Data science is the study of the computational principles, methods, and systems for extracting and structuring knowledge from data and the application and use of those principles. Large data sets are now generated by almost every activity in science, society, and commerce - ranging from molecular biology to social media, from sustainable energy to health care. As an MSc Data Science student, you will explore how to efficiently find patterns in these vast streams of data. Many research areas have tackled parts of this problem: Machine learning focuses on finding patterns and making predictions from data. Ideas from algorithms and databases are required to build systems that scale to big data streams. Separate research areas have grown around different types of unstructured data such as text, images, sensor data, video, and speech. Reputation The University of Edinburgh consistently ranks top 30 globally for Computer Science. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 ranked our School 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics. This means you will learn from experts at the forefront of their fields, undertaking cutting-edge research in a wide range of areas. Environment You will be part of a large, vibrant department with around 1,750 students across undergraduate, master’s and research programmes and 150 academic staff. You will study in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world, and one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech hubs.