Big Data and Business Intelligence

Drawing on our research excellence in this area, this innovative programme of study in big data and business intelligence is designed to give graduates a competitive advantage in the modern, fast growing business domain. This is one of the first MSc programmes in the UK covering these leading-edge technologies. The programme provides students with the deeper knowledge, advanced skills and understanding that will allow them to contribute to the development and design of big data systems as well as distributed/internet-enabled decision support application software systems, using appropriate technologies, architectures and techniques (e.g. data analytics, business intelligence, NoSQL, data mining, data warehousing, distributed data management and technologies, Hadoop, etc.).

Additionally, the programme enables students to understand and assess the security and legal implications of e-commerce applications and provides students with appropriate knowledge of business and commerce relevant to transacting business on the internet. The courses take a software engineering approach to the construction of applications and focus on modern software engineering methods, tools and techniques that enable an integrated life-cycle software development view.

Through our short course centre opportunity may also be provided to study for the following professional qualifications: Microsoft Technology Associate Exams; Certified Professional Java SE Programmer; Java Certified Associate; Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).

Professional Recognition

This programme is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). On successful graduation from this degree, the student will have fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partially fulfilled the education requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Scientist (CSci).

The programme has two intakes: September start and January start.

There is a thriving international community at the university including students from over 100 countries around the world. The International Office is the first point of contact for these students and can help with a variety of matters around living in the UK. This includes assistance with accommodation, registering for medical services and immigration and visas advice. They help with the arrival in London while students get used to their new home and with daily life matters as well as academic ones. There are also language courses on offer for those wishing to learn or improve their English skills. At the heart of student life at the university is the Students Union and all students are automatically members. It offers a range of services to these members including academic and non-academic advice and support, representation and the organisation of various clubs and societies for extracurricular times. It also operates three different bars as well as a shop and an online shop for students. The university has a top record for its sports teams and there are a range of competitive and non-competitive activities on offer. Clubs take part in the BUCS leagues against other universities and colleges and range from cricket and football to netball and self-defence activities. Likewise the societies over all aspects of life including academic, activities and games, campaigning, cultural and performing arts as well as the chance to start their own should students find a niche.