Data Science & Informatics Abertay University

This is a potential research degree area, subject to the approval of the University. If you are interested in undertaking a research degree in this area, please make contact with the Dean to discuss your proposal.

Data Science & Informatics at Abertay University covers a wide range of applied and theoretical research. Our research looks at fields including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, through to Data and Information Visualisation.

Data Science has found applications across industry sectors, with business seeking to generate value from data using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The full economic and societal benefits have yet to be reaped. These benefits are enormous, particularly when combined with other emergent technologies such as AR/VR for data driven design and production processes in key industries. Embedding AI across the UK will create thousands of high-quality jobs and drive economic growth.

A recent study found digital technologies including AI created a net total of 80,000 new jobs annually across a population similar to the UK. It is estimated that AI could add £232bn to the UK economy by 2030 (UK Government Industrial Strategy White Paper 2017).

Our application areas of Data Science are aligned with our key strengths in Games and Cyber Security. We are exploring how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience.

We are also applying state of the art Machine Learning models for intrusion detection systems. Our expertise is broadening its reach into areas including health, community and social care. The majority of our research projects are rooted in client-facing, real-world problems faced by games companies, charities, innovation centres and more.

Our vibrant research culture encourages areas of cross- and inter-disciplinary working. An example of this is a collaboration between psychology and data science where data analytics are applied to understand how people learn through game-based learning.

Entry requirements

If you're not from the European Economic Area (EEA) and/or Switzerland, you may need to apply for a visa. You can find out more about applying for a visa and collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on our Tier 4 visa page. To identify whether or not you need to apply for a visa, please visit the UKBA website.

If your first language is not English or your undergraduate/Master's degree was not taught in English, you are also required to hold a suitable English language certificate.

If you require a Tier 4 visa, you must provide one of the following English language certificates:

• West African at B(4)
• NECO at B(4)
• IELTS 6.5 with no band less than 6.0*

If you do not need a Tier 4 visa or are an EEA national, you are permitted to use one of the following:

• TOEFL 80 with no band less than 18*
• Pearson's PTE 61 with no band less than 56*

*The University can only accept these qualifications if they were completed two years prior to the start of the programme.