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Computer Science and Applied Maths
Data Science The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Data Science gives students an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science, which integrates a number of relevant disciplines such as statistics, computing, communication, management, and sociology to turn data into useful predictions and insights.
Data Science The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Data Science gives students an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science, which integrates a number of relevant disciplines such as statistics, computing, communication, management, and sociology to turn data into useful predictions and insights.

Qualification: MSc

Faculty: Science

Duration: 1 year coursework and 1 year research

School: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

Study mode: Full-time

Overview

Generally speaking, Data Science is an emerging transdisciplinary field to study "data". Data Science integrates a number of relevant disciplines such as statistics, computing, communication, management, and sociology to turn data into useful predictions and insights.  MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Data Science aims to train the students to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science.

Graduates of the programme can find data-orientated roles within academic institutions, technology, healthcare companies and the finance sector.

The programme comprises compulsory and elective modules. Cross-disciplinary data-driven projects are offered both within the University and from a wide range of industry partners. A candidate must undertake modules to the value of 180 credits and must successfully complete the following courses:
 
Compulsory courses
  • Research Report: Data Science (90 credits, Year 2)
  • Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Mathematical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Statistical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Computational Intelligence (15 credits, Year 1)
 
Elective courses
  • Data Privacy and Ethics (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Special Topics in Data Science (15 credits, Year 1)
  • Natural Language Technology (15 credits, Year 1)

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.

Applicants require a minimum average of 75 percent. 

Please check with School

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.