BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 6 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
15 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 16,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international students | for UK students: GBP 9,250 per year
Introduction
What is data science?
Data science can predict global trends and help humans make better decisions. It’s using tools and techniques with data to build understanding to use in the real world. Data and data science is the driving force behind artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
AI is already changing the way we work, communicate and live life. This ‘technological wave’ requires specialist understanding, ethical consideration and deep appreciation of the social consequences and impact on our society. You’ll explore and build skills to lead and advise on how AI can work by improving process and accuracy, permanently disrupting the way we do things.
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Study data analysis techniques and key topics, from data management and analytics to machine learning, statistics and programming
- Learn to analyse data sets to create meaningful visualisations that can be used to deepen our understanding of any topic, from crime connections to business insight
- Develop your theoretical knowledge, practical skills and confidence to be able to convert data into valuable insights
- Gain an in-depth understanding of core data analysis techniques informed by knowledge of data principles and practical considerations
- Understand the techniques associated with AI and how they can be applied to projects
- Use open-source data and tools such as Python and SQL, tableau and R and Matlab
- Learn how to identify data that will inform your investigation, ensure quality results, select the best analysis techniques for the task and choose impactful methods to get your message across
Springpod Subject Spotlights - try your course before you apply
We have partnered with Springpod, an online platform that provides immersive career and education opportunities, to bring you a Subject Spotlight video for our BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence course. In this fascinating Subject Spotlight, Dr Jacqueline Campbell presents The Power of Data Science: AI, ethics and the Future, a powerful investigation into the changing landscape of data science due to AI. Join Dr Jacqueline Campbell to explore the world of data science and how we can use data and AI to our advantage.
Put your learning into context
You’ll consider and evaluate the practical applications of your knowledge, such as how AI can be used within different areas as a ‘digital assistant’ or in advanced and innovative ways via Generated AI Technology (GAIT) using Large Language Models (LLMs) such as those used in ChatGPT. You’ll also understand the importance of ethics and data governance in your approach to data science and AI.
Developing your skillset
You’ll be taught and assessed using a range of approaches that will enable you to develop a rounded skillset, including:
- Simulations
- Case studies
- Practical work
- Collaborations with industry
Tailoring your learning
In your third year, you’ll complete a year-long data science project drawing on theoretical principles to rigorously design investigations, analyse data and represent findings from data. Through considered selection of your project and client, you’ll be able to tailor your learning to your career aspirations.
Industry connections
Joining a research-led academic community will give you access to guest lectures. Industry events will broaden your experience and knowledge of the career pathways that will be open to you. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with industry experts to gain connections and insight into the roles available within the field.
Join a society
The Data Science Society is a community of data enthusiasts committed to inclusivity and creating a thriving network for everyone passionate about data science. Their goal is to foster connections, nurture growth, and ensure that every member feels a genuine sense of belonging.
The Women in STEM Society believes in forming a community where networking isn't just a professional necessity but a chance to build lasting friendships. They hold regular meet-ups that aim to provide a welcoming space for women to connect, share experiences, and form a supportive network.
Why study data science and artificial intelligence at Leeds Beckett University?
- Top 30 in the UK for Computer Science and Information Systems*
- Connect with professionals - through industry site visits, guest lectures and an experienced course team
- Develop an in-demand data science and AI graduate skillset
- Get hands-on - with fantastic placement opportunities, summer internships or final-year real-life projects
- Develop industry experience - with our sandwich year option
*2024 Guardian Subject League Tables
Duration
- Full-Time: 3 Years
- Part-Time: 6 Years
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
There are ways you may be able to fund your course. Sometimes it is possible to get sponsorship from a government body in your country. There are many different options, so have a look through the links carefully to see if they apply to you.
- International Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- US / Canada Direct Loans
Curriculum
Teaching & Learning
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university. You will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through several modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Year 1
What You'll Learn
Introduction to Data Analytics
Gain an understanding of data science, the various kinds of activity a Data Scientist performs and methods of analysis that allow people to gain insights from complex data. You’ll cover the theoretical basis of a variety of approaches using different application domains.
Maths for Data Science
Develop mathematical knowledge and skills that are needed to understand main statistical methods and machine learning algorithms used by data/computer scientists. You’ll cover topics such as linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and calculus.
Fundamentals of Computer Science
Develop your skills in report writing and presenting as you enhance your understanding of many aspects of computer science, including software engineering, computer networking, digital media, AI, cloud computing, sustainable computing and big data.
