Data Science

The MSci Data Science is an innovative inter-disciplinary taught course designed with industry and aimed at students wishing to work or research in data science. The course will cover the core areas of mathematics (mathematical methods; probability, statistics and data; statistical modelling and inference) and computer science (programming; object oriented programming; software development; database theory and design). It will also include new modules which will introduce students to applied data science (e.g. machine learning, data structure & algorithm, AI & applications, computational intelligence, HPC, Big Data, Cloud) as well as social context (e.g. governance, ethics, business applications). Research projects in each academic year will allow students to develop research and project management skills in an area of interest, using real world datasets, guided by a leading academic supervisor.

The programme aims to:

a) Provide a high quality general education in data science comprising a balanced core of key knowledge together with the opportunity to study a range of selected topics in more depth;

b) Develop the analytical abilities of students so that they can identify and apply appropriate data science techniques and methods to solve problems in a range of application areas;

c) Equip students with knowledge and experience of theoretical and practical data science techniques and practices;

d) Develop in students appropriate subject-specific, core academic and personal and key skills in order to prepare them for a wide range of employment opportunities;

e) Generate in students an enthusiasm for the subject of data science and involve them in a demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating learning experience reinforced by appropriate academic and pastoral tutorial support.

Your MSci Data Science programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Interim Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.  If you have achieved over 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Data Science, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at NQF Level 5 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Data Science.

Credit

Integrated Masters Programmes: The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 150 credits at NQF level 4, and must take at least 210 credits at NQF levels 6 and 7, of which 120 must be at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit is 40% for UG modules (NQF levels 4-6) and 50% for PG modules (NQF level 7).

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

Integrated Masters Programmes: Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage on the following conditions:

1. You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.
2. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.
3. In stages 1-3 you must achieve an average mark of at least 40% across the full 120 credits of assessment, including any failed and condoned modules. In the final stage you must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 120 credits of assessment, including any failed and condoned modules.

Assessment and Awards

UG Programmes: Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively. Colleges should provide the appropriate ratio for 4 year programmes here. 

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Undergraduate Degrees                                         Postgraduate Degrees

Class I    70% +                                                        Distinction   70%+

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                       Merit            60-69%

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                      Pass            50-59%

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Faculties should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the Faculty has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the Faculty and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://student-harrison.emps.ex.ac.uk/index.php) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work.  Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier.  Also available are core texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources.  Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal.

Staff Student Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

(Standard entry) All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter. In addition, entry to this programme will normally require a qualification equivalent to A-levels at grades AAA to ABB or higher, including a B in A-level Mathematics.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed Faculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).