HSE University and Samolet to Train Data Analysts in Development
HSE University’s Faculty of Computer Science and Samolet, one of Russia’s largest development companies, are launching a new Master’s Programme 'Data Science for Construction, Architecture and Engineering'. Samolet will finance the tuition of the 30 best applicants on the programme.
What Is Data Analysis in Development?
Development is an area that is anticipating a qualitative leap forward thanks to the use of data-driven decision-making methods. Construction is a key sector of the Russian economy—one in which the large-scale implementation of artificial intelligence is planned. In the development sector of the future, companies that have a good technical base and make decisions based on analytics and data will have a competitive advantage and will be able to respond quickly to market changes.
HSE University and Samolet, both leaders in their fields, have decided to join forces in an educational project. Even today, the company creates data analysis-based solutions for layouts and projects on site, finishes and design, forecasts of customers’ purchasing intentions, estimates of users’ NPS, and communication strategies for clients with housing and utilities arrears, etc.
Ekaterina Linkevich, Data Director at Samolet
‘Our company is a pioneer in the mass solution of development tasks using data analysis. A year and a half ago, this field of activity did not exist in Russia,’ says Ekaterina Linkevich, Data Director at Samolet. The company optimises models for analysing project working documentation and video security: PPE (personal protective equipment), assessing construction progress, elasticity and price estimation, determining the optimal residuals and price management strategy, assessing employee productivity, etc.
How Will Training Be Organised?
The curriculum includes courses that update and structure knowledge and expertise in Data Science: modern database architectures, time series modelling and anomaly finding, numerical optimisation in logistical problems, machine learning, spatial data analysis, deep learning for textual data, computer vision, etc.
The programme also includes deep-dive courses on the fundamentals of the development industry: urban planning, supply management, the development cycle and real estate construction, urban economics, decision-making features in development, etc. An important element of the programme is the mentor’s seminar, where students will not only present the results of their research (such as how their term or graduation project is progressing), but also learn about cutting-edge industry developments, practice with analysts currently working at Samolet, and shape their educational and career trajectory.
Maria Gordenko, Academic Supervisor of the Master’s Programme 'Data Science for Construction, Architecture and Engineering'
‘The training programme includes analysis of real practical cases that arise in development companies, as well as lectures, workshops, and meetings with current employee practitioners and top executives of the partner company. Coursework projects, internships, and graduate qualification papers will be oriented around real company data and current business challenges,’ said Maria Gordenko, Academic Supervisor of the Master’s Programme 'Data Science for Construction, Architecture and Engineering'.
Who Is the Programme Aimed at?
Graduates with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, and development who also have programming skills and a knowledge of mathematical analysis and statistics, probability theory, linear algebra, and data algorithms and structures are primarily invited to apply to the programme.
Admission to the programme will be based on the results of a portfolio competition and an interview, which will be assessed by experts from HSE University’s Faculty of Computer Science and Samolet. Funding from the company will cover 100% of the tuition fees for the top 30 applicants enrolled in the programme. The remaining places on the programme will be fee based.
Where Can Graduates Work?
‘The programme forms m-shaped specialists that are in demand and rather rare in the labour market. Such specialists simultaneously have a deep understanding of the economics and logic of business, its product and client components, while also possessing expertise and applied data skills,’ stressed Alexander Kanivets, Director of Samolet’s Digit Block.
Alexander Kanivets, Director of Samolet’s Digit Block
The specialists trained in the Master’s Programme 'Data Science for Construction, Architecture and Engineering' will be in high demand among Samolet and other major developers. Students will learn how to solve problems in regression modelling, working with recommendation systems, financial modelling, video and text analysis modelling, and much more.
Graduates will be able to work in development as data scientists at the middle level and above. Thanks to the management competence track, they will have the opportunity to develop a career in big data management with the potential to become directors of transformation or CEOs of proptech start-ups, mastering industry economics and gaining data-driven decision-making skills.
For more information on the Master’s programme, admission conditions, application deadlines, and teaching staff, please visit the website.