Table of Contents
What is the curriculum like for a Master’s in Big Data?
Which modules are studied in the first term?
Which modules are studied in the second term?
What do you learn on a Master’s in Big Data?
Does the Master’s in Big Data include work placements?
Who is a Master’s in Big Data aimed at?
What career opportunities does a Master’s in Big Data offer?
Master’s in Big Data: a programme combining technology, data and business
What is the curriculum like for a Master’s in Big Data?
The programme comprises 60 ECTS credits, spread over two four-month terms of 30 credits each. The first term focuses primarily on the technological and organisational foundations of Big Data. The second term delves deeper into analytics, security, visualisation and management, whilst also incorporating the work placement and the Master’s thesis.
Term | Main content | Credits |
| First term | Programming, data acquisition and processing, business, storage, infrastructure and architecture | 30 ECTS |
| Second term | Analytics, cybersecurity, visualisation, management, DevOps, work placements and final-year project | 30 ECTS |
| Total | Full curriculum | 60 ECTS |
Which modules are studied in the first term?
The first term focuses on understanding how Big Data solutions are built and managed, from programming and data acquisition to technology platforms and their application within organisations.
Programming for Big Data Processing using Distributed Languages — 6 ECTS
This module covers programming applied to the distributed processing of large volumes of data.
The aim is to understand how to develop solutions capable of handling large amounts of data using distributed systems, a fundamental skill for roles related to data engineering and Big Data platforms.
Data Acquisition, Ingestion and Processing for Big Data — 6 ECTS
Before analysing data, it is necessary to obtain it, incorporate it into systems and process it.
This module focuses on the stages involved in the acquisition, ingestion and processing of information —essential aspects for building data solutions capable of handling different sources and volumes of information.
The Impact of Big Data on Business and Organisations — 6 ECTS
Big Data is not merely a technological issue. Data also plays a strategic role in decision-making and in the transformation of organisations.
This module explores the relationship between Big Data, business and organisations, helping students to understand how data can be used to generate value and support decision-making.
Technology Platforms for Big Data: Storage — 6 ECTS
Storage is a fundamental part of any Big Data architecture.
This module examines the technological platforms and solutions related to the storage of large volumes of information, knowledge that is essential for designing systems capable of managing data efficiently.
Technology Platforms for Big Data: Infrastructure and Architecture — 6 ECTS
A Big Data solution requires a suitable infrastructure and architecture to function.
This module focuses on the fundamentals of the technological infrastructure and architecture of Big Data platforms, providing a comprehensive overview of how these environments are designed.
Which modules are studied in the second term?
The second term covers topics related to data analysis and utilisation, alongside fundamental aspects such as security, visualisation and project management. It also includes external work placements and the Master’s Thesis.
Advanced Data Analytics — 3 ECTS
Once the data has been collected and processed, it is time to extract useful information from it.
This module introduces advanced data analytics, aimed at deriving insights from large datasets and facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Cybersecurity and Privacy in Data Platforms — 3 ECTS
Managing large amounts of data also presents significant challenges relating to security and privacy.
This module addresses these issues as they apply to data platforms, which are essential for protecting information and managing data in accordance with security and privacy requirements.
Advanced Visualisation for Big Data — 6 ECTS
Analysing data is not merely a matter of processing it. It is also necessary to know how to represent and interpret the information.
This module focuses on the advanced visualisation of large volumes of data and on presenting information in a way that facilitates its understanding and analysis.
Big Data Project Management — 3 ECTS
Data projects also require knowledge of planning, organisation and management.
This module addresses Big Data project management, providing a perspective geared towards coordinating data-related initiatives within organisations.
DevOps Model for Continuous Integration — 3 ECTS
Continuous integration forms part of modern processes for the development and deployment of technological solutions.
This module introduces the DevOps model of continuous integration as applied to the Big Data context, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the development and operational lifecycle of such solutions.
External academic placements — 6 ECTS
The curriculum includes 6 ECTS of external academic placements.
