BSc (Hons) Data Science & Analytics

Preparing you for cutting edge work and an exciting career in a growing field of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence.

UCAS Code:
G101
Institution:
B50
Delivery:
Full-time with sandwich placement

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Why study BSc (Hons) Data Science & Analytics at BU?

Learn how to work with Big Data frameworks and develop results into contemporary visual analytics
Explore cutting-edge Machine Learning techniques, including how to implement and apply algorithms such as Artificial Neural Networks on a range of real-world industry-inspired problems
Delve into Deep Learning, which is driving innovation in a huge range of fields involving image, video, speech and text analysis for applications like self-driving cars, detecting fake news, and medical diagnosis
You'll gain valuable work experience on your placement if you choose to take one, entering an industry with huge predicted growth in the next decade
You’ll be career-ready with 89% of our graduates in employment or further education after 15 months
All of our Computing courses share a common first year, giving you the time to really explore each subject before deciding on a specialism. View our list of Computing courses.

Find out more about the content of this course.

For September 2022 entry: We are currently developing a foundation year option for UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree. This page will be updated with more information in July 2022. Please register your interest and we will email you when the foundation year option is open for applications.

Course accreditation

Accreditation by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) provides an indicator of quality and can help you work towards Chartered IT Professional status. You’ll have the chance to complete Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification courses during your degree.

For September 2022 entry: In order to take advantage of new approaches to learning and teaching, as well as developments in industry to benefit our students we regularly review all of our courses. This course is currently going through this process and we will update this page in May 2022 to give you full information about what we will be offering once the review process has concluded.

See what it's like to study on this course

Image description — two students at computer

Next start date:

September 2022, September 2023

Location:

Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus

Duration:

4 years full-time with a minimum 30-week placement or 3 years full-time. You will be enrolled onto the 4-year degree, but can opt out of the placement year

Accreditations:

The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)

Required subjects:

All subjects considered

Entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. For more information check out our full entry requirements.

International entry requirements:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. For more information check out our international entry requirements.

Course details

On this course you will be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry.

We’re proud that 84% of our graduates commented that our staff on the course are good at explaining things.

Contact hours and assessment

Details of the assessment methods and contact hours for each unit of the course can be found in the programme specification.

Download the programme specification (pdf 194kb)

Year 1

Core units

Principles of Programming: Covers the fundamental skills required to implement software solutions. Lab sessions will focus on the application of concepts to real-world problems, and you will test and debug a given program using a suitable strategy.
Computer Fundamentals: Enables you to understand the concepts and terminology of computer systems and computer security. You will do this through group based lab exercises where you will collaborate with other students focusing on problem based learning. This unit sets the foundations for you to further develop your knowledge of computing and cyber security.
Data and Databases: Develop your knowledge and practical expertise in the application of database design techniques, as well as your understanding of data processing.
Networks and Cyber Security: Learn the fundamentals of networks and how to secure them using security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection & prevention systems. Understand how evolving technology, such as the cloud and IoT, impacts many organisations and how it facilitates their network security.
Application of Programming Principles: Having completed the Principles of Programming unit, you will use your knowledge to gain an insight into more complex system development. Lab sessions will allow you to complete team based exercises.
Business Systems Analysis and Design: Learn and understand the role that computer systems play within organisations, and the value they provide to stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to design, construct, and evaluate interactive systems to meet an organisation’s needs.

Year 2

Core units

Data Management: You will develop further skills and understanding of the techniques and technologies used in databases and data management.
Machine Learning: You will be introduced to the underlying theory behind data processing techniques, and how to develop the tools required to perform rigorous data analytics. Lab sessions will focus on the application of these learnings to real world problems.
Project Management & Team Working: You will gain experience of working in a team on an IT systems development project, which will prepare you for work placement in Year 3.
Tools & Technologies of Data Science: Understand the challenges of Big Data analysis, including ethical, legal and professional implications. Gain knowledge of the most significant computing tools and technologies for dealing with Big Data: Hadoop and noSQL databases, MapReduce programming and other algorithm parallelization approaches.

Option units

Systems Design: With a focus on ‘upstream’ development tasks, you will learn about the needs and of software system designs, and explore the problems with traditional systems development such as human computer interface design and usability.
Web Programming: Explore the processes, methodologies and practices associated with web programming and gain hands-on experience in web application design, implementation, deployment and maintenance.
Infrastructure Strategy: Exploring the relationship between the goals of Information Systems and the infrastructure strategies of small and medium enterprises, you will look at computer and networking infrastructures and characteristics like flexibility, scalability, performance, resilience, quality of service and security, and design choices and implications of corporate infrastructure.
Application Programming: Building on your previous programming experience, you'll design more complex applications and explore data persistence, concurrency, and networking.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Optional placement year

Final year

Core units

Data Visualisation & Visual Analytics: Gain the skills of data/information visualisation and visual analytics, starting with foundations of the inner workings of the human visual system and perception, through principles and tools of visualisation and visual analytics, to practical application of learnt skills within a hands-on project using state-of-the-art software tools.
Deep Learning: This is an increasingly important area of Artificial Intelligence. You will implement deep learning solutions to complex real-world problems using state-of-the-art deep learning software libraries.
Individual Project: Study a topic of your choice independently. You will coherently present your process and product.

