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MSc in Data Science

Offered by the Department of Statistics

MSc in Data Science

The Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science is introducing a new MSc program in Data Science considering the high demand from fresh graduates and the industry. The Department is already offering two MSc programmes: MSc in Applied Statistics and MSc in Actuarial Science and the newly proposed one will be covering the Data Science field. The newly introduced program will lay a solid foundation in Statistics/Mathematics/Computer Science and provide sound knowledge in deep concepts in Data Science for fresh graduates and returning industry personnel who are interested in Data Science and in the need of broadening their horizons in the Data Science field.

This MSc degree programme aims to provide students with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical applications in Data Science. The programme will produce postgraduates that are capable of conducting research and development in the field as well as to be employed as Data Scientists and related professionals in the industry.

Important Dates

The first intake of the MSc in Data Science program will be announced soon. Please sign up using the below form for updated details.

Pre-registration form
Click here

Eligibility

1. A Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics/Mathematics/Computer Science/Engineering/Data Science/Artificial Intelligence from a recognized university,

or

2. A Bachelor of Science with Statistics or Mathematics or Computer Science or Data Science or Artificial Intelligence as a major subject from a recognized university,

or

3.Any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo.

 

Course Fees

Course fee details for Parts I, II and III will be available soon.

Application fee – Rs. 2,500/-

*Please note that fees paid are not refundable and can be subjected to revisions from time to time.

Bank loan schemes can be arranged upon request

 

Target groups of the program

  • Aspiring learners planning to pursue postgraduate studies in data analytics, data science, or related disciplines
  • Researchers and scientists seeking to enhance their statistical reasoning and data-driven research capabilities
  • Executives, managers, and decision-makers in public and private sector organizations who want to turn data into actionable insights
  • Educators and academics aiming to upgrade their knowledge in statistics and modern data analytics tools
  • Professionals from diverse backgrounds looking to re-skill or transition into fast-growing careers in data analytics and allied fields

Course Schedule / Facilities

The programme will be delivered through a blended mode, combining both online and face-to-face lectures.

Programme Structure and Duration

  • The duration of Parts I and II of the MSc program is 24 months while that of Part III is of a further 12 months.
  • Students registered for part II should complete it within 6 months.
  • The maximum period allowed to complete the degree is five (05) years from the date of first registration.
  • Students who fail to complete Part I and Part II within 3 years from the first registration will not be allowed to register for Part III.

Objectives of the program

  • To provide students with in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Data Science
  • To equip graduates with the ability to conduct research and development in the field of Data Science
  • To prepare postgraduates for successful careers as Data Scientists and related professionals in industry

The Programme

The MSc in Data Science consists of course modules including theory, practical sessions, a guided independent study, and a guided research project. Theory modules will be conducted in a blended learning mode with online and face-to-face lectures. For a theory module, fifteen direct teaching hours (50 notional hours) of instruction is equivalent to one academic credit and in a practical module thirty hours of work (50 notional hours) is equivalent to one academic credit. The course structure was designed according to the Master of Science By-Laws No. 8 of 2021 of Faculty of Science, and the guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF 2015) to fulfill the criteria of Postgraduate Diploma / Master’s Degree programs at SLQF levels 8, 9 & 10.

Part I: Coursework (25 credits)

  • Part I consists of theory modules, practical modules, and group projects comprising a total of 25 credits and is equivalent to Level 8 of the SLQF.
  • A student who obtains a GPA of 70  or above for Part I may be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
  • Successful completion of Part I with a minimum GPA of 3.00 is required to proceed to Part II.

Part II: Independent Study (5 credits)

  • Part II consists of a guided mini research project of 5 credits. Students undertaking the mini research project are required to carry out the research work under a supervisor/s assigned by the Department.
  • Prior to the commencement of the mini research project, the student should submit and present the proposal to a panel of academics in the Department and acquire the approval.
  • Students should complete Part II within 6 months.
  • Parts I and II contain a minimum of 30 academic credits equivalent to Level 9 of the SLQF.
  • A student who obtains a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II may be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Data Science, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
  • A student who fails to achieve a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II  may be eligible to be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
  • To proceed to Part III a student should achieve a GPA of 3.00 for Part II and complete part I and II within three years from the date of registration.

Part III: Research Project (26 credits)

  • Part III consists of an individual research project of 26 academic credits which should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified supervisor/s. The title of the research project and the supervisor/s should be recommended and approved by the relevant authorities as stipulated by the By-Laws, prior to commencement of research. In addition to the individual research project, students are supposed to take a Scientific Writing module (2C) and a Seminars in Data Science module (2C).
  • Students who obtain a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III of the program may be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science (Research) in Data Science, provided the students fulfill other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.
  • Parts I, II and III together containing a minimum of 60 academic credits is equivalent to Level 10 of the SLQF.
  • A student who fails to achieve a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III may be eligible to be awarded the Degree of Master of Science in Data Science, upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo

Further Information

Further information regarding the MSc Programme can be obtained by contacting the programme coordinator.

Dr. Sameera Viswakula
sam@stat.cmb.ac.lk
0713577290