Furthermore, UAX states that these placements last 180 hours in a company setting, enabling students to apply the knowledge acquired during the master’s programme in a professional environment. The university has more than 8,800 agreements with companies and lists firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, Banco Santander, Iberia, Siemens and Hispasat among them.
Master’s Thesis — 6 ECTS
The programme culminates in a Master’s Thesis (TFM) worth 6 ECTS credits.
The MTh project enables students to integrate the knowledge acquired during the programme and to develop a project related to the field of Big Data and data analysis.
What do you learn on a Master’s in Big Data?
Although the modules are divided into subject areas, the programme enables students to develop skills related to the different stages of the data lifecycle.
These include:
- Programming applied to distributed processing.
- Acquisition, ingestion and processing of information.
- Design and understanding of Big Data platforms.
- Storage and management of large volumes of data.
- Infrastructure and architecture of data solutions.
- Advanced analytics.
- Data visualisation.
- Information security and privacy.
- Big Data project management.
- DevOps methodologies.
- Practical application of knowledge in a business environment.
UAX’s current course offering also highlights technologies such as Python, MongoDB, Power BI, Tableau and cloud environments as part of the Master’s programme.
Does the Master’s in Big Data include work placements?
Yes. The curriculum includes 6 ECTS credits of external academic work placements, and UAX specifies that this corresponds to 180 hours of work experience within a company.
This part of the programme allows you to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to a professional context and gain first-hand experience of how data is handled within an organisation.
Who is the Master’s in Big Data aimed at?
Admission to the UAX Online Master’s Degree in Big Data and Analytics is primarily aimed at graduates in Engineering or Architecture, according to the admission information currently published by the university. UAX also considers other degrees related to the fields of business and data, such as Business Administration, Economics, Statistics or Physics, within its UAX Mare Nostrum programme; therefore, it is advisable to check the specific entry requirements before applying for admission.
Furthermore, if you already have prior professional experience relevant to the skills required for this qualification, this may be recognised in the form of credits.
What career opportunities does a Master’s in Big Data offer?
Training in Big Data can lead to various roles related to engineering, analysis, architecture and data management.
Among the career opportunities highlighted by UAX are:
- Big Data Architect
- Big Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Big Data Developer
- Data Analyst
- Chief Data Officer (CDO)
- Big Data Consultant
- Data Governance Specialist
- Data Security Specialist
The specific specialisation will depend on the experience, prior training and the type of skills developed by each professional.
Master’s in Big Data: a course combining technology, data and business
Studying Big Data involves much more than simply learning to analyse large amounts of information.
A specialist needs to understand how data is collected, how it is processed, where it is stored, how it is protected, how it is analysed and how it is turned into useful information for an organisation.
For this reason, the curriculum of the UAX Online Master’s Degree in Big Data and Analytics combines technological content with subjects related to business, project management and the practical application of knowledge, all delivered online.
Furthermore, the programme includes external work placements and a Master’s Thesis, two elements that allow students to round off their training with practical experience.
Frequently asked questions about the modules on a Master’s in Big Data
What modules does a Master’s in Big Data include?
The modules vary depending on the university and programme. The UAX Online Master’s in Big Data and Analytics covers subjects related to distributed programming, data acquisition and processing, storage, infrastructure and architecture, advanced analytics, cybersecurity , visualisation, project management and DevOps. The programme is rounded off with external work placements and a Master’s Thesis.
What is covered on a Master’s in Big Data?
You study the entire cycle of managing and utilising large volumes of data: from its acquisition and processing through to its storage, analysis, visualisation and application within organisations.
How many credits are there in a Master’s in Big Data?
The UAX Online Master’s in Big Data and Analytics comprises 60 ECTS credits spread over two four-month terms.
How long does a Master’s in Big Data last?
The UAX programme lasts 9 months.
Does the Master’s in Big Data include a work placement?
Yes. The programme includes 6 ECTS of external academic work placements, and UAX states that these comprise 180 hours spent in a company.
What do you learn after studying Big Data?
The course enables you to develop skills related to programming and data processing, Big Data platforms, storage, architecture, analytics, visualisation, security, project management and DevOps.