Fundamentals of Databases
Discover the stages involved in the development of database systems and acquire database modelling and implementation skills. You will also examine the ethical and professional issues associated with the database development process.
Statistics in Practice
Study data summaries and descriptive statistics, central tendency, variance, covariance, correlation, basic probability, probability distribution functions, sampling and hypothesis testing. You will also be introduced to statistical programming for basic modelling to support data analysis skills.
Fundamentals of Computer Programming
You will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming, including variables and data types, understanding sequence, selection and iteration, basic algorithms, and structured programming and reuse.
Year 2
What You'll Learn
Applied Data Analytics & Visualisation
You will be introduced to a range of analytical methods frequently used in science, industry, and finance. You’ll understand the ideas behind the various techniques, to know how and when to use them. And you’ll learn to apply data analysis techniques and communicate findings in given scenarios.
Machine Learning Techniques
Machine learning has proved to be an important tool for data mining and analysis. Develop a solid understanding of the inner mechanism of the machine, learning techniques and how to implement them.
Database Systems
Develop your experience in designing and implementing databases and learn to apply database application development skills and programming to build robust applications.
Team Project
Further your professional and entrepreneurial skills by working within a small group to design, develop and present a solution to a real or case-study-based problem.
Programming for Data Science
Gain experience and an appreciation of the aspects of programming for data science, specifically to support a data analytics project and techniques used with data analytics.
Information Analytics
Gain an understanding of the different roles of data with a business. You will consider the data lifecycle and use this as a basis for a data-related project. Data bias and data governance are crucial to data collection and maintenance – explore these topics in depth and learn how technology can support and inform data governance including the GDPR.
Year 3
What You'll Learn
Production Project
Develop a product, ideally for a client external to the course team. You will research the requirements for the product, synthesise information, ideas and practices to create a design and then implement the product. You’ll then evaluate both the product and your performance throughout the process.
Production Project
Develop a product, ideally for a client external to the course team. You will research the requirements for the product, synthesise information, ideas and practices to create a design and then implement the product. You’ll then evaluate both the product and your performance throughout the process.
Critical Perspectives on Information
Explore how and why data practices need to include insights into the technical, organisational, and social aspects of the environments in which data systems operate.
Advanced Machine Learning
Gain a solid understanding of advanced machine learning techniques and its applications. You will implement the different advanced algorithms using your language of choice.
Advanced Databases
Take a practical perspective on the domain of data and database development and management. You will seek to justify and implement appropriate modelling, design and programming strategies that satisfy the requirements associated with a range of modern data/database applications.
Digital Security
Develop an understanding of major digital security threats, the various steps attackers undertake (either as part of a sanctioned security audit or malicious attack), the security mechanisms that can be applied to defend systems from attack, and ethical and social issues surrounding digital security. You will also develop practical skills for ethical hacking and prevention.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertises lots of placement opportunities and provides support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Data is a key asset of any organisation, and your ability to analyse and create meaningful visualisations from data sets will be in demand across a range of industries including healthcare, finance and retail. Your strong thinking, analytical and communication skills, and your understanding of how data is essential in AI development, will be valuable in fields such as software development, digital marketing and project management. You’ll have the expertise for roles such as:
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Data strategist
- Data Engineer
- Data governance officer
- AI specialist
You'll also have the skills and knowledge for a range of analyst roles including business analyst, information analyst, insight analyst, marketing analyst and sports analyst. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies including Google, NHS Digital, the Open Data Institute, Cap Gemini, the Data Shed, the Oakland Group, Sky and TPP UK.
Work in an exciting field
There is a wealth of opportunities open to skilled data scientists. And you’ll graduate ready to take advantage of it. As a data scientist, you could work with some of the biggest names in the industry to develop exciting experiences, or even help save lives through preventative healthcare.
Our graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of companies, including:
- NHS Digital
- Leeds City Council
- Asda
- The Open Data Institute
- Cap Gemini
- The Data Shed
- The Oakland Group
- Sky
- Yorkshire Building Society
- Yorkshire Water
- TPP UK
You’ll understand how to work with data to gain insights and create narratives. This skill set will make you an asset to any organisation or individual seeking to make evidence-based decisions. You’ll be able to apply your expertise to a wide range of areas including marketing channels, and scientific innovations such as smart houses.