BSc (Hons) Data Science

What will I study? 

• Classroom-based learning, online material, on-campus computer lab-based activities, directed and self-directed independent study.  

Why choose this course?

• Data is one of the most important currencies at this current time and it underpins our modern world, from the flow of data across international banking networks, to the spread of memes across social networks, to the complex models of weather forecasting. The constant generation of data from our digital society feeds into our everyday lives, affecting how we receive healthcare to influencing our shopping habits. Demand for competent Data Scientists is growing across an extraordinarily diverse range of sectors, from finance to health to retail. However, there is a skills gap that urgently needs addressing, and this requires dedicated, specialised professionals who will fill Data Science and related roles, now and in the future. 

Careers and employability

• According to Indeed, the average salary of a Data Scientist in the UK is £50,538 (according to 2600 salaries as of August 2021), approximately 60% higher than the average salary in the UK. 
• Data Science skills are relevant to a wide range of sectors, from healthcare to finance to retail and beyond. Demand is expected to grow in the coming years, with data science becoming embedded throughout the UK and global economy.

What's the course about?

• The programme is distinctive in its combination of fundamental mathematical/statistical skills, an emphasis on holistic industry-relevant skills and inclusion of cutting-edge topics in Data Science (drawing on the University of Hertfordshire’s world-leading research, such as neuromorphic computing and the detection of exoplanets). This programme caters to students who are looking to gain important specialised skills before entering the workplace but also have a solid foundation in the underlying theoretical principles. There is a very strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with students engaging with learning material through practical laboratories (Data Science Laboratory 1 & 2). This is designed not just to help embed classroom-based learning, but also to instil confidence and independence in students’ technical capabilities, which will mature to a professional standard and encompass an increasing range of skills as the course develops. We also aim to ensure students develop independence in their analytical and critical thinking, bringing their own initiative and creativity to solve problems. 
• BSc Data Science students will also be offered the opportunity to attend the wide range of research-focused seminars and colloquia running during the teaching term. For example, the Centre for Astrophysics Research weekly astrophysics seminar, the Computer Science colloquium, or the Maths-Physics seminar. Current MSc and PhD students attend, and benefit, from these seminars, and – although not mandatory – BSc students will be encouraged to attend talks of interest and be made welcome. This is aimed to promote an atmosphere of excitement and intellectual curiosity, adding to the richness of the programme, as well as a feeling of inclusion for the student body.  

Your main campus is College Lane

• This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes. 
• New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building now open
• Explore Spectra, our state-of-the-art facility, featuring interactive learning zones.
• Spectra's computer science labs offer telecommunications, robotics and UX empathy labs, alongside diverse research spaces including dark rooms, clean rooms, sample prep labs, calibration and assembly labs.
• The building provides collaborative spaces, including workshops, social areas and meeting rooms. Designed with the University’s net-zero carbon target in mind, it’s part of our commitment to replacing inefficient older sites.
• Benefit from our Academic Support Hub, designed to enhance your employability and academic skills. Connect with industry mentors offering pastoral support, career guidance and progression opportunities.

Level 4
Module Credits Compulsory/optional

• Mathematical Methods 15 Credits    Compulsory
• Probability and Statistics 15 Credits Compulsory
• Linear Algebra 15 Credits Compulsory
• Computational Modelling    15 Credits Compulsory
• Principles of Data Science 15 Credits Compulsory
• IT Literacy and Core Skills 15 Credits Compulsory
• Data Science Laboratory 1 15 Credits Compulsory
• Data Science Small Group Tutorial 1 0 Credits    Compulsory
• Principles of Data Presentation    15 Credits Compulsory

Level 5
Module Credits Compulsory/optional

• Programming 15 Credits Optional
• Professional Teaching Skills 15 Credits Optional
• Investment Portfolios 15 Credits Optional
• Financial Markets 15 Credits Optional
• Numerical Methods 15 Credits Optional
• Game Theory 15 Credits Optional
• Statistical Modelling 15 Credits Compulsory
• Career Planning and Development    0 Credits Compulsory
• Information Theory 15 Credits Compulsory
• Big Data and High-Performance Computing    15 Credits Compulsory
• Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies 15 Credits Compulsory
• Data Science Laboratory 2 15 Credits Compulsory
• Introduction to Machine Learning and Neural Networks 15 Credits    Compulsory
• Data Science Small Group Tutorial 2 0 Credits Compulsory

Level 6
Module Credits Compulsory/optional

• Linear Modelling 15 Credits Compulsory
• Multivariate Statistics    15 Credits Compulsory
• Data Science Project 30 Credits Compulsory
• Next Generation Data Science 5 Credits Compulsory
• Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing    30 Credits Compulsory
• Advanced Machine Learning and and Neural Networks 15 Credits Compulsory
• Data Science Year Abroad 0 Credits Optional
• Data Science Placement With Study Abroad 0 Credits Compulsory

Study abroad

• Yes, this course has the option to study abroad via BSc Data Science With Year Abroad, or BSc Data Science With Study Abroad and Employment Experience.