Data Science (with a year in industry) MSci (with Foundation Year)
UCAS Code: DS66|Duration: 5|Full Time|Hope Park|UCAS Campus Code: L46Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Recent advances in computational power, machine intelligence and the huge growth in sources of data has led to the development of a relatively new area of Data Science. Almost every communication or interaction that takes place involves a digital interface, whether this is a computer, a laptop, a cell phone, a smartcard, a camera or a sensor. All of the information from these interactions is stored as data, which can be mined to make better decisions, better systems, and better research. This course has a specific focus on areas such as Big Data, Numerical Analysis, Cloud Computing, Statistics & Statistical Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Mobile Computing and High-Performance Computing.
Course structure
Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars of smaller groups of around 15-20 students, and tutorials which typically have no more than 10 students.
During your first year of study, there are approximately 12 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 teaching hours in your second and third years. On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to spend a number of hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments that you may have.
Assessment and feedback
During your degree, there are a variety of assessment types to ensure you are given a range of opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and understanding of the academic and professional components of the degree. These include written exams, portfolios of tasks and activities, and practical coursework.
In your final year, there is also a dissertation or extended research project to complete. You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutor in more detail.
Curriculum overview
In the first two years you learn the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, and computer science that are needed for data science. Typical topics will be Linear Algebra, programming (C, Java, R, Matlab), computational methods, networks and database technology. In the third year, there will be topics focused on Data Science and related areas, such as Statistical Modelling, neural networks, data structures and high-performance computing, to name a few.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.
Year One
Your first year of study will be a broad introduction to Data Science with a focus on developing the theoretical knowledge, problem solving and practical skills that underpin Data Science. In addition, the following fundamental topics will be covered:
- Mathematical Thinking: Logic, proofs, numbers, set theory
- Calculus
- Complex Numbers
- Differential Equations
- Linear Algebra
- Statistics
- Introduction to mathematical and statistical programming
- Introduction to software engineering: algorithm design, programming, source control, documentation
- computational methods
- Database technology
Year Two
In your second year, you will develop a broader understanding and knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of Data Science, reflecting on more specialist areas within the discipline. Specific topics will be covered in greater depth with an emphasis on topics such as:
- Multivariable Calculus
- Further Linear Algebra
- Number Theory with applications to Coding Theory
- Differential Geometry
- Further Statistics
- R programming
- Probability
- Graph Theory & Discrete Mathematics
- Software development
- Networks
Year Three
You will spend your third year in an industry placement
Year Four
Your third year helps you develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of Data Science and be able to critically select appropriate tools and techniques to solve problems. Topics will depend on latest developments but will include areas such as:
- Statistical Modelling
- Network Science
- Semantics / Knowledge Representation
- Numerical Analysis
- Machine Learning and AI
- High Performance Computing
- Computer Vision
- Cloud Computing
- Game Technology
- Big Data
- Natural Language Processing
Year Five
In your final year you will be studying with a great degree of autonomy with a focus on preparation for industry and Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration. The Curriculum will be focused on applications of material that has been covered in prior years in a professional context, reflecting latest developments in data Science and will include topics such as:
- Neural networks (Machine learning)
- Advanced algorithm design
- Data structures
- Advanced statistical modelling
- Topological data analysis
- Deep learning
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
There is a large and increasing skills gap in the data science industry, demand for workers with specialist data skills like data scientists and data engineers has more than tripled over the previous five years. According to the Tech Partnership, the UK sector skills council for information technology, 96% of organisations reported a skills gap, and 85% of hard-to- fill positions are difficult to recruit to because of a lack of specialist skills, with big data analytics identified as a key skills gap. A degree in Data Science will equip you with the skills needed to work in areas of industry that deal with large datasets. You will learn not only how to extract and analyse data, but how to interpret that data from the analysis done. These are skills that are in demand in many areas of industry and the world in general.
Enhancement opportunities
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
Additional costs
Students would benefit from their own personal laptop or PC.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2023/24 are £12,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
With Foundation year, this degree is only available to study as a Single Honours course.