big data challenges and high-performance computing
4. Prepare you to apply successfully for further higher education programmes (PhD) with a strong computing and data flavour in Durham or other world-leading institutions
5. Make you aware of the societal, economical and ethical responsibilities, opportunities and implications tied to massive data processing and compute power; this includes training on entrepreneurship.

Watch our 1-minute course overview video here!

Chinese version here

Course structure

The course is structured into five modules spanning three terms and is currently available with a specialisation in astrophysics, particle physics, or financial mathematics.

In this course:

1. You will obtain a strong baseline in methodological skills
2. You will study selected topics from your chosen specialisation area with a strong emphasis on computational and data challenges.
3. You can choose to put emphasis on data analysis or scientific computing
4. You will do a challenging project either within the methodological academic departments (Mathematical Sciences or Computer Science), or within the specialisation area, or in close cooperation with our industrial partners
5. You will acquire important professional skills spanning collaboration and project management, presentation and outreach as well as entrepreneurial thinking