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The Data Lab MSc Indicates Growing Demand for Data Scientists
The demand for data scientists is growing throughout Scottish industry and The Data Lab is rising to the challenge.
Scotland’s demand for data scientists continues to grow as the nation further develops its reputation as a world leader in the field.
This demand is being tackled head on through collaboration between Scottish industry and education, with The Data Lab has announcing the biggest ever intake of MSc students across the country.
Data Lab MSc
Now in its second year, the Data Lab MSc is a collaboration between MBN Solutions, The Data Lab and 11 universities across Scotland. Over 155 students will be fully funded as part of the initiative, which boasts a 400% increase since its first cohort in 2015/16.
As data science is expected to contribute over £20 billion to the Scottish economy by 2020, the necessity of ensuring the next generation of data scientists receive adequate opportunities is essential.
The increase in Data Lab MSc places for the forthcoming academic year is a direct result of a growing demand for data science and engineering skills across a broad range of industry sectors in Scotland, as well as a surge in interest in STEM subjects.
Working with a wide range of organisations across Scotland to ensure the nation’s emerging Data Talent have the best possible start to their careers, MBN Academy spent the early part of 2018 on the road. From Aberdeen in the north, to Ayrshire in the south, MBN focused on the importance of ‘Growing Your Own’ Data Talent. For leading public and private sector organisations this has resulted in the creation of more than 70 summer Industrial Placements for students studying data focussed post-graduate courses at Scottish Universities.
Roger Halliday, Chief Statistician and Data Officer at Scottish Government said:
“We’re delighted to be taking on five people as part of their data science MSc this year. My ambition is to systematically improve Outcomes for people in Scotland with data: saving time, money and lives. Data Lab and MBN Solutions play an impressive role in ensuring we get high quality data scientists.”
Robin Huggins, Director of the MBN Academy told DIGIT:
“One of the most important aspects of the work we do within the Academy is ensuring that the amazing Data Talent our Universities produce is equipped to handle the kind of challenges that they will face when they transition into industry.
“By working in partnership with The Data Lab, we ensure that this emerging Scottish Data Talent has the necessary domain expertise required to deliver the continued growth of the industry. Without initiatives of this nature, and in an uncertain economic climate, we run the risk of our organisations not being able to recruit the high quality, in demand data expertise they need.”
Kieran Kyle an MSc. Student from the University of Strathclyde said:
“The information provided at the session was extremely helpful, not only for helping me find my placement, but also for carrying over into further job interviews. I managed to secure a placement with Standard Life, an incredible opportunity that I cannot thank Rob and the MBN team enough for, it is certainly something I would have imagined just a few years ago.”
Mark Hunter, Chief Data Officer at Sainsbury’s Bank commented:
“Sainsbury’s Bank is delighted to be participating in this year’s MSc placement project. It is really important for the future of Scotland’s data industry that our students get exposure to ‘real-world’ data projects and hopefully this experience fuels their desire to bring their skills to bear in Scotland after graduating.
“MBN have expertly managed the process of marrying our projects with the students who’ll benefit the most from the experience.”
Joshua Ryan-Saha, Skills Lead at The Data Lab, said:
“It is an exciting time to learn and work in data science in Scotland. The continued increase in the number of funded students and university courses for the upcoming year is proof of that.
Joshua added that collaboration between industry and education will enable students to develop skills and gain access to industry contacts and organisations.
“Data Science is booming and companies are desperately looking for smart data scientists. Data Lab MSc programme enables students to develop their technical skills, form a network with their peers and match their ability with Scottish organisation to drive growth of the Scottish economy.
“The Data Lab is delighted that by working with MBN Solutions over 70 Data Science Masters students have found paid-three-month placements with Scottish-based organisations. This is an invaluable experience for these students’ careers allowing them to apply their rare data skills to help solve real-world business problems in Scotland. This placements programme is making Scotland the go-to destination for data talent”
Routes into Industry
Students from the 2017/19 cohort are currently engaged in three-month work placements secured as part of the course with a number of organisations, including:
The number of student placements has also increased by 50% from the 2016/17 academic year, confirming that industry is fully engaging with students.
John Bell, a student at the University of Stirling, is coming to the end of his Data Lab MSc and says that this experience has enabled him to not only develop skills and expertise, but to interact with industry figures and build relationships.
John said:
“It is a great course with lots of hands-on learning. It is about more than just gaining technical skills and knowledge, but also about people, collaboration, supporting others and building relationships in what is a burgeoning data science scene in Scotland.
“It has been a great year and I feel very positive about my future career and believe the course will help me work with an organisation that unlocks the power of data to effect positive social impact.”
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