Human-Centred Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, MSc

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5th in the UK for Overall Satisfaction

The National Student Survey, 2021

Key Course Details

UK
International

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:1
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 9,550
Sep 2022	£ 9,850

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:1 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021	£ 18,600
Sep 2022	£ 19,150

Course Overview

*This course is now closed for applications in September 2021

You will be trained in adventurous and exciting computational science, working on real-world challenges that will transform society and the economy. While there are valid concerns about what impact big data and artificial intelligence might have on individuals and communities, this programme focuses on human potential, needs, desires and cares, and how these motivations can be used to drive innovation. You will undertake a major project in this area, and may also have the opportunity to take part in additional skill-enhancing activities such as sandpits, retreats and focused training events. As part of a close-knit cohort, students will learn human-centred methods, grounded in a broad range of theoretical, experimental, domain and methodological perspectives to understand how these can amplify and enhance human potential in big data and AI.

Topics Likely To Be Covered

Human-Centred Perspectives and Methods
Industrial Partner Case Studies
Big Data
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Abuses, Biases and Blessings of Data
Trust, Argumentation and Verification
Visual Analytics
Interfaces and Modalities
Data-Structures and Architectures
Human-Centred Evaluation and Analysis
Choice of topics relating to Law, Healthcare, Management or Engineering

Did you know?

Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department, with rankings reflecting teaching and research excellence.

5^th in the UK for Overall Satisfaction by the National Student Survey, 2021
5^th for satisfaction with your course by the Guardian University Guide, 2021
UK TOP 12 for Graduate Prospects by the Complete University Guide, 2022
Ranked Top 20 in the UK for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021]
World-ranked [QS World University Rankings]
Swansea University holds a TEF Gold award, UK Government recognition of teaching excellence

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics including Professor Matt Jones, whose passion is empowering rural digital communities in the developing world and in the UK.

Your Human-Centred Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Experience

Your experience will be far from the “norm”: you will build yourself and others up into something that is not just a “cohort” of students but rather a movement, active, dynamic and empowering that is driven to do excellent science with purpose and impact.

You will undertake a series of compulsory and optional modules in the first part of the course (Semesters 1 and 2), while an independent project module will occupy most of the second stage. We will use a variety of stimulating and innovative methods to help you extend and apply your thinking. These could include sandpits, retreats, training activities and side projects. Responsible innovation will be actively explored and promoted in all of your work.

The new Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus is central to your experience at Swansea. It is already the nucleus of a vibrant community for world-class research leaders in computer science. Over the course of this degree you will be taught by staff from internationally renowned research groups within the Computational Foundry and beyond. Their knowledge of constant developments in Computer Science helps to keep your learning fresh and relevant to the wider industry.

Human-Centred Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Employment Opportunities

Completing this MSc considerably enhances your career prospects, whether in academia or industry. A key highlight of the course will be the chance to interact with partners of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Enhancing Human Interactions and Collaborations with Data and Intelligence Driven Systems – we expect many students to go on to careers with these or similar organisations as a result of this course.

Modules

You will complete a minimum of 120 credits from a compulsory set and an optional set of modules (of which at least one must be from outside of Computer Science and Mathematics). Subjects include human-centred perspectives and methods, uses and abuses of big data, trust and negotiation, machine learning and a range of further optional modules from Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Management, Law and Medicine.

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students must choose between 120 and 130 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Designing-in Trust, Understanding and Negotiation	September-January	15	CSCM23
Human-Centred Perspectives and Methods	September-January	15	CSCM69
Abuses, Biases and Blessings of Data	January-June	15	CSCM21

Optional Modules

Compulsory Modules

Choose Maximum Of 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : If you were not previously a Computer Science student at Swansea University, please select both options in the Compulsory Modules section (i.e., CSCM27 and either CSC45 or CSCM45J), and skip the Replacement Compulsory Modules section. If you are have previously completed CSC345/M45/M45J or CSC327/M27 please select the module you have not yet completed (at either CSC3XX or CSCMXX level), and then select a replacement compulsory module below to replace each module you have already taken.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human-Centred Visual Analytics	15	September-January	CSCM27
Big Data and Machine Learning	15	September-January	CSCM45
Big Data and Machine Learning	15	January-June	CSCM45J

