MSci Computer Science (Data Science)

Core units

• Computer Fundamentals – understand the concepts and terminology of computing, networking, communications, security, and virtualisation. 
• Mathematics for Computing – this unit will equip you with the mathematical knowledge for modelling and solving real-world computing problems.  
• Programming – develop the skills and understanding to implement software solutions to different problems whilst gaining hands-on experience in programming and testing. 
• Data Management – develop practical expertise in database querying and the application of the database design techniques. 
• Introduction to Business Analytics – discover the principles and techniques of data analysis and data-driven decision-making, particularly within a business context in a team approach. ​
• Computing and Society – learn about mapping computer techniques, concepts and principles in line with sustainability.  

Core units

• Machine Learning – this unit will help you develop and demonstrate an understanding of the underlying theory and application of data analysis, data processing and machine learning techniques. 
• Information and Security Management – gain essential skills, methods, actions, tools and techniques needed to protect critical information assets and systems.
• Systems Analysis and Design - explore the nature of software development with an emphasis on ‘upstream’ development and discover the challenges associated with the process. 
• Data Structures and Algorithms – learn about the theory and applications of fundamental data structures and algorithms, implementing them in real-world applications. 
• Technological Innovations – this unit will equip you with practical knowledge of current and emerging technological innovations and techniques in a team approach. ​
• Software Business – gain a deeper understanding of the unique aspects of software business, the various business models and innovations. Suited to those interesting in setting up a software company. 

You’ll complete a minimum 30-week work placement which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future.

Although you will be enrolled onto the four-year degree (including the placement), you can opt out of the placement element to complete your degree in three years.

Core units

• Digital Innovation and Transformation - learn the skills, techniques and technologies that are necessary to develop a digital portfolio based on digital transformation in business innovation efforts. 
• Data Visualisation and Storytelling – develop the skills of data/information visualisation and visual analytics so that you can design efficient and effective data visualisations. 
• Individual Project – the Individual Project is an opportunity to pursue a topic of your choice. You’ll identify a problem and then select and implement a solution to solving that problem.  
• Digital Futures – drawing from technical, legal and social disciplines, learn about the role of digital technology in society and how it affects the individual

Optional units

• Human Computer Interaction – gain an understanding of the role of Human Factors (HF) and integration of its elements into the development of complex socio-technical systems. 
• Software Quality Assurance – learn about software quality assurance (SQA) and the techniques for appraising software quality so that you can construct software to the required quality. 
• Systems Development – gain a critical understanding of the design, development and deployment of enterprise grade applications to allow organisations to scale their IT provisioning in an agile way.​​

Core Units

• Machine Learning and Applications
• Computational Modeling  
• Quantum Computing 
• Efficient and Edge AI  
• Integrated Masters Teamwork     

With practical learning being integral to your degree, we provide industry standard specialist facilities. 
 
We continue to invest in our campuses so all our students can maximise their talents today and into the future. 
 
Visit our virtual tour to find out more and get a feel for where you’ll be studying while you’re based on our Talbot Campus. 

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. In fact, many of our students find that they are offered permanent jobs after graduation by their placement companies. 

A placement has also been shown to improve students' final degree classification. Having a chance to put theory into practice and see how real businesses operate makes a real difference to your outlook. Also, the one-year experience greatly improves your employment prospects, because of that real-world experience. Some students are offered jobs after they graduate by their placement company, and some companies even help with fees for the final year.

In addition, it can help with your final career choice. For example, you may think you want to be programmer but after a year in industry, you might say that doing it eight hours a day for five days a week has taken the fun out of it.

Alternatively, students who 'hated' systems analysis sometimes come back from placement saying they really enjoyed doing it on placement and want to specialise in that area.

You will begin your placement after completion of your second year of study and you must complete a minimum of 30 weeks.

However, while you will be enrolled onto the four-year degree, you can opt out of the placement year. 

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.  

Through timetabled sessions and one-to-one appointments, they’ll help support you in your placement search including advice on finding a placement, information and advice on all aspects of job searching and job applications, as well as ensuring your proposed placement meets the requirements of your course.  

Our CareersBU service is also available throughout your time at BU, offering services like CV checking and careers fairs to meet employers.  

Placement Development Advisors will support you once you have started your sandwich placement – so you will be able to maintain contact with the university throughout.

• Microsoft
• The Walt Disney Company
• Adobe Systems Europe Ltd
• Panasonic
• BMW Mini
• The Football Foundation
• Cyprus Police, Astrobank, Dept of Information
• HoiPoi Development (Japan)
• Axenic (New Zealand).

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.

You will need to be hard-working and committed to your studies, be a good team player, and able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application; there are usually no interviews or selection activities needed. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. You can find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply webpages.

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.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, we may be able to make you an offer through AccessBU if you meet certain criteria e.g. you have been in care or live in an area where fewer people typically progress to Higher Education. If you don't meet our published tariff, we will accept you at least 8 points below if your personal circumstances match our AccessBU criteria. 

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.

Among the jobs you can go into are:

• Business Information Specialist
• Digital Project Manager
• IT Analyst
• Software Developer
• Android Developer
• Network Technician
• Software Engineer
• Web Developer.

You can find our former computing students working for a variety of organisations, such as: 

• Accenture
• Airmax
• Altaire Ltd
• Bank of America
• Bistech BT
• Capgemini
• Codepainters
• Ebase Technology Ltd
• FDM Group
• Gamma
• Geeks Ltd
• Hewlett Packard
• IBM
• Kingfisher IT Services
• Matrix Solutions
• Redweb
• Siemens
• Squire Technologies
• Unity5
• Urban Science
• Web Reality

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:

• 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
• Free software download to your personal device of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus while you are studying, as well as access to applications provided on AppsAnywhere, subject to licensing and compatibility restrictions
• 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.

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:

For September 2026 entry:

• 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.
• Travel costs for optional field trips, outdoor wear and footwear for mandatory and optional field trips (if applicable).
• 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.
• You will need to meet the cost of any Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if required by your placement setting, including any Post Office or Digital ID verification charges.
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
• SportBU membership

If you need to repeat one or more units during your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro-rata of the full-time fee.

Prof Nan Jiang is the Head of Computing and Informatics and Professor in Human Computer Interaction. He joined BU as a Lecturer in 2010. Prior to this, Nan was an Open Distance Learning (ODL) tutor at Queen Mary, University of London, where he also received his PhD in Web Usability and MSc in Advanced Methods.