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University of Stirling: Mathematics and Data Science
| Institution | University of Stirling View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Computing Science and Mathematics |
| Web | www.stir.ac.uk |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Mathematics and data science are closely connected. Data science methodologies are built on mathematical principles. Understanding them is crucial for aspiring data scientists (source: Institute of Data 2023).
The demand for graduates in this field is growing rapidly fuelled by advances in technology and the increasing importance of data (Data Science Jobs, 2025). Employers seek individuals with computing skills to manage data and mathematical skills to analyse it. This involves identifying patterns, building models, and making predictions.
Our Masters degree in Mathematics and Data Science emphasises the practical application of mathematics for data science. You’ll develop skills that are highly sought after in the data industry.
Gain practical maths and data science experience On our Mathematics and Data Science MSc, you get the opportunity to work with academics on commercially relevant research projects. You can also take part in projects with industry or technology providers. Past projects include:
Intergen: Data driven forecasting of UK electricity market imbalances Natwest: Building enterprise scale machine learning ops - model monitoring toolkits Scottish National Investment Bank: The decarbonisation of heat in Scotland SportScotland Institute of Sport: Analysis of swimming race data Streamba Ltd: Assessing methods for robust data preparation of heterogeneous sources Eden Court Highlands: Live audience analysis National Records of Scotland: Seasonal adjustment of mortality BBC World Service: Analysis of shifts in political/public opinion using time series analysis and natural language processing tools Learn cutting edge skills which are in demand from employers You'll gain hands on industry standard skills and knowledge from lecturers with research expertise in mathematical modelling, data science and AI. The course covers:
statistical analysis of large datasets and data in network form, e.g. social media networks; basic and advanced programming using R, Matlab and Python; building and analysing mathematical models of real-life systems; probability, stochastic optimisation and artificial intelligence; data analytics and machine learning; relational and non-relational databases; cluster computing. Engage with the data science industry This data science and mathematics Masters degree offers a great chance to build your professional network with peers and industry leaders.
You’ll benefit from our strong ties with The Data Lab innovation centre who offer networking opportunities.
You’ll also engage with industry through guest lectures and local industry career events. Recent speakers include Huawei, Bigspark, Red Star (AI for healthcare), Virtonomy, KBC Group, and Leonardo UK.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in either a mathematics (joint or single honours) or other numerate subject, e.g. physics. Other degrees will also be taken into account, if it can be shown that some mathematical study took place and you have taken and passed advanced mathematics modules in at least some of calculus, algebra, statistics and numerical analysis. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant and appropriate work/life experience are encouraged to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
Summary
The field of Data Science has seen rapid growth in recent years, with vast amounts of data now being generated by major companies and service providers.
Yet, there is a recognised shortage of qualified analysts, both in the UK and globally, to make the most of this data and to meet the demands of industry. In particular, the demand is for graduates who can both manage the data (the computing skills), and analyse the data to extract patterns, build models and make predictions (the mathematics skills). It is only with these analytical skills can the full value of data be extracted.
Launching in 2018, our MSc is one of the first courses to link these two key areas, making it uniquely positioned to help you meet this demand. The course focusses on the application rather than pure theory of mathematics and is assessed primarily through coursework, developing those skills which are in high demand by the data industry.
The course will provide you with a strong foundation in the mathematical analysis of data-driven systems and help you develop your computing skills, from programming Python and R, to advanced techniques including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, to applying the techniques you learn on a large scale. You will learn the techniques used to approach data and build models using computational analysis and understand the mathematics underpinning these techniques.
Our graduates have gone on to work in financial institutions, major energy firms, sport and fitness, start-ups, NHS, Environmental agencies, the Scottish Government, as well as gone onto undertake PhDs in UK and overseas.
Stirling is associated with The Data Lab, an Innovation Centre that aims to develop the data science talent and skills required by industry in Scotland. It facilitates industry involvement and collaboration, and provides funding and resources for students.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A minimum of a second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in either a mathematics (joint or single honours) or other numerate subject, e.g. physics. Other degrees will also be taken into account, if it can be shown that some mathematical study took place and you have taken and passed advanced mathematics modules in at least some of calculus, algebra, statistics and numerical analysis. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant and appropriate work/life experience are encouraged to apply. |
| Location | Main Site Grange Road Stirling FK9 4LA |
The University of Stirling is an international university committed to helping students Be the Difference in the world. Based in the heart of Scotland, Stirling is a place where ability – not background – is valued, and teaching, employability and facilities are all rated five-star (QS Stars University Ratings 2024).
That’s just part of the reason Stirling was shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2024, rated top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024) and number one in the UK for campus environment (The International Student Barometer …
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