2-Term Pathway - Foundation Certificate in Science and Health - Continue to Integrated Masters - Master of Science (MSci) (Honours) - Mathematics and Data Science

Program Description For students who've finished high school but don’t meet the entry requirements for university, a Foundation Certificate can help them gain entry to an undergraduate degree. After completing this pathway option students qualify for progression to the 1st year of an undergraduate degree at the University of Essex. A student’s course length is determined mainly by their English language level (UKVI IELTS score). Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. Students taking a course longer than 2 terms, will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects. Master of Science - Mathematics and Data Science This MSci Mathematics and Data Science is an Integrated Masters course that will cover key skills in mathematics and data science giving students the opportunity to apply theory and methods to real-world problems. Students will foster their understanding of mathematics, develop skills to use smart devices efficiently and use statistical techniques and methods to interpret and exploit big data. The concept and skill of a programming language are the crucial basis for skills in data base programming and management, in developing data processing pipelines and in organising and analysing large and massive data sets. This course will introduce students to programming language Python and R for statistical analysis and data visualisation. In the third year and fourth year, analysing data and methods in group projects will be essential capstone modules for the learning outcomes of the course. Topics include: Mathematical skills including, applied mathematics, pure mathematics and optimisation Computer science and programming Statistics and operations research Artificial intelligence, databases and information retrieval Ethical issues around the use and processing of data Specialist skills in the areas of big data, data analytics and data science This Integrated Masters gives students the opportunity to fast track their degree and complete their final year in nine months compared to a regular MSc which usually takes twelve months. Combining undergraduate and postgraduate study in one degree will give students a strong theoretical background as well as specialist expertise through independent research. This combination makes graduates attractive candidates for many employers. Interdisciplinary research recognises that mathematics, including what can be very abstract mathematics, is an essential part of research in many other disciplines. Students therefore can gain an exceptional range of knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment; in business, commerce, industry, government service, education and in the wider economy.