Big Data and High Performance Computing

University of Liverpool has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.

The MSc Big Data and High Performance Computing provides students with an in-depth understanding of big data analysis and processing using high performance computing technology. This MSc programme enables students to gain a sought after qualification in areas of computing in great demand worldwide. The programme was developed between the STFC Hartree Centre and the University, and has had recent industrial input.Big data is commonly described as data that is so large that it cannot be readily processed using standard techniques. Our current global ability to collect data is such that “big data” sets are becoming common-place.The most obvious example of this is the exponential growth of the World Wide Web; however there are many public and private enterprises where the analysis of large-scale data sets is critical to growth. Although significant computer power exists, the necessary skills-base is lagging behind the technology.There is an employment gap looming in the field of big data, especially in the context of the skills required with respect to the application of High Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities to address big data problems.The MSc Big Data and High Performance Computing programme is designed to address this skills gap and provide those completing the programme with the ability to efficiently address big data and HPC challenges. Together with our growing industrial contact and engagements, this places our graduates in a prime position for future employment. This programme is also available as Big Data and High Performance Computing with a Year in Industry MSc.The programme is organised as two taught semesters followed by an individual project undertaken over either the summer or, if desired, during the following year of study. Within each semester students study a number of modules adding up to 60 credits per semester (120 in total). This will be followed by a project dissertation, also 60 credits, making an overall total of 180 credits.

The International Support Team is on hand to help students travelling to Liverpool from outside the UK. They can help with matters such as visas and immigration advice, organising Welcome Week and its relevant details as well as presentations and workshops to help integrate with the new community. Further practical advice comes from living and working in the area as well as financial assistance and even improving English, if this isn’t a student’s first language. The Guild of Students is responsible for arranging the 190 clubs and societies available to students outside the classroom. These cover areas such as volunteering, the arts and sports. There are also plenty of opportunities to try something new and experiment with something different as well as practical, hands on societies to try a practical activity. Sports are very important at the university and many of its teams are in the higher tier of university sports. Sport Liverpool is the current heading of the sports clubs and groups and cover nearly 50 different types from cricket and football to windsurfing and lacrosse. Most compete for both men and women. There are also support services available to students as well as student health assistance and plenty of learning resources to assist with studies.