This Masters programme aims to train postgraduate students in computational, mathematical and statistical methods to solve data-driven problems. The programme will create opportunities for students in the Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related fields to gain an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science.

This programme forms part of the DSI-funded National e-Science Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform (NEPTTP). Students will register with their Home Institution but will attend coursework at Wits University in Johannesburg, Gauteng, in the first year. On completion of the coursework modules, students will move back to their Home Institutions for their second year of study.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor with Honours degree (NQF level 8 qualification) from a relevant discipline in Science or Engineering (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) OR a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. Applicants require a minimum of 65 percent in their NQF level 8 qualification and fulfill any additional institutional application requirements of the institution through which they are applying, and must be co-approved by the Consortium.
Applicants will also be required to complete a number of pre-requisite on-line courses.

Degree Information

The Masters programme extends over eighteen to twenty-four months of full-time study. The programme comprises compulsory and elective modules. Cross-disciplinary data-driven projects are offered both within the University and from a wide range of industry partners. A candidate must undertake modules to the value of 180 credits and must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework and Research Report in the field of e-Science.

Coursework Modules (Year 1 at Wits University)

2 Compulsory Courses

• Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science (15 credits)
  This course gives the students the theoretical and practical skills to plan, conduct, analyse and present a scientific assignment (Capstone Project) in the area of Data Science by introducing them to research methodology, ethics and sustainability. The course is comprised of three parts: 1) scientific writing; 2) research methodology; and 3) scientific assignment. These three parts are integrated in a capstone project.
• Data Privacy and Ethics (15 credits)
  This course introduces the students to the ethical and legal foundations of data science governance. The topics covered include technical processes of data collection, storage, exchange and access; ethical aspects of data management; legal and regulatory frameworks in South Africa and in relevant jurisdictions; data policy; data privacy; data ownership; legal liabilities of analytical decisions, and discrimination; algorithms and technical approaches to enhance data privacy; and relevant case studies.

Any 4 Elective Course on Offer

• Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning (15 credits)
  This course provides the candidate with an in−depth understanding of adaptive computing and machine learning. The course consists of machine learning, pattern recognition and computational learning theory in artificial intelligence. Machine learning explores the study and construction of algorithms that can learn from and make predictions using data – such algorithms overcome the limitation of following strictly static program instructions by making data driven predictions or decisions, through building a model from sample inputs.
• Data Visualisation and Exploration (15 credits)
  This course introduces the field of data visualisation which seeks to determine and present underlying correlated structures and relationships in data sets from a wide variety of application areas. The prime objective of the presentation is to communicate the information in a dataset so as to enhance understanding. The course is comprised of the following subjects: Data and image models; Visualisation attributes (colour) and design (layout); Exploratory data analysis; Interactive data visualisation; Multidimensional data; Graphical perception; Visualisation software (Python & R); and Types of visualisation (Animation, Networks & Text).
• Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming (15 credits)
  Conducting e-research/e-science requires a good understanding of the computing principles, methods and tools that have been developed to support the analysis of large-scale and complex data. The course focuses on the software stack but addresses hardware issues as necessary. The course covers a selection of following topics: Introduction to programming environments for scientific computing (e.g. Pandas, Numpy, matplotlib); Principles of distributed systems, and overview of parallel architectures and environments (e.g. FPGA, GPU, multi-core, cluster, grid); Large scale data transfer and storage; Frameworks for large scale data analysis (relational databases, map-reduce, streaming); Scientific workflow management: provenance and replication; Introduction to cloud computing and virtualisation; and Project (e.g. Programming large-data applications on open-source infrastructures for data processing and storage systems).
• Large Scale Optimisation for Data Science (15 credits)
  Advanced areas of data science require a deeper understanding of the large scale discrete optimisation methods pertaining to the field. In order to bridge this mathematical gap and provide a foundation for further learning, this course will place more emphasis on topics such as convex optimisation, sub-gradient methods, localisation methods, decomposition and distributed optimisation, proximal and operator splitting methods, conjugate gradients, and nonconvex problems.
• Mathematical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits)
  Advanced areas of data science require a deeper understanding of the fundamental mathematics pertaining to the field. In order to bridge this mathematical gap and provide a foundation for further learning, this course will place more emphasis on topics such as high-dimensional space, best-fit subspaces and singular value decomposition, random walks and Markov chains, statistical machine learning, clustering, random graphs, topic models, non-negative matrix factorisation, hidden Markov models, graphical models, wavelets, and sparse representations.
• Special Topics in Data Science (15 credits)
  This module deals with specialised and applied concepts and trends in the domain specific areas of data sciences such as finance, health sciences, bioinformatics, natural sciences, social sciences, smart cities, education, and energy.
• Statistical Foundations of Data Science (15 credits)
  This course provides an understanding of multivariate statistical methods. Hypothesis testing and confidence intervals. The ability to model data using well known statistical distributions as well as handle data that is both continuous and categorical. The ability to perform statistical modeling including multivariate regression and adjust for multiple hypothesis. Forecasting, extrapolation, prediction and modeling using statistical methods. Bayesian statistics. An understanding of bootstrapping and Monte Carlo simulation.

