Data Science BSc (Hons)

Through our comprehensive program, you will develop a strong foundation in computer science, enabling you to extract valuable insights from data. Using a diverse set of statistical, algorithmic, and predictive tools, you will gain the ability to transform raw data into practical and actionable information, capable of predicting trends and driving outcomes. 

Unleash the Power of Data: Become an Expert in Data Science at NTU

• At NTU, we understand that big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are transforming industries. That's why our goal is to equip you with the skills and knowledge to become an expert in data science.
• Are you ready to take on the challenges presented by big data and artificial intelligence? Our curriculum will empower you to develop data-driven solutions that optimize business processes, as well as harness the power of data to support human decision-making.
• But our approach goes beyond theory. You will have hands-on experience, applying your knowledge in real-world scenarios with a focus on the industrial application of computational intelligence. This practical experience, combined with the technical nature of our course, will prepare you to actively engage in industrial, commercial, scientific, and technological research and development of intelligent systems.
• Join NTU and unleash your potential as a leader in the dynamic field of data science. Shape your future by harnessing the transformative power of data.

What you’ll study

• You’ll develop key skills and knowledge essential to undertake the design of intelligent computer system solutions in the specialist areas related to Data Science and in more general areas of computer science.

Study abroad opportunities

• Get ready to embark on an adventure with our study abroad programs at partner universities or by getting a work placement overseas. Both opportunities will boost your employability, build lifelong friendships, and allow you to experience the world in a whole new way.

Year One

• Foundations of Computing Technology and Programming (20 credit points)- This module has several strands including programming and technical aspects that introduce you to the fundamentals of writing computer programs, as well as numeracy and website development.
• Essential Skills (20 credit points)- Develop the skills required to succeed on your computing degree. You’ll learn how to confidently deal with numerical aspects of your course and practice your web publishing skills by creating and formatting basic web documentation.
• Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) (20 credit points)- Introducing you to the fundamental principles of SAD, this module gives you a working knowledge of key systems development methodologies, techniques and tools.
• Professional Development for Industry (20 credit points)- This module will enable you to learn about the professional bodies and standards relating to the computing professional, and enhance your employability potential by increasing your awareness of the technological, social and economic factors driving the IT industry.
• Fundamentals of Data Analysis (20 credit points)- Using statistical software to analyse data, this module introduces you to important concepts, such as exploratory data analysis, probability, statistical inference, and statistical modelling.
• Programming for Data Science (20 credit points)- During this module you’ll be introduced to programming languages for data science.  You will learn how to import datasets, perform data manipulation and clean data before exploring how best to communicate and visualise the data using graphs etc.

Year Two

• Practical Project Management and Professional Development (20 credit points)- Continued professional development and lifelong learning are important to your future career. Through this module you’ll improve your time and project management skills, presentations and report writing. This module also includes detailed guidance about the development of your CV and provides experience of selection assessments for industrial placement/graduate employment positions.
• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 credit points)-The rate at which data is being stored is growing at a phenomenal rate and many businesses are struggling to analyse and make sense of this vast collection of data. This module will introduce you to a number of ‘machine learning’ techniques to process and discover patterns in data.
• Data Analytics Techniques and Programming (20 credit points)- The rate at which data is being stored is growing at a phenomenal rate and many businesses are struggling to analyse and make sense of this vast collection of data. This module will introduce you to a number of techniques to process and discover patterns in data.
• Information and Database Engineering (20 credit points)- Understand the nature and application of database management systems and acquire skills for database administration and management.
• Probability and Statistical Inference (20 credit points)- Refine your knowledge of statistical inference and statistical modelling and further develop essential computational and IT skills.
• Data and Information Security (20 credit points)- Gain an awareness of the regulations and responsibilities that organisations must uphold during processing and capturing data. You’ll study potential security risks associated with data storage and learn the skills to mitigate these risks.

Year Three

• Optional year-long work placement.  If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.

Final year

• Project (40 credit points)- Investigate problems in computing, implement solutions, critically evaluate and reflect on your work, and develop your abilities to communicate, self-organise and manage.
• Distributed Database Engineering (20 credit points)- Study the processes, techniques and technologies that data scientists use to support the challenging workloads for data science.
• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (20 credit points)- Consider how organisations manage the integration of key operational decisions such as improving client services, optimising internal business operations, and introducing new services based on insights from analytics. You’ll cover data visualisation and the importance of user experience when designing interfaces and learn how to use appropriate tools to display information efficiently.
• Artificial Intelligence (20 credit points)- Learn about the theoretical foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the main methods and techniques and current areas of AI research and development.

Optional modules 

• Information Systems Management (20 credit points)- Learn how to manage the build and deployment of enterprise and Internet information systems in small to medium organisations.
• Applied Statistics (20 credit points)- Extends your experience of statistical techniques and methodologies, applying them in various industrial and commercial contexts.
• Communicating Science and Technology (20 credit points)- An opportunity for you to gain valuable transferable skills working as a ‘student-tutor’ with teachers in local schools or to work on a community-based project.

How you’re taught

• We will provide lectures, practical computing sessions and seminars. Coursework assessments will provide work-like experience in software development projects, including the use of industry-standard integrated development environment and testing packages, and the application of project management methodologies. Employers supply real-world projects and are invited as guest speakers to give technical or professional development presentations.

Your career development

• You’ll graduate from this course with a broad range of skills and knowledge that are applicable to many computing-related fields. In particular, you’ll be prepared with the key skills and knowledge essential to design data driven solutions and face the challenges of the emerging smart technologies and machine.

This course is also provides an ideal foundation for postgraduate study.

Excellent placement opportunities

• NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
• On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
• Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including L’Oreal, IBM and Mercedes. They secured varied roles such as Business Analyst, Demand and Forecasting Assistant and IT Intern.
• You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.