BIG DATA AND DIGITAL FUTURES (MSc/PG.Dip/PG.Cert)

This MSc responds directly to the growing demand by employers for a new generation of postgraduates who can critically engage with big data theoretically, methodologically and practically. Its primary focus is consolidating knowledge through doing.

Unlike many big data-focused degrees (such as Data Science or Data Analytics) with an emphasis on data practices and computational tools, this course appeals to students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who want to learn more about the role played by data and digital practices in everyday life. It boasts a contemporary, responsive curriculum which enables students to engage with real-world problems and contemporary debates on digital practices.

During the course you will:

Develop technical skills which enable you to engage with contemporary data and AI technologies, whatever your background, through student-led initiatives such as coding clubs.
Be able to tailor your learning to your own interests and career plans by choosing from a wide range of module options ranging from interface design critique to generative AI.
Gain an interdiscplinary understanding of current debates surrounding data and digital practices and be able to apply these to real-world problems.

Is this course for me?

This programme is aimed at students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who want to learn more about the ways in which data and digital processes play a role in everyday life. Although no specific background is required, your application must demonstrate an ability to work creatively and an interest in big data and digital futures in general.

The skills students acquire from this programme allow them to enter a wide range of careers in knowledge-based companies, NGOs, and in such fields as information policy, new media production, public relations, or administration and entrepreneurship in big data and digital culture-based companies.

The MSc degree provides an excellent route to those intending to undertake further postgraduate research at doctoral level, whilst the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate allow you to focus or skill-up in particular data-driven approaches in shorter time.

For further information, contact the Course Convenor, Michael Castelle: M.Castelle.1@warwick.ac.uk or Director of Postgraduate Taught Courses Dr Michael Dieter: M.J.Dieter@warwick.ac.uk

Where will it take me?

The MSc will enable students from various disciplinary backgrounds to understand and act in a society transformed by big data, networks and computation and develop a range of interdisciplinary capacities.

Upon graduation, students can follow an academic or professional career working in knowledge-based companies, NGOs, and in such fields as information policy, new media production, public relations, or administration and entrepreneurship in big data and digital culture-based companies.

Recent MSc in Big Data and Digital Futures graduates have gone on to pursue the following careers:

Business Analyst, SkyscannerLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Software Product Owner/Consultant, Valtech Mobility GmbHLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Senior Data Coach, MultiverseLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window London-based data science training company
Smart Building Engineer, Schneider ElectricLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Analytics Graduate, Jaguar Land RoverLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Systems and Data Analyst, Redwood BankLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.
Information Analyst, Oxfordshire City CouncilLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

The MSc can also lead to academic studies e.g. the MPhil/PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies or other relevant disciplines. Likewise, the Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate allow excellent foundations for students from different disciplinary backgrounds to learn more about big data and to skill-up in a relatively short time on particular research skills.

Core and optional modules

CORE MODULES

OPTIONAL CORE MODULES

Term 1

Data Science Across Disciplines (IM939) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Fundamentals in Quantitative Research Methods (PO91Q)Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Term 2

Scaling Data and Societies (IM950) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

Advanced Quantitative Research (PO92Q) Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

OPTIONAL MODULES

Please note that the modules listed here will be available each year subject to staff availability and student number uptake. Modules will also be updated annually. For further information, contact the Director of Taught Postgraduate Degrees, Dr Michael Dieter:m.j.dieter@warwick.ac.uk

All our modules offer European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits and please see individual module pages for equivalence. Optional modules from other departments may be considered as part of your degree programme. Should you wish to undertake an outside option, you will need to discuss this with your Masters Convenor.

Essential information

DURATION

MSc:

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 2 years

Postgraduate Diploma:

Full-time: 9 months

Part-time: 18 months

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2:i undergraduate degree (or equivalent).

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Band BLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window

There may be the option to attend the Pre-Sessional English Programme prior to commencement of study. See the Pre-Sessional English Programme websiteLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for information, but note that CIM has the additional requirement of a minimum 6.0 in the IELTS writing component for acceptance through this programme.

Fees and Scholarships

COURSE FEES 2025-26

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations, registration and some student amenities.

