Academic Programmes

MSc in Data Science (MSc DSc)

Objectives and contents

This is a two-year MSc programme that aims to contribute to the new emerging need for building country capacity for data science by producing highly sought after professionals capable of thriving in the challenging environments demanded in today's highly evolving data-driven business world.  Specifically, the programme aims to:

1. To produce highly skilled students in theoretical and practical problem-solving in the field of data science.
2. To address the rapidly increasing demands for graduates and professionals with advanced data science skills.
3. To provide students with a technically oriented and scientific post-graduate education in core areas and exposure to cutting-edge research in data science.
4. To provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge through the design and completion of a required seminar applied data science project.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:

1. Understand professional, social, cultural and ethical issues related to data in the context of privacy, confidentiality and data protection.
2. Identify and manage scientific and technical risks and uncertainty associated with data science and its applications.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of data science methods and techniques.
4. Design and use data visualization tools to communicate information effectively.
5. Analyse, design and implement innovative solutions for processing small, medium and large datasets.
6. Develop models to improve a particular sector, its planning and its implementation by asking the right questions and answering through the use of data.
7. Develop and select robust algorithms and tools that can handle large amounts of data.
8. Address technical challenges pertaining to the advent of big data storage and analytics.
9. Review and critically evaluate current developments and challenges in data science.

Career prospects

Graduate of this programme will have the capacity to work as:

1. Data Scientists
2. Experts in Big Data Analytics
3. AI business
4. Machine Learning Engineer
5. Business Intelligence Developer
6. Statistician

Graduates can also venture into research and academia with the prospect of developing research careers in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Mining, and Data Analytics.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission into this programme, a student should satisfy the general University minimum requirements with the following additional requirements:

Direct Entry Qualification
An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics or a degree in related fields from a recognized institution certified by TCU with at least a lower second class award (GPA of at least 2.7 out of 5).

Equivalent Entry Qualification
Advanced Diploma in relevant and respective field with at least lower second class award AND a Postgraduate Diploma in relevant field from a recognized institution certified by TCU with at least an upper second class (GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5) award.

OR

An undergraduate degree with at least a pass in relevant/related field PLUS a Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant and respective field from a recognized institution certified by TCU with at least an upper second class award (GPA of at least 3.5 out of 5). 

Registration Process
Detailed information about the registration process and the required supporting documents is available on the main UDSM website under the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies. Open the link HERE.

Fee Structure

For Tanzanian students, the school fee for this programme is TZS 6,412,500/= for 24 months (2 years) by coursework and dissertation and TZS 4,200,000 by thesis. For international students, the fee is US £8,040 for 24 months (2 years) both by thesis and coursework and dissertation. The fee can be paid in 2 instalments annually or in 4 instalments (per semester).

The University may change schools fees in each new academic year. Therefore, for accurate/ updated information about fees and other related direct costs paid to the University please visit the University Webpage on the fees structure for postgraduates programmes under CoICT. See the Registration Process page HERE and UDSM Postgraduate Fees Structure for the 2021/2022 academic year.

For more information about this programme please contact the Department of Computer Science and Engineering by email through cse@udsm.ac.tz or Telephone +255(0) 222700225. Otherwise, you are welcome to visit us to learn more about this programme at CoICT Kijitonyama Campus along Alli Hassan Mwinyi Road, Block A Room 002. We are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm, except weekends and public holidays.