MSc in Statistics and Data Science
About This Programme
A two-year research MSc in Statistics and Data Science: statistical theory and methods with a one-year thesis.
Course Highlights
- Not automatically funded: MBZUAI classes M.Sc. students as fee-paying by default, with merit-based funding considered at admission and otherwise secured through a faculty-sponsored assistantship or a government scholarship.
- Rigorous statistical theory and modern data-science methods.
- Access to computing labs with nearly 1,000 Nvidia DGZ-1/2 GPU servers.
- One-year Master's research thesis.
What You'll Study
A full-time, English-language MSc on the Masdar City campus: a first year of statistics and data-science coursework and electives, then a one-year research thesis. MBZUAI classes M.Sc. students as fee-paying by default; merit-based funding is considered at admission, and is otherwise secured through a faculty-sponsored assistantship or an approved government scholarship.
Core courses
Core: 4 courses, 16 credit hours, taken by every student. MBZUAI's own page gives the thesis course code as SDS799 in the core-course table and study plan, and as STADS799 in the research-thesis panel. Stored as SDS799, the code used in both the core table and the study plan.
- Probability and Statistics (SDS7101)4 credits
- Linear Models and Extensions (SDS7102)4 credits
- Data Analysis and Visualization (SDS7103)4 credits
- Prediction and Forecasting (SDS7104)4 credits
Research methods, internship and thesis
- Introduction to Research Methods (RES799)2 credits
- Master of Science Internship (up to six weeks) (INT799)2 credits
- Statistics and Data Science Master's Research Thesis (SDS799)8 credits
Elective courses
Students select a minimum of two elective courses totalling 8 credit hours.
Published elective list
- Machine Learning with Python (AI7101)2 credits
- Introduction to Deep Learning (AI7102)2 credits
- Data Mining (DS701)4 credits
- Big Data Processing (DS702)4 credits
- Entrepreneurship in Action (ENT799)2 credits
- Natural Language Processing (NLP701)4 credits
- Numerical Methods for Optimization (SDS7501)4 credits
- Bayesian Statistics for Data Science (SDS7502)4 credits
Entry Requirements
Screening exam and technical interview; two references; GRE optional.
Careers
Graduates work as data scientists, statisticians and quantitative researchers, or continue to a PhD.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Accredited by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (status Active on the CAA register).
Programme Details
Award
Master of Science (MSc) in Statistics and Data Science
Start Date
Annual Fall intake (August)
Typical Offer
STEM bachelor's, CGPA 3.0/4.0; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90
Duration
2 years
Qualification
Masters
Subject Area
Statistics & Data Science
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person