BSc (Hons) Data Science and Analytics
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
The World Economic Forum estimated there to be 40 times more data in the world than observable stars in the universe in 2020. Global businesses, social media companies, financial institutions, the healthcare sector and governments all rely on this data, and those who analyse it, to inform business-critical decisions at the highest level.
In this BSc (Hons) Data Science and Analytics degree course, you’ll learn to confidently analyse the vast amounts of data available – a highly desired skill in all sectors. You'll learn to use databases, systems and analytical tools, such as the Relational Model and structured query language (SQL), to identify insights and trends to benefit businesses, like targeting new products or increasing sales. You'll find out how the same systems can be used to identify patterns in medical data, predict disease or recovery, or fight against climate change through analysing soil data or marine biology.
You'll develop a deep understanding of modern big data, machine learning and data mining methods, preparing you for key roles such as data analyst, data scientist, systems developer and systems analyst.
Course highlights
- Apply your analytical skills to practical problems and real-world datasets collected from our extensive research in areas such as cosmology, health information and cyber security
- Develop commercial skills alongside technical data analysis, such as how to present and visualise your findings
- Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as ethical hacking, 3D computer graphics and animation, malware forensics, robotics and cryptography
- Apply your skills through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, where you'll help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects
- Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules include:
- Architecture and Operating Systems – 20 credits
- Comp Tutorial Level 4 – 0 credits
- Core Computing Concepts – 20 credits
- Database Systems Development – 20 credits
- Practical Data Science – 20 credits
- Programming – 40 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules include:
- Applied Machine Learning and Data Mining – 20 credits
- Big Data – 20 credits
- Comp Tutorial Level 5 – 0 credits
- Data Structures and Algorithms – 20 credits
- Database Principles – 20 credits
- Software Engineering Theory and Practice – 20 credits
Optional modules include:
- 3D Computer Graphics and Animation – 20 credits
- Computing Undergraduate Ambassador – 20 credits
- Ethical Hacking – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Usability Engineering – 20 credits
- Virtualisation and Cloud Computing – 20 credits
- Web Programming – 20 credits
Exchange study abroad or placement year (optional)
After your second year, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Previous students have completed work placements at well-known companies, such as:
- IBM
- UKCloud
- Intel
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Year 3
Core modules include:
- Business Analytics – 20 credits
- Comp Tutorial Level 6 – 0 credits
- Final Year Study Project / Individual Project – 40 credits
- Open Innovations in Data Science – 20 credits
Optional modules include:
- Distributed Systems and Security – 20 credits
- Enterprise Web Architectures – 20 credits
- Fuzzy Systems and Networks – 20 credits
- Internet of Things – 20 credits
- Malware Forensics – 20 credits
- Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms – 20 credits
- Professional and Academic Research Development – 20 credits
- Robotics – 20 credits
- Security and Cryptography – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Previous students have taken placements roles as a data scientists and marketing data analysts at organisations including BAE Systems and HP.
Rankings
The University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Career Opportunities
Data scientist was identified as the 7th top emerging job role in the UK in LinkedIn's emerging jobs report 2020, and The Royal Society revealed a 231% growth in demand for data scientists and engineers between 2014 and 2019. The Government have also reported that UK companies are recruiting for 178,000 to 234,000 roles that require 'hard' data skills, including data ethics, programming, database management, data processing and visualisation.
When you finish this course, you'll be equipped for a career in the data analytics and deep learning industry. With the high demand for data scientists, you can expect a starting salary from £25,000–£30,000, with the opportunity to earn up to £60,000 once you're experienced in the field.
What jobs can you do with a data science and analytics degree?
Previous students have gone on to work as:
- data analysts
- data engineers
- data architects
- information analysts
Other graduates have continued their studies at the postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and work experience. Towards the end of your degree and after graduation, you'll get 1-to-1 support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to find your perfect role.
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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