Data Science BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This undergraduate program in Data Science equips students with both theoretical and practical knowledge in data manipulation, analysis, and interpretation. It covers essential modules such as data management, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization, preparing graduates for careers in data science, software development, and other technology-focused roles. The program features expert instruction, hands-on lab sessions, and opportunities for research projects and industry placements.

Program Outline

From vast unstructured data to data organised as a warehouse, data is considered of strategic importance to governments, global organisations, health service providers, financial organisations, sporting organisations, educational institutions, the charity and voluntary sector and businesses in general. Furthermore, career opportunities in the field of data are expanding, companies are looking at ways to develop technology through machine learning and data-driven analytics and require fresh talent to deliver ground-breaking results. The advantages of learning data science from undergraduate level is that you can master the fundamentals and gain that reward in the job market. You will study a wide range of modules including data management, coding, statistical methods, data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data visualisation and data engineering. Specialist courses are taught by expert staff who actively research applications of data science and you have an opportunity to undertake a data science research project in a topic that interests you. This course was developed as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland CRD.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Foundations of Software Design and Development
• Computer Systems
• Information Systems in Organisations
• Maths
• Scripting for Data Science
• Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
• Year 2:
• Fundamentals of Machine Learning
• Database Systems
• Operating Systems
• Web Technologies
• Software Engineering Methods
• Algorithms and Data Structures
• Year 3:
• Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Interactive Data Visualisation
• Computing in Contemporary Society
• Advanced Database Systems
• Group Project
• Year 4:
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Data Management and Processing
• Computational Intelligence
• Data Wrangling
• Honours Project

Assessment:

• You will be assessed through a mixture of practical assessments, reports, academic essays and exams.

Teaching:

• You will be taught through lectures and hands-on lab sessions.

Careers:

• Data science
• Software development
• Data analysis
• Systems analysis
• Data engineering
• Machine learning engineering
• Machine learning scientist
• Statistician
• Other opportunities in technology-focused organisations

Other:

• The course starts with a solid grounding in coding, statistics and foundation computing, including human-computer interaction and computer systems.
• In years three and four you will further develop your skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning and undertake an Honours project linked to emerging topics in data science.
• A year long Work Based Learning module is available for this programme which can be undertaken in 3rd year which consists of 60 credits.
• In 2nd year, students attend timetabled Placement Preparation sessions which provides comprehensive information about sourcing a placement, tips for enhancing CVs, cover letters and interview preparation.
A Student Futures Placement Coordinator is available to support students with their placement applications and approving placements as part of the course. Whilst on placement, students undertake work-related assessments alongside gaining valuable work experience. If this option is chosen, the course duration will be extended by one trimester.
• If students are not undertaking the yearlong placement, then there is a Group Project or the Professional Internship Module in Year 3 (one trimester) which gives students the opportunity to complete a project for an external client.
• Find out more about Computing Placements here.
• Disclaimer: Study modules mentioned above are indicative only.
Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

For the academic year 2024/25:

• Students from Scotland: £1,820
• Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU students: £16,680
• The university offers a range of tuition fee bursaries for students from certain countries.
• Tuition fee for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland will be invoiced for only the first three years of study and the university offers attractive tuition fee bursaries for students from certain countries.
• EU Nationals commencing studies after August 1 2021, are liable to pay overseas fee rates
• The university provides attractive tuition fee bursaries to students from specified countries