(MSc) Master of Science
Big Data and Text Analytics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time or part-time
None
None
None
MSC G51524
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Admission criteria
Applicants with a 2:2 degree in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Games
- Computing
- Software Engineering
We will consider applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above which include one or more modules from this list:
One computing module such as:
- Database
- Web Development
- Software Engineering
- Operating System
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Systems
AND One or more maths modules, such as:
- Mathematics
- Calculus
- Algebra
- Differential Equations
- Probability and Statistics
AND One or more signal and systems modules such as:
- Signal and systems
- Control theory
- Computer systems
- Embedded systems
- Microprocessors
- Automation and control engineering
- Control technology
- System hardware fundamentals
- Control engineering
- Another relevant signal and systems module
AND Two or more programming modules from the following list:
- C
- C#
- C++
- Java
- Python
- MATLAB
- Object oriented programming / OOP
- Advanced programming
- Introduction to programming
- Programming languages
- Software Engineering
- System Programming
- Algorithms
- Data Structures
- Programming Elements
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum component score of 5.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
Please refer to the full time version of this course for information on Core and Compulsory modules.
Modules CE887 Natural Language Engineering and CE706 Information Retrieval are listed as compulsory for this course. However if you have already studied the equivalent module at Essex as part of an undergraduate degree you will be required to select an alternative module
External examiners
Dr MARJORY CRISTIANY Da COSTA ABREU
Senior Lecturer
Sheffield Hallam University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
- To prepare students for careers in advanced research and/or development environments by extending their knowledge and skills in the specialisation of big data and text analytics.
- To develop the students' ability to make a critical evaluation of the theories, techniques, tools and systems used in big data and text analytics.
- To enable students to contribute to future developments in their field by providing them with an understanding of recent advances and current research activity .
- To develop the students' ability to undertake research by providing appropriate resources and guidance in their use
- To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order .
- To assist their continuing professional development.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering.
A2: Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
A3: Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
A4: Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A4.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line.
Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories and assignments.
Knowledge of a particular topic, chosen by the student from within his/her areas of specialisation, is gained in CE902 through a staff led literature search which forms the basis for weekly group discussions.
Individual supervision of the summer project and dissertation provides further support for the development of those areas of knowledge relevant to the student's chosen topic.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen examinations and marked coursework.
Understanding of professional issues (A4) is assessed by MCT during the course of the term.
The assessment of the CE902 essay includes specific allocation of marks for the breadth and depth of the knowledge gained during the study of the chosen topic.
An assessment of the understanding of principles and implementation techniques forms part of the overall assessment of the summer project and dissertation
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
B2: Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
B3: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
B4: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
B5: Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.
B1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software.
B2 is a key element of most assignments and central to the group project.
In CE902, the acquisition of B3 and B4 is supported by lectures about research methodology and report writing, and further developed during tutor led group discussions.
Skills B1 - B4 are all required for the successful completion of the summer project, and are developed in the course of individual supervision.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills B1 and B2 is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, marked assignments and project work.
The assessment of the CE902 essay includes specific allocation of marks for use of original sources (B3), clarity of description and originality (B4).
An assessment of the extent to which students have developed skills B1 - B4 forms part of the overall assessment of the summer project and dissertation.
C: Practical skills
C1: Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
C2: Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
C3: Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
C4: Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
Learning methods
Learning methods Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems.
Various aspects of C2 are acquired in design, programming and other assignments, and further developed in individual project work.
C3 is developed during the supervision of the summer project and dissertation.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.
An assessment of the extent to which students have demonstrated practical research skills (C3) forms part of the overall assessment of the summer project and dissertation.
D: Key skills
D1: Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.
D2: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
D3: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
D4: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
D5: Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
Learning methods
D1 is developed through a range of reports, including the dissertation which uses D2 to support this outcome.
D3 and D4 are developed through assignments and problems set within modules.
D5 is acquired as part of Professional Practice and Development (CE902).
D6 is developed in CE902 that encourages reflective learning and is put into practice in the dissertation work.
Assessment methods
Assessment is through a range of assignments, written reports and oral presentation within the teaching modules and dissertation.
In particular D6 is assessed within the dissertation and CE902