** Not all electives are offered every year.

Research Report (Year 2 at Home Institution)

• Research Report: Data Science (90 credits)
  The ability to do research is an essential skill for an individual pursuing a career in Data Science, and forms the basis for further post-graduate study. This module provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between theory and practice, and established work and novel research. By working within established research structures in the Institution under the guidance of an expert, students will receive exposure to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research in the field of Data Science.

Funding

Competitive DSI-NICIS MSc bursaries, covering tuition, accommodation and stipend, are made available by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to qualifying offer holders with a record of excellent academic achievement. Priority for bursaries will be given to South African Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Careers

Graduates of the programme can find data-oriented roles within academic institutions, technology, healthcare companies and the finance sector. Data scientist positions involve a wide range of responsibilities; such as conducting exploratory data analysis, applying statistical methodologies, deriving business insights from data, partnering with company executives, product and engineering teams to solve problems, identify trends and opportunities, inform, influence, support, and execute product decisions and launches.

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. For more information, see your Institution’s application webpage.

Prerequisite Courses For Master of Science

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor with Honours degree (NQF level 8 qualification) from a relevant discipline in Science or Engineering (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) OR a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. Applicants require a minimum of 65 percent in their NQF level 8 qualification and fulfill any additional institutional application requirements of the institution through which they are applying, and must be co-approved by the Consortium.

Applicants will also be required to complete a number of prerequisite on-line courses and complete an assessment on these.  These courses are free of charge, and the assessment must be completed at one of the Node Universities.  The assessments will form part of the criteria for acceptance onto this programme. They will be conducted at all the NEPTTP participating Universities and will be held later in 2019.

• Introduction to Computer Science and Programming:
  https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-0001-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-in-python-fall-2016/
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-05-introduction-to-probability-and-statistics-spring-2014/
• Introduction to Linear Algebra: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-06-linear-algebra-spring-2010/
• Introduction to Computational Thinking and Data Science: https://www.coursetalk.com/providers/edx/courses/introduction-to-computational-thinking-and-data-science

This Masters programme aims to train postgraduate students in the use of statistical methods to conduct data-driven research in the social sciences and humanities. The programme will create opportunities for students in the social sciences and humanities to develop an interdisciplinary perspective on the emerging fields of Data Science.

The programme forms part of the DSI-funded National e-Science Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform (NEPTTP). Students will register with their Home Institution but will attend coursework at Wits University in Johannesburg, Gauteng, in the first year. On completion of the coursework modules, students will move back to their Home Institutions for their second year of study.

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (NQF level 8 qualification) from a relevant discipline or field in the social sciences or humanities. Along with strong substantive knowledge in a relevant discipline or field, they must have a demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of quantitative social research (but need not have a previous specialisation in statistics or statistical computing). Applicants require a minimum of 65 percent in their NQF level 8 qualification to be considered, and they must fulfil any additional institutional application requirements of the institution through which they are applying, and must be co-approved by the Consortium.

Degree Information

The Masters programme extends over eighteen to twenty-four months of full-time study. The programme comprises compulsory and elective modules (with alternative MSc courses available by special permission to students who meet the prerequisites). Cross-disciplinary data-driven projects are offered both within the University and from a wide range of industry partners. A candidate must undertake modules to the value of 180 credits and must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework and Research Report in the field of e-Science.

