MSc in Computing (Data Analytics)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Big Data technology and services market represents a fast-growing multibillion-dollar worldwide opportunity. A recent International Data Cooperation (IDC) forecast shows that the Big Data technology and services market will grow at a 26.4% compound annual growth rate to $41.5 billion through 2018, or about six times the growth rate of the overall information technology market. Additionally, by 2020 IDC believes that “line of business buyers will help drive analytics beyond its historical sweet spot of relational (performance management) to the double-digit growth rates of real-time intelligence and exploration/discovery of the unstructured worlds”. The value of data science skills, and resulting demand for skilled practitioners, is a well-known challenge within the emerging big data analytics industry.

PROGRAM STRENGTH

In line with the growing attention given by the Saudi Government to laying the foundations for a knowledge-based economy, the proposed joint MSc in Computing consists of a major in Data Analytics through collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) designed to equip graduates with a range of cutting-edge skills to enable them to produce high-quality software and systems that deliver solutions to business and the economy. Exposed to the latest ideas and best industry practice, students will gain the opportunity to sharpen analytical, creative and critical faculties, as well as acquire novel techniques and experience.

This program opens up opportunities for students who envision to shine in their career prospect in data analytics in acquiring in-depth skills and knowledge to analyze, process, transform and visualize data into valuable information. Graduates from the program will be well positioned to advance their careers in a fast-changing industry.

WHY DCU@PNU

Dublin City University (DCU), based in Ireland, is a young, dynamic and ambitious university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation. DCU is ranked in the top 100 young universities in the world in the Times Higher Education (THE) “Top 50 under 50”. THE says that this ranking provides a glimpse into the future, showcasing the rising stars which show great potential. DCU is also home to the Insight Centre for Data Analytics, which is one of Europe’s largest data analytics research organizations, with 350 data analytics researchers and more than 40 industry partners.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer.
• Data Scientist
• Data Assurance Specialist
• Data Quality Specialist
• Data Architect
• Analytics Manager

Employers of data analysts include the following:

• Education Institutions
• Insurance Companies
• Health Institutions
• Professional Services Companies
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Information Technology Companies

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

The students must complete and pass 54 academic credit units’ hours as below:

• 36 credit hours of courses
• 18 credit hours of capstone projects

ENTRY REQUIREMENT

In addition to the conditions in the unified law for graduate studies at Saudi Universities, applicants must fulfill the following:

• Applicant should hold a BSc degree in Computer Sciences or related degrees with a minimum grade of B.
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS: Composite Score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component
  • TOEFL: 237(computer-based), 580(paper-based test)
  • Toefl iBT: Total score of 92