Cloud computing offers scalable computing resources on demand, providing solutions and challenges for science and business. Amongst others, the opportunities include a low cost entry point for small companies, more economical use of computing resources and the capability of handling very large data sets. Challenges for practitioners include the design and use of suitable algorithms, the design and implementation of suitable architectures and understanding of risks and opportunities. This MSc will provide a sound understanding of designing, analysing and engineering of systems for handling big data in a distributed environment based on dynamically scalable architectures. The PGDip includes the same modules as the MSc but without the final project.