Status	MSc full-time (one year)	MSc part-time (two years)	PG Dip full-time (9 months)	PG Dip part-time (18 months)
Overseas	£27,680	£13,840	£18,453	£9,227
Home	£11,170	£5,585	£7,447	£3,723

We consider all eligible applicants for bursaries and scholarship while funds are available, so do apply for the course as early as possible if you'd like to be considered.

Opportunity

Eligibility

Further Details

CIM International Masters Bursaries 2025-26

To support exceptional overseas scholars, CIM are offering a number of bursaries to candidates applying to study our MA in Digital Media & Culture, MSc in Big Data & Digital Futures and MASc in Data Visualisation. Candidates must have submitted an application by the deadline below and be classed as residents of the countries listed for tuition fee purposes. All awards will be a contribution towards tuition fees and will be made on a competitive basis.

Applicants from all African countries: £19,243 (70% of the full-time 2025-26 Overseas fee)

Applicants from the following South and Southeast Asian countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka; Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar. £13,745 (50% of the full-time 2025-26 Overseas fee)

Applicants from all South American countries: £13,745 (50% of the full-time 2025-26 Overseas fee)

The deadline for applicants from these regions is: 23:59 (BST) 31 May 2025

Please click here to apply

CIM Home Masters Bursaries 2025-26

To support talented scholars from the UK, we are offering a number of bursaries across our three taught masters programmes to applicants classified as Home for fee purposes. Each award will be an £8,000 contribution towards tuition fees and be made on a competitive basis. Full- and part-time candidates are eligible to apply.

The deadline for applications is: 23:59 (BST) 31 August 2025.

Please click here to apply

Digital Health and Rights Project Scholarship

This multinational research project advocating for rights-based digital governance in low- to middle-income countries is offering one scholarship to an exceptional postgraduate student with an interest in furthering digital health and human rights. The award will provide £24,000 towards tuition fees and a £1,600 travel grant. Only candidates eligible for Overseas Fees status can apply.

The deadline for applications is: 23:59 (BST) 31 May 2025

Please click here to apply

Postgraduate Loans

Home / EU students may be eligible to apply for a loan to support their study and living costs. Postgraduate Loans have to be paid back.

Please click here for details

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Warwick Alumni Discount Scheme

10% tuition fee discount will be available to Warwick graduates who have Home/EU or Overseas fee status. You must be a graduate of Warwick at any level of qualification.

Please click here for details

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Warwick Taught Masters Scholarships

Bursaries to support Home fee status students and UK domicile EU students who satisfy certain eligibility criteria.

Please click here to apply

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Warwick GREAT Scholarships

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Warwick is offering a number of scholarships to students applying to our courses from Pakistan and Turkey only.

The deadline for applications is: 11:59 (BST) 30 April 2025

Please click here for details

PhD Funding is possible through a number of sources at Warwick.

Further information on entry requirements are available hereLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window.

Big data and digital futures (MSc/PG.Dip)

Increasingly, big data is used to track and trace social trends and behaviours. This course addresses how big data challenge traditional research processes, and impact on security, privacy, ethics, and governance and policy.

Apply here Sign up for updates

Our other courses:

MA Digital Media and Culture

MASc Data Visualisation

MPhil/PhD Programmes

Graduate Testimonial:

Edvin Dudinskij

MSc Big Data and Digital Futures

“The uniqueness of this program was the main factor that attracted me to the MSc at Warwick. This degree program is different compared to other Big Data courses offered in the market. Its aim is not focused solely on teaching students what tools to use to analyse Big Data, but it rather teachers concepts and methodologies that question the essence of using specific data to find new insights and answer particular questions. Thus, this degree prepares you for the future with the long-term view in mind rather than focusing what is only temporary and short-term.

After my Master’s, I took up a position as a Business Analyst at Skyscanner where my work involves providing visual insights and recommendations by creating new methods and techniques for analysing travellers’ data. My long-term career aspiration would be opening my own consulting company which would specialise in Big Data.”

Our students' research:

CIM Big Data & Digital Futures students focus on a wide range of contemporary topics in their dissertations, from the effects of Covid on students' mental health to platform gaslighting and misuse.

Examples of work from our past students:

Long-term Effects of COVID-19 and Zero-COVID Policy on Mental Health of Chinese University Students: A Cross Sectional Study on PTSD (Awarded the CIM MASc Best Dissertation Prize 2023-24)