Gain hands-on experience of big data analytics, data mining and visualisation techniques using high-performance computer technology. This MSc is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and enables you to develop IT solutions to big data problems in a sector with a significant skills shortage.IntroductionBig data is increasingly important in the contemporary business and IT world. For many public and private enterprises, analysis of large-scale data sets is critical to growth.This MSc will prepare you for employment in an IT industry where big data professionals are in high demand.You’ll learn how to interrogate vast amounts of structured and unstructured data and make informed insights from datasets that are too large to be readily processed using standard techniques.We’ll provide an overview of the key algorithms, algorithmic approaches and software environments you’ll use when solving big data problems and explore data mining techniques.Hands-on programming experience with the latest multi-core and multi-processor platforms will ensure your expertise in big data is underpinned by knowledge of high-performance computing. Further opportunities to specialise and enhance your knowledge of algorithms, optimisation and machine learning are available through a range of optional modules.You’ll work as part of a small group on a practical project to find a solution to a big data problem. We’ll also provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research in preparation for your dissertation.What you'll learnTheoretical and practical aspects of programming for the latest multi-core and multi-processor platformsKey algorithms, approaches and software environments for developing solutions to big data problemsData mining techniques and challenges using real-world datasetsApplication of visualisation methods to data miningResearch skills in computer scienceBio-inspired algorithms for optimisation and machine learningHow to model continuous and discrete optimisation problemsThe benefits and weaknesses of selected algorithmic techniquesAlgorithmic aspects of game theoryNeural networks for artificial intelligenceHow to validate systems against safety specifications