Big Data and High Performance Computing

Overview

Big data is commonly described as data that is so large that it cannot be readily processed using standard techniques. Our current global ability to collect data is such that “big data” sets are becoming common-place.

The most obvious example of this is the exponential growth of the World Wide Web; however there are many public and private enterprises where the analysis of large-scale data sets is critical to growth. Although significant computer power exists, the necessary skills-base is lagging behind the technology.

There is an employment gap looming in the field of big data, especially in the context of the skills required with respect to the application of High Performance Computing (HPC) capabilities to address big data problems.

The Big Data and High Performance Computing programme from University of Liverpool is designed to address this skills gap and provide those completing the programme with the ability to efficiently address big data and HPC challenges. Together with our growing industrial contact and engagements, this places our graduates in a prime position for future employment. 

Career prospects

The MSc in Big Data and High Performance Computing (HPC) is specifically designed to fill a "skills gap" in the employment market. More specifically it is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to allow them to apply Big Data and HPC concepts to real problems. The programme has been structured to facilitate the practical application of this "cutting-edge" technology to real-world problems.

The intention is that at the end of the programme students will be able to apply the knowledge gained on the programme specifically to real-world big data and HPC problems. However, the programme is also designed to furnish students with a set of transferable skills that are of particular relevance across the IT industry.