Overview
If you’re already working within data analytics, business planning and IT you’ll be suitable for this course.
You’ll use a combination of technical and soft skills throughout this Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship. You’ll become an expert in your field so you can take your career to the next level.
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Important information
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Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Through compulsory modules you’ll cover:
- data visualisation
- data management and exploratory data analysis
- big data analytics
- machine learning
- statistical foundations of data science
- statistical learning for data science
- leadership and change in the digital age
- digital technology and innovation management
You’ll carry out:
- strategic case studies
- a Capstone project undertaken with your employer
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Digital and Technology Solutions (Data Analytics Specialist) MSc modules
How you’ll learn
This course is delivered by the School of Computing. It has no exams and is a mixture of:
- lectures
- practicals
- online learning
It’s taught over two years, equivalent to a part-time Master’s.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Dissertation
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Report
- Reflective log
Additional assessment information
You’ll carry out a six-month project within your workplace at the end of the course. In your project, you’ll need to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt on the MSc to your day-to-day work.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Matthew Forshaw, Degree Programme Director
Matthew is a Senior Lecturer of Data Science at Newcastle University. He is also Data Skills Policy Leader for The Alan Turing Institute, the national institute for data science and artificial intelligence. He leads the national Data Skills Taskforce, setting an agenda for change to inspire, educate and upskill data talent across education and industry.
Your development
Professional skills
This course will enable you to reach your full potential in data analytics. You’ll learn how to directly apply your new skills in the workplace, whilst being supported by both university academics and mentors in the workplace.
You’ll maintain a portfolio of your learning throughout this course.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Urban Sciences Building
The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Postgraduate student facilities
As a Master’s student, you’ll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.
Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:
- The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
- Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
- Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a discipline with significant computing content, such as:
- mathematics
- engineering
- an engineering discipline
- statistics
- computer science
The School of Computing has a strong track record of admitting applicants from a non-standard background and individuals with strong relevant work experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants should have achieved grade C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications). Applicants without English or Maths qualifications can study for them as part of their apprenticeship.