Option units

Data Mining: The principles and techniques of data analysis. You will carry out data analysis experiments.
Machine Intelligence: The essential elements of machine intelligence including machine learning, to enable specialised data analysts to solve real-world problems in areas such as business, finance, planning and management.
Ubiquitous Computing: Mobile and pervasive systems are having a profound impact on personal and business activities. This unit examines systems and technologies that factor in the success of such systems.
Advanced Development: The design of applications that support enterprise activities. There will be an emphasis on mixing applications and Internet-based services.

Please note that option units require minimum numbers in order to run and may only be available on a semester by semester basis. They may also change from year to year.

Programme specification

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

Placements

The experience that you will gain during your placement is invaluable in helping to make informed decisions about your future career path, as well as enhancing employment prospects upon graduation. What’s more, you can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market. A lot of our students find that they are offered permanent jobs after graduation by their placement companies.

Many new graduate positions are taken by people who have already had work experience as part of a course. Employers increasingly expect would-be recruits to have some kind of work experience, without which they are unlikely to be considered, regardless of their qualifications.

Find out about BU students’ experiences on placements All you need to know about placements

How placements benefit you

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider.

Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

You can also choose to take your placement abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop yourself personally, academically, and professionally and gain skills to help you stand out in the job market.

How long will your placement be?

Our placement students have previously worked with

Entry requirements

This course requires 104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*CC, ABC, BBB or BCC, BTECs DDM or DMM. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.

Calculate your UCAS tariff points

2022 and 2023 entry
Numeracy and literacy requirements (e.g. GCSEs)	GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework. See all of the equivalencies.
A-level and AS levels	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two A-levels.
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate – Skills Challenge Certificate	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Access to HE Diploma	102–118 UCAS tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.
BTEC National	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points) Foundation Diploma/90-credit Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Cambridge International Pre-U Diploma	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two principal subjects.
Cambridge Technical	Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points) Diploma: Distinction, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points) Subsidiary Diploma:* We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff Introductory Diploma: We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
Extended Project Qualification	We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.
International Baccalaureate Certificates	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Higher Level certificates.
International Baccalaureate (Diploma)	An overall score of 28–31 points.
Scottish Highers	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of four Scottish Highers.
Scottish Advanced Highers	104–120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.
T Levels	Merit (120 UCAS tariff points).

International entry requirements

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.	You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page. Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry: Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70% Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course English language requirements If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally: For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent. View further information about our English language requirements. If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

You can find details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our entry requirements for non-UK students' page.

Please see below some examples of the qualifications for entry onto Year 1 for September 2022 and September 2023 entry:

Chinese Senior High School Graduation Certificate (Huikao) average 80%, or Gaokao 61-71%. Grade depends on the course
Hong Kong HKDSE Diploma (4,4,3 to 4,4,4 from three subjects). Grade depends on the course
All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Standard XII) 60-70%
Italian Esame di Stato with 60-70%. Grade depends on the course
Titulo de Bachillerato with 6 or 7. Grade depends on the course

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:

For September 2022 and September 2023 entry: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

View further information about our English language requirements.

If you do not meet the English language requirement for your degree then why not join our Pre-Sessional English course? Successful completion of our Pre-Sessional English course will meet your English language requirement.

Other useful information

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

Your application

For this course we are looking for applicants who are:

Analytical
Technical
Practical
Creative.

This is a predominantly technical framework, especially in the first year, which is common to all the degree titles in the framework, and in the second year core units. Therefore you will need to have a deep and abiding interest in computing and IT, and in the use of computer technologies to create effective and efficient solutions that meet the needs of the end users.

How to apply

Additional attributes

Selection methods

How we assess your application

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

AccessBU gives you the chance to tell us more about you and your life experiences if you haven’t had the same educational opportunities as other applicants. If you are eligible for AccessBU, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS Tariff Points below the published tariff.

Our offer making process

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Careers

IT plays an ever more important role in every aspect of our lives and businesses are always looking for professionals who have the skills and drive to succeed in this fast-paced and ever-evolving industry. This degree will give you all the technical knowledge you need to get ahead, as well as giving you a good grasp of management in an IT setting. It is predicted that data science and artificial intelligence will see a huge growth in the next decade across almost all industries, therefore putting you in high demand. Career opportunities include data scientist, data analyst, data architect or information analyst.

