Program Overview

MSc Big Data (Online)

Overview

The global data science platform market size was valued at £80.37 billion ($103.93 billion) in 2023. It is projected to grow to £600.75 billion ($776.86 billion) by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2024/5).

The demand for graduates in this field is growing rapidly fuelled by advances in technology and the increasing importance of data (Data Science Jobs, 2025).

Key Facts

• Award: Masters / MSc
• Start date: October 2025
• Duration: MSc part-time: 24 months
• Mode of study: part time
• Delivery: online

Course Details

• Modules: The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2025. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
• Teaching: You’ll learn online through a combination of video lectures, live webinars and course materials that are easy to access wherever you are, whenever it works for you. Our intuitive learning hub also offers collaborative tools that make it easy to connect with tutors and fellow students, creating a rich online environment built around human-centred learning. You'll also have access to an extensive database of eBooks and journals, and free software such as Office 365.
• Course project: You’ll carry out a project using a Big Data technology of your choice. With support from our staff, you’ll choose a specialist topic and become a real expert. You'll start with an in-depth analysis of the topic and its technology. Then you'll build a solution that will showcase your skills to employers and give you the knowledge to win a high level, high salary job.
• Assessment: Assignments will vary from module to module, with several technical assignments and some essay writing.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent in a numerate subject such as maths, computing, engineering or an analytic science. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply.
• International entry requirements: View the entry requirements for your country.
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Fees and Funding

• Fees and costs: If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
• Postgraduate tuition fee loans: This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
• Additional costs: There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
• Scholarships and funding:
  • Postgraduate tuition fee loans: Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £11,500 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
  • Payment options: We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.

After You Graduate

• Career paths: Big Data Masters online degree opens many career paths in various sectors such as:
  • Banking and finance
  • Data driven marketing
  • Sport and fitness
  • Health and medicine
  • Engineering
  • Data journalism
  • Mapping and geographical information systems (GIS)
  • New media
• Salary: The average big data engineer annual salary in the United Kingdom is £65,000. Entry level positions start at £52,500 with the most experienced workers making up to £85,000 (source: UK Talent, 2024).
• Companies: Companies that graduates have gone to work for include:
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • EasyJet Commercial
  • Competition and Markets Authority
  • Scottish Prison Service
  • Abbott
  • AXS Europe
  • Meaningful Vision Ltd

What Our Students Said

• Suprith Kumar: "Studying MSc Big Data at Stirling helped me learn more on advanced technologies, research works, new opportunities in the field of data science, and interpersonal skills. As part of the course, I did a placement with the Epidemiology Research Unit (FISH VET GROUP) as a Data Scientist Intern."
• Beth Watson: "The Big Data course was very well designed. The range of topics and technologies covered meant that students gained a basic knowledge in a variety of areas which can be further expanded in a future career."
• Jinmo Yang: "What firstly attracted me to study Big Data at Stirling was the well-structured nature of the course. I like that I can get a general and practical understanding of the Big Data field."