Data Science: The ideal degree for the information era

“Our industry is seeing a shift from mere statisticians and programmers to ‘data scientists’ and finding the right blend of skills, expertise and outlook to fill those roles is quite challenging.” – Ali Dootson, Director of Life Sciences, D-Wise

Described as the ‘sexiest job of the 21^st century’, a global buzz surrounds the subject of data science.

The digital realm sits amid an evolution that may never stop. Technological growth is exponential, with Moore’s Law dictating that the speed of computer processing doubles every 18 months. Devices in our pockets and at the bottom of our bags harness this high-tech power, with every trace of our digital footprints feeding data to the cloud.

According to Domo – the fully mobile, cloud-based operating system – 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day, with this figure bound to surge with the Internet of Things (IoT).

“The Internet of Things is bridging our physical and digital world closer than ever before, as broadband encases the planet and technologies shrink the spaces required to embed sensors and signal points,” Telenor Connexion VP Mikael Lindholm writes for Tech Wire Asia.

“This complex race to bridge our worlds is taken on by teams across multiple industries dedicated to connecting everything from lamps and washing machines to wrist watches and cars,” he adds.

“But while the excitement and novelty of turning a traditional product into a connected one grow, the journey to get there is not easy.”

At the head of IoT advancements sits a global network of prolific data scientists; professionals who lead the way as we hurtle through the digital uprising. But the IoT is just one tiny fraction of the data science discipline, with specialisations centring on business intelligence, data mining and statistical analysis, to name just a few.

IBM – the global computer manufacturing juggernaut – forecasts that annual demand for fast-growing new roles in data science, data development and data engineering will soar to nearly 700,000 openings by 2020 – that’s a huge 28 percent growth in the space of just two years.

“We’re always looking for more data scientists to enable our data strategy,” says Suzanne Coumbaros, Data Manager at Slater and Gordon Group, “in particular to help us crunch mass amounts of data to answer classification or anomaly questions, create automation and predict outcomes.”

As well in industry, data science is becoming a key tool for government; as John Burton of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the agency responsible for the collection of tax, says: “Data science is becoming a core skill in all positions within the civil service. We at HMRC want to become one of the most cutting-edge organisations which will fully exploit the capabilities of this ever-changing field”.

What does all this mean? It means exceptional opportunity for recent graduates of the field. And a postgraduate degree in data science could be your fast route to success.

With its esteemed Russell Group status, the University of Manchester is a veritable force on the education stage. Ranked 34^th in the world and 6^th in the UK, this really is an elite choice for the pursuit of any subject.

The MSc in Data Science is ideal for those looking to advance their professional expertise. Designed to refine skilled and agile data scientists, graduates of this course leave prepared to face complex industry challenges and reap the rewards of interdisciplinary action.

If you’re excited by data and the capabilities of this specialist science, this 12-month, full-time degree will open the door to an abundance of relevant and current career opportunities.

The programme brings in core principles of business and management, social sciences, geography, planning, computer science and mathematics. With a focus on active learning in a dynamic study group, you’ll enjoy the inspiration this interdisciplinary course provides.

It offers comprehensive training in key data science skills, presented in a dedicated context that instils computational, data analytical, data stewardship and project design skills. The ultimate goal of Manchester’s Data Science MSc? To produce qualified data scientists, adept and confident in working in a rich array of settings.

“In response to the global shortage of high-quality data scientists, the University of Manchester has launched an innovative MSc,” the University explains.

“Multi-faceted and drawing on expertise from across the university, the course will equip you with the aspiration, skills and agility you will need to generate the real change through data that our societies and economies need,” it adds.

Regardless of your background, this trailblazing postgraduate course will enlighten you with far reaching possibilities, helping you to contribute lasting solutions to problems that face us locally, nationally and internationally.

With the need for data scientists gaining heavy weight, it’s clear that Manchester’s MSc in Data Science is ideal for the information era. Equip yourself to make a difference and prepare for data leadership.

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