MSc Data Intelligence

Program Overview

The MSc Data Intelligence program at Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), United Kingdom, is a postgraduate degree designed to cultivate the next generation of data professionals capable of extracting, analyzing, and visualizing data for the benefit of commerce, environment, and society. The program takes a holistic approach to Big Data, emphasizing the responsible and ethical use of data for the public good, while also addressing legal and social considerations. With the growing demand for data intelligence experts in an era driven by Artificial Intelligence and the Big Data revolution, this course provides a blend of interdisciplinary skills drawn from humanities, mathematics, information science, systems science, psychology, and economics, ensuring graduates can effectively lead on, manage, use, and harness technology to derive actionable insights from large quantities of "Data in Action."

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Data Intelligence program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of data science principles and practical application. Core modules typically include "Principles of Data Intelligence Programming," "Data in Action," "GIS and Spatial Analysis," "AI for Data Intelligence," "Big Data Database Development," 1 and "Data Visual Analytics." A significant component of the program is the "Professional Research Methods and Project," which allows students to undertake in-depth research in a specialized area of data intelligence. The program is designed with an emphasis on industry relevance, incorporating industry-led content and practical application. Learning methods often include lectures, workshops, and computer-based practical labs, with assessments predominantly coursework-based, including reports, presentations, and digital artifacts, ensuring the development of both scientific and transferable skills. 

Research Focus: Canterbury Christ Church University, particularly through its School of Engineering, Technology and Design, has a growing research focus that underpins the MSc Data Intelligence program. Faculty members are actively involved in research areas relevant to data intelligence, including information visualization, machine learning, visual analytics, and human-centred AI. Research projects may explore topics such as algorithmic transparency, modelling and visualization of complex data, and the application of AI in various sectors. For instance, current research may delve into areas like trustworthy AI for ambient assisted living or investigating security issues of IoT devices using machine learning techniques. The program encourages students to engage with these contemporary research areas and apply their skills to addressing real-world data challenges through their final research projects, fostering a critically analytical and innovative approach.

Industry Engagement: The MSc Data Intelligence program at CCCU boasts strong industry engagement, ensuring the curriculum remains highly relevant and responsive to the needs of the job market. The course has been explicitly co-designed with industry professionals to develop inclusive data intelligence and management skills. This includes preparing graduates to conceive, design, implement, and operate Big Data solutions. The program emphasizes active learning through interdisciplinary group projects and problem-based learning, which are often sourced directly from industry, providing students with practical experience in solving real-world data challenges. This industry involvement is crucial in developing not only technical proficiencies but also key employability skills such as leadership, interpersonal communication, collaboration, creativity, and logical thinking, which are highly valued by employers in the data science field.

Global Perspective: The MSc Data Intelligence program inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing that data transcends geographical boundaries and that data-driven solutions have universal applications. The program explores how data intelligence can benefit diverse sectors globally, including commerce, the environment, and society at large. While attracting a diverse international student body enriches the learning environment with varied cultural insights and experiences, the core curriculum also addresses the ethical, legal, and social considerations of Big Data on a global scale, preparing graduates to navigate complex international data regulations and societal impacts. The skills acquired, such as data extraction, analysis, and visualization, are highly transferable and applicable to organizations and challenges worldwide, enabling graduates to contribute to data-informed decision-making in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.