Compulsory Coursework Modules (Year 1 at Wits University)

• Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science (15 credits)
  This course gives the students the theoretical and practical skills to plan, conduct, analyse and present a scientific assignment (Capstone Project) in the area of Data Science by introducing them to research methodology, ethics and sustainability. The course is comprised of three parts: 1) scientific writing; 2) research methodology; and 3) scientific assignment. These three parts are integrated in a capstone project.
• Data Privacy and Ethics (15 credits)
  This course introduces the students to the ethical and legal foundations of data science governance. The topics covered include technical processes of data collection, storage, exchange and access; ethical aspects of data management; legal and regulatory frameworks in South Africa and in relevant jurisdictions; data policy; data privacy; data ownership; legal liabilities of analytical decisions, and discrimination; algorithms and technical approaches to enhance data privacy; and relevant case studies.
• Statistical Computing and Inference for the Social Sciences and Humanities (30 credits)
  This course introduces statistical social research, with applications in the social sciences and humanities. It emphasises the development of practical skills for conducting quantitative research using statistical software.
• Statistical Modelling for the Social Sciences and Humanities (15 credits)*
  This course focuses on statistical modelling methods applied in the social sciences and humanities. These include multiple regression models, generalised linear models, multilevel models, and structural equation models. It emphasises the ability to identify appropriate models based on the type of data and research objective, and to replicate and critically analyse applications in the students’ substantive areas of expertise.
• Applied Data Science for the Social Sciences and Humanities (15 credits)
  This course focuses on applying data science methods in the social sciences and humanities, including relevant programming skills. The emphasis is on practical applications, such as compiling and analysing textual and georeferenced data sets.
• Alternative MSc courses are available by special permission to students who meet the prerequisites.

Research Report (Year 2 at Home Institution)

• Research Report: Data Science (90 credits)
  The ability to do research is an essential skill for an individual pursuing a career in Data Science, and forms the basis for further post-graduate study. This module provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between theory and practice, and established work and novel research. By working within established research structures in the Institution under the guidance of an expert, students will receive exposure to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research in the field of Data Science.

For information view the video from the Seminar held on 23 September 2019.

Funding

Competitive DSI-NICIS MA bursaries, covering tuition, accommodation and stipend, are made available by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to qualifying offer holders with a record of excellent academic achievement. Priority for bursaries will be given to South African Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Careers

Career opportunities vary depending on graduates’ areas of specialisation in the social sciences or humanities, but they fall in two main categories.  The first consists of newly emerging data-oriented research positions that explicitly target those with expertise in the social sciences and humanities — in academic institutions, social and policy research organisations (governmental and non-governmental), and the private sector (for example, in the legal, finance, health care, and technology industries).  The second consists of positions that have traditionally targeted social science and humanities graduates, but in which data and computing expertise is increasingly valued as a complementary “scarce skill.”  The competitive advantage of MA graduates is their unique ability to combine expertise in the social sciences or humanities with data-oriented research skills.

Applications

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. For more information, see your Institution’s application webpage.

Prerequisite Courses for Master of Arts

Applicants are required to have a Bachelor’s degree with Honours (NQF level 8 qualification) from a relevant discipline or field in the social sciences or humanities. Along with strong substantive knowledge in a relevant discipline or field, they must have a demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of quantitative social research (but need not have a previous specialisation in statistics or statistical computing). Applicants require a minimum of 65 percent in their NQF level 8 qualification to be considered, and they must fulfil any additional institutional application requirements of the institution through which they are applying, and must be co-approved by the Consortium.

Although not compulsory, it is highly recommended that applicants complete the following courses:

• David M. Diez, Christopher D. Barr, Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel, Introductory Statistics with Randomization and Simulation, chapter 1 (pp. 1-60), free download from
  https://www.openintro.org/stat/textbook.php?stat_book=isrs
• R labs for the textbook, available at
  https://www.openintro.org/stat/labs.php?stat_lab_software=R:
  • “Intro to R and RStudio”
  • “Introduction to Data”
• Mine Cetinkaya-Rundel, “Data Analysis and Statistical Inference“, DataCamp Open Course (free but requires registration),
  https://www.datacamp.com/community/open-courses/statistical-inference-and-data-analysis
  • “Introduction to R”
  • “Introduction to data”
• (Optional) R Programming swirl lessons (interactive, run in R/RStudio):
  • “Basic building blocks”
  • “Sequences of numbers”
  • “Vectors”
  • “Subsetting vectors”

For further information regarding the prerequisites, please send your enquiry to e-science.research@wits.ac.za