Master's degrees in Data Science & Big Data often overlap and teach students how to work with large amounts of information. But the purpose and tools used by each discipline are different. Big Data focuses on all the information which cannot be processed using traditional database systems. The easiest way to see if specific data can be labelled as Big Data is to analyse the 5 Vs (Volume, Velocity, Variety, Veracity, and Value). Data Science, on the other hand, focuses on analysing the data and extracting useful insights for a particular individual, business, or industry. Data Scientists are also responsible for transforming their findings into presentations or reports which can be easily understood by clients or general audiences.
You should study a Master's in Data Science or Big Data if you've always loved statistics and made decisions based on numbers and personal observations of past experiences. You're likely to succeed if you have an analytical mind, problem-solving skills, and outstanding attention to details.
Most Data Science and Big Data courses are offered as M.Sc. (Master of Science) degrees. It usually takes 1 or 2 years to graduate. While Data Science or Big Data courses offer a well-rounded education, it is impossible to be an expert in everything related to data. After graduation, you'll have to choose an area on which you want to focus. Some of the most popular specialisations are Data Engineering, Data Mining, Cloud Computing, Database Management, Data Visualisation, and others.
The courses you'll take during a graduate degree in Data Science or Big Data vary from one university and programme to another. However, you can expect to take classes in Information Retrieval, Machine Learning in Practice, Mathematical Modelling, Advanced Data Analysis, Basics of Cryptography, Data Mining, Deep Learning, Strategy and Business Models, etc.
The most popular and useful programming languages for data scientists and big data professionals are Python, R, SQL, Scala, SAS, C
, Java, and others. Data Science and Big Data classes also help you develop skills which are essential to succeed in this industry. They range from analytical mindset, problem-solving, and creative thinking to communication, teamwork, patience, and well-developed attention to details.
Because an increasing number of companies and organisations rely on data insights and technology, Data Science & Big Data graduates can find work opportunities in almost any industry. Some of the most popular jobs are data scientist, database developer, data analyst, data engineer, business analyst, cloud architect, data strategist, machine learning engineer, etc.
These are the most recent and exciting trends in Data Science & Big Data: continuous intelligence (using integrated real-time analysis of data to support the decision-making process), augmented analytics (the use of AI and machine learning to analyse data and provide insights with little supervision from an engineer), and the continuous growth of cloud services, like storage, text editors, etc.Read more about studying a Data Science & Big Data degree
Not sure if Data Science & Big Data is for you?
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.Read more about studying abroad in Netherlands
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