IIT launches Sri Lanka’s first MSc in Big Data Analytics

Members of the senior management of IIT along with members of the Robert Gordon University, UK delegation at the Technical Forum on Big Data Analytics hosted by IIT.

Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) announced a groundbreaking partnership with Robert Gordon University, Scotland to deliver a Big Data Analytics MSc post graduate degree programme.
The MSc was announced at a stimulating International Technical Forum on Big Data Analytics hosted by IIT at BMICH. At the event, leading researchers and experts in the field of data science shared key insights based on their experiences and challenges in the field of Big Data. 
The speakers for this event were Prof. Chrisina Jayne and Dr. Nirmalie Wiratunga from the School of Computing Science and Digital Media, Robert Gordon University, Prof. Frans Coenen from the Department of Computer Science, University of Liverpool and Dr. Srinath Perera, Vice President, Research at WSO2. 
Many Fortune 500 and large multinational conglomerates use Big Data Analytics to boost the growth of their companies and to make strategic decisions which lead to growth. Its applications are manifold ranging from healthcare and security to smart cities and telecommunication.  
Robert Gordon University’s MSc in Big Data Analytics will be offered at IIT Campus, commencing from September and aims to produce specialist data scientists with training in industry relevant data acquisition, storage, warehousing, analytics and visualization tools and techniques and a good understanding of the needs of industry.  The course will prepare graduates in technical disciplines for a career in the design and implementation analytics and visualization solutions for industry 
Specialized job roles available for those following the MSc in Big Data Analytics include, Data Analyst, Data Visualization Specialist, Data Manager, Database Designer/Manager, Data Mining Expert and Big Data Scientist.
The Robert Gordon University is a leading university based in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. 
Professor John Harper, Deputy Principal, Robert Gordon University speaking at the Technical Forum said he was looking forward to the partnership with IIT in the rollout of this master’s programme. 
“We both share a strong industry focus and top rankings in employability. I am confident it would lead to even greater knowledge sharing and research collaboration in years ahead,” Professor Harper said. 
Dr. Sampath Kannangara, CEO of IIT said, “We are proud to yet again step in and fill a much needed gap in a vital area of education with a globally recognized post-graduate degree”. 
“Big Data is one of the leading trends that would have a positive impact on world growth and sustainability. We are happy to spearhead the first MSc course in Big Data for the country,” he added. 
IIT   is the pioneer in providing quality British higher education in Sri Lanka and has produced nearly 3,000 graduates who are spread across the globe. The campus which is also affiliated to the University of Westminster, UK, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK and Deakin University, Australia offers foundation, undergraduate programmes and post-graduate.