AND

Replacement Compulsory Modules

Choose Maximum Of 30 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please only select modules from this section if you need to replace compulsory modules that you have already completed in a previous programme of study. If you would like to select any of the following as optional modules, please use the Optional Computational Core and Challenging Context Modules section.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Critical Systems	15	September-January	CSCM13
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	15	September-January	CSCM18
Mathematical Skills for Data Scientists	15	September-January	CSCM70
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	15	January-June	CSCM29
Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security	15	January-June	CSCM38
Hardware and Devices	15	January-June	CSCM79

AND

Optional Computational Core and Challenging Context Modules

Choose Minimum Of 45 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Please select a minimum of 45 credits from the following modules. At least one module must be external to the Computational Foundry (i.e., not beginning with "CS" or "MA"), and you may not select any modules that you have already selected in any other section. Some modules may have additional pre-enrolment requirements or different timetable styles which will be discussed in induction week. We will address any timetable clashes on a case-by-case basis.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Critical Systems	15	September-January	CSCM13
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	15	September-January	CSCM18
Mathematical Skills for Data Scientists	15	September-January	CSCM70
Smart Manufacturing	10	September-June	EGSM24
Immersive Systems	10	Academic Year	EGSM25
Artificial Intelligence and Law - Principles	20	September-January	LAAM19
Stochastic Processes	15	September-January	MA-M41
Biomathematics	15	September-January	MA-M73
Functional Analysis	15	September-January	MA-M81
Foundations of Management	20	September-January	MN-M050
Scientific Computing and Health Care	20	September-January	PMIM102
Health Data Visualisation	20	September-January	PMIM502
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	15	January-June	CSCM29
Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security	15	January-June	CSCM38
Hardware and Devices	15	January-June	CSCM79
Digital Intellectual Property and LegalTech	20	January-June	LAAM24
Numerical Analysis	15	January-June	MA-M31
Enterprise, Innovation and Intellectual Property	10	January-June	MN-M581
Scientific Computing and Health Care	20	January-June	PMIM102J
Machine Learning in Healthcare	20	January-June	PMIM402

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Human-Centred Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Dissertation	September-June	60	CSPM40

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:1 in Computer Science or a related technical subject (or equivalent experience) plus an aptitude and ability in computational thinking and methods, with a demonstrable interest in human-centred computing. The necessary skills, knowledge and experience will need to be outlined in the applicant's personal statement.

IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent English test.

How You're Taught

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work and tutorials (depending on your module choices), and assessed by a combination of written or online examinations, individual and group courseworks, and a major independent project in the final part of the course.

Welsh Provision

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

Meet Your Lecturers

You will join our Computer Science community, taught by world-leading lecturers who are all passionate about their research, working to shape the world for the better. The MSc is linked closely to the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Enhancing Human Interactions and Collaborations with Data and Intelligence Driven Systems, which has a team of over 70 researchers. The compulsory modules on the course will be taught by a range of lecturers, including:

Head of Department: Professor Xianghua Xie
Deputy Head of Department: Dr Monika Seisenberger
Coordinator: Dr Simon Robinson

Tuition Fees

Start Date	UK	International
September 2021	£ 9,550	£ 18,600
September 2022	£ 9,850	£ 19,150

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

How to Apply

Application Process:

All potential applicants should apply via the University website. Application deadline: 27 May 2022.

Students numbers will capped at 11 in the first instance.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application on or before 17 June 2022.

Applicants should have an aptitude and ability in computational thinking and methods, with a demonstrable interest in human-centred computing. The necessary skills, knowledge and experience will need to be outlined in the applicant's personal statement.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.