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Big data courses

AuthorDaniel Higginbotham, senior editor
Posted on

Choose from a range of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and data science Masters courses that give you the skills and know-how to be at the forefront of technology

What is big data?

Big data refers to how organisations manage the large volume of data they encounter on a daily basis.

The findings can provide greater insights into a business by analysing the data for possible patterns and correlations. This can lead to better decision-making and more informed company strategies.

What is the demand for big data professionals in the UK?

According to the World Economic Forum's The Future of Jobs Report 2025, data processing is expected to create 11 million jobs by 2030, with big data professionals, machine learning specialists, and software/application developers among the fastest-growing areas.

However, while the UK government's Data science skills in the UK workforce report (2023) revealed the potential for at least 178,000 additional data specialists, the supply of data scientists graduating from universities is unlikely to exceed 10,000 per year, which would lead to a skills shortage.

This high demand for data science skills underscores the availability of job opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications in areas such as big data.

What do big data Masters courses involve?

Many UK universities have responded to increased demand for big data by offering postgraduate courses in the subject. Most of these Masters degrees are designed to lead directly to a career in data science.

You'll learn about:

  • key concepts, practices and methodologies
  • essential coding skills
  • web analytics
  • machine learning
  • advanced database skills
  • how to analyse, visualise and interpret data.

You'll also be trained to use tools such as Apache Hadoop, a software framework for storing and processing big data.

In addition to taking a series of required and optional modules, you'll usually be required to produce a major project integrating all the theory and practice you've learned throughout the year.

Masters courses last one year if studied full time. Entry requirements typically include at least a 2:1 degree in a computing-related or other quantitative subject. However, this varies, so you should always check with your chosen institution.

Which institutions offer Masters courses in big data?

The University of Stirling runs a number of big data and data science courses at postgraduate level, including the one-year full-time MSc Big Data. For these programmes, the university has partnered with The Data Lab, an innovation centre that develops the data science skills required by industry.

Similarly, Queen Mary, University of London's MSc Machine Learning for Visual Data Analytics is run in partnership with the professional body for tech, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and has links with major technology companies such as:

  • Google
  • IBM
  • Microsoft.

The following courses have also been accredited by BCS:

By meeting BCS standards, the Masters puts you on course for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Alternatively, some institutions have partnered with leading analytics software provider SAS, allowing you to gain industry-standard certifications during your studies. These include:

Other courses with a slightly different focus are available, such as:

  • the cyber security implications of big data
  • the role of cloud computing
  • how big data impacts business leadership.

For instance, King's College London runs an MA Big Data in Culture & Society, which examines the subject from an arts and humanities perspective.

Search for postgraduate courses in big data.

What about AI qualifications?

Today, AI comprises multiple fields, each focusing on a different area. These include:

  • automation
  • cognitive computing
  • computer vision
  • deep learning
  • machine learning
  • natural language processing
  • robotics
  • strong AI.

Discover how to get a job in AI.

Before you consider studying the subject at postgraduate level, you can boost your AI skills with a free introductory course available through Google Cloud. Learning paths are available at the following levels:

  • Beginner: Introduction to Generative AI
  • Intermediate: Deploy and Manage Generative AI Models
  • Advanced: Generative AI for Developers.

Microsoft offers a 12-week course on Artificial Intelligence for Beginners - A Curriculum.

A range of free and paid AI courses is available on Codecademy at various levels.

If you're a college or A-level student considering going to university, some institutions now offer undergraduate degrees in AI, including:

In terms of AI Masters degrees, the MSc Artificial Intelligence is available from:

Search for Masters courses in AI and robotics.

Where can I study an online data science course?

In addition to the university options, a number of training providers offer online courses in data science and data analysis, with many leading to certification from industry leaders such as IBM or Microsoft:

For instance, you could complete IBM's Introduction to Data Science Specialisation course or Harvard University's Professional Certificate in Data Science.

Many of these courses are free, though you may still have to pay for a verified certificate, as in the Harvard example above.

Other specialist e-learning providers, such as DataCamp, also offer accredited data analysis courses focused on SQL, Python, and R, enabling you to develop technical skills and advance your career.

What roles are available in data science?

Jobs are available across all sectors because big data is used by employers across the board, from retail and banking to healthcare and manufacturing.

Government agencies also harness it to implement effective education systems. This is a growing industry that's only set to get bigger.

There are many jobs in big data, including:

Consider what else you can do with a computer science degree.

Employers also require cyber security professionals to keep all this data secure. Read about the role of a cyber security analyst and explore cyber security training.

Since there are currently not enough people with relevant qualifications to fill all data science roles, taking a postgraduate course in this field will ensure you're well-placed when starting your career.

Find out more