Typical starting job roles

Example employers

Further study

Costs and fees

All fees are quoted in pounds sterling and are per year. Your tuition fees will be the same for each year of your course. You can find full information about funding your studies and paying your fees in our undergraduate fees and funding section. That’s also where you’ll find information about the scholarships and bursaries on offer.

Fees quoted are for tuition only unless stated otherwise, and we’re committed to ensuring there are no hidden extra costs while you’re at university – that’s why we’re clear about what you can expect us to cover, and what your cost of living will be. You’ll also find you could benefit from a range of discounts as a student.

Find out more about budgeting and living expenses

No hidden extras

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

Materials for laboratory and mandatory field-based teaching activity
Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study.
A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances.
The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team.

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds.
Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website.
Travel costs to and from the university campus. An annual bus pass can be purchased alongside your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shops stock a wide range of stationery supplies on both campuses.
Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas) if this is part of your course of study. Find information about funding your placement year.
Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

Repeat units

The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme

The RTS wants the television industry to reflect the exciting, diverse, and talented voices of the Britain of today, and that starts by changing the industry from the inside out. The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme is officially open for submissions. Applications will be accepted until the 15th of July 2022.

Bursaries are awarded to talented students from lower-income backgrounds studying an undergraduate degree in the subject of Journalism, VFX, Television Production, Humanities and Social Sciences, and STEM-related courses. The RTS runs three pioneering schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary, and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship. What is important is an evident interest in pursuing a career in television, film, or related media industries.

The Bursary provides free RTS membership; industry mentoring; access to the latest events and lectures; and numerous networking opportunities. We also support our Scholars financially, awarding £1000 per academic year of study.

For more information about the bursary, how to apply and eligibility criteria, please see the RTS website.

Our staff

On this course you will be taught by staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This could include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners and research students, many of whom are actively engaged in research and/or professional practice which is integrated into the teaching of this course. Please note that teaching staff can change.

You can find out more about our staff and their research interests on our Department's web pages.

Dr Rashid Bakirov - Programme Leader

Professor Marcin Budka - Professor of Data Science

Dr Vegard Engen - Deputy Head of Department in Computing & Informatics

Dr Avleen Malhi - Lecturer in Data Science & AI

Dr Avleen Malhi received her PhD in autonomous vehicles (2016), ME in Computer Science (2012) from Thapar Univesity India and BE in Computer Science Engineering (2010). As part of her PhD research (2012-2016), she was working on an industrial project by Tata Consultancy Services. Her research focusses on Artificial Intelligence, machine learning and intelligent systems.

View Dr Avleen Malhi's staff profile

Dr Banafshe Arbab-Zavar - Lecturer in Data Science & AI

Course changes

Changes for 2022 entry

Date	Changes to this course
01/10/2021	Where the change was made: Fees box Change: Placement fee for September 2022 entry amended to £1,850 Previous text: £850

Changes in 2020

Date	Changes to this course
01/06/2020	Where the change was made: Course details Changes: Final year unit “Pervasive Computing” changed unit title to “Ubiquitous Computing”. Addition of final year optional module "Advanced Development".

Changes in 2017

Date	Changes to this course
14/11/17	Change: After an annual review of the placement year tuition fee, a price increase in line with current inflation, equating to 3% has been introduced. Where the change was made: Fees Previous text: £790

Statistics shown throughout this page are taken from Unistats and BU institutional data unless otherwise stated.

BSc (Hons) Data Science & Analytics

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Why study BSc (Hons) Data Science & Analytics at BU?

Course accreditation

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Key information

Next start date:

Location:

Duration:

Accreditations:

Required subjects:

Entry requirements:

International entry requirements:

Scholarships

Related courses

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Course details

Contact hours and assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Optional placement year

Final year

Programme specification

Placements

How placements benefit you

How long will your placement be?

Our placement students have previously worked with

Entry requirements

International entry requirements

English language requirements

Other useful information

Your application

Additional attributes

Selection methods

How we assess your application

Our offer making process

Careers

Typical starting job roles

Example employers

Further study

Costs and fees

No hidden extras

Costs of living and other expenses you need to consider

Repeat units

The Royal Television Society Bursary Scheme

Our staff

Dr Rashid Bakirov - Programme Leader

Professor Marcin Budka - Professor of Data Science

Dr Vegard Engen - Deputy Head of Department in Computing & Informatics

Dr Avleen Malhi - Lecturer in Data Science & AI

Dr Banafshe Arbab-Zavar - Lecturer in Data Science & AI

Course changes

Changes for 2022 entry

Changes in 2020

Changes in 2017