Data Science BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: I124 (full-time), I125 (sandwich)

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Level of study:
Undergraduate
Typical offer:
112 - 120 UCAS tariff points
Start date:
September 2026
Duration:
Three years full-time / four years with placement
Attendance:
Full-time, Placement year
Course delivery:
On-campus (Clifton Campus)

Information for 2026

About this course

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.

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.

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.

Foundation Year

We offer BSc (Hons) Data Science (with foundation year) which you can apply for if you don't meet the entry criteria for this course. See our course page for foundation modules.

Learn from the experts

at a university rated TEF ‘Gold’ for teaching and learning.
Access to Industry-Standard Tech

You will have access to superior facilities, equipment and software, including our Vicon Motion Capture Suite, our green screen and our VR-equipped Human Interaction Technology Lab.
A university campus experience

within one of Europe’s top 25 student cities, and home to over 75,000 learners.

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.

About the Computer Science Team

We have a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of system through to hardware aspects such as networking. This involves many uses of computing and considers all aspects including security and management. Our knowledge is built up and maintained through our wealth of industrial experience, our industrial links and our research activity. These are the ingredients for ensuring the relevance and vitality of your course.

Our highly regarded academics are active in a broad range of research areas, particularly in the areas of machine learning, AI, smart sensors, cyber security, virtual reality, Internet of Things and robotics to drive advances in health, education and wellbeing. The Computing and Informatics Research Centre (CIRC) unifies and provides an overarching research vision to our academics.

Drive with Confidence - a safe and secure driving system to mitigate remote vehicle hijacking risks.
SmartBerry - Artificial Intelligence to enhance strawberry farming in developing countries
Hydra Cluster and Quantum Computing - high performance computing facility made out of 320 Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and networked control computers.
Serious games and virtual environments - developing virtual environments and games for promoting cognitive and perceptual skills in people with intellectual disabilities.

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.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

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

Core modules

Optional modules (choose one)

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

You’ll learn through a mix of:

lectures - covering the key theories
seminars - smaller-group sessions perfect for learning key skills and collaborative working
practical sessions - using our extensive range of industry-standard facilities
workshops - this includes surgery sessions where you’ll meet with your lecturer in small groups to discuss any problems or work through challenging topics.

The rest of your time will be spent carrying out independent study such as reading textbooks and lecture notes, and working on exercises.

A placement year may be taken between Year Two and Year Three of study.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study, you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods including: coursework, which will reflect methods industry requirements and practical and written assessments.

An assessment and feedback schedule will be provided at the start of each year to allow you to plan your time. Timely and constructive feedback will be given and you’ll be encouraged to understand and act on it, and to set targets for future learning and assessment.

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.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments.

Isibor Kennedy Ihianle

Associate Professor

Dr Isibor Kennedy Ihianle is an Associate Professor with the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University, where he is also a member of the Computational Intelligence and Applications (CIA) research group.
Visit Isibor Kennedy Ihianle's staff profile
Peter FitzGerald

Principal Lecturer

Find out more about Peter FitzGerald, Principal Lecturer and Undergraduate Courses Manager, in the Department of Computer Science at NTU.
Visit Peter FitzGerald's staff profile
Joanna Hartley

Deputy Head of Department

Find out more about Joanna Hartley, Deputy Head of Department of the Computer Science Department at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Joanna Hartley's staff profile
Pramod Gaur

Senior Lecturer

Pramod Gaur is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, part of NTU's School of Science and Technology.
Visit Pramod Gaur's staff profile
Dr Vishalkumar Arjunsinh Thakor

Lecturer

Dr Vishalkumar Arjunsinh Thakor is a Lecturer in the Computer Science Department at the School of Science and Technology. He is also an active member of the Centre for Computer Science and Informatics (CIRC) Research Group.
Visit Dr Vishalkumar Arjunsinh Thakor's staff profile
Amir Pourabdollah

Senior Lecturer

Find out more about Dr Amir Pourabdollah, senior lecturer, in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Amir Pourabdollah's staff profile
Daniyal Haider

Senior Lecturer

Dr Daniyal Haider a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Nottingham Trent University.
Visit Daniyal Haider's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent IT, Maths or science grade C
Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent IT, Maths or science grade C

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Contextual offers

If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent IT, Maths or science grade C. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,790 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

Placement year - £1,905
Year abroad - £1,430

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed.

You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available 24 hours a day and including technician support.
You will have dedicated online storage to support backup of work.
You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project.
As one of our students, you will be able to join the Oracle Academic Initiative as an individual member and get free database software.
Students are able to register for a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras and phones.
We offer extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.
Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

£17,950 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or study abroad placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

Placement year - £1,905
Year abroad - £1,430

Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed.

You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available 24 hours a day and including technician support.
You will have dedicated online storage to support backup of work.
You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project.
As one of our students, you will be able to join the Oracle Academic Initiative as an individual member and get free database software.
Students are able to register for a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras and phones.
We offer extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.
Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Year abroad

If you choose to study abroad for a year, you may need to consider additional costs such as visas, vaccinations, accommodation and travel expenses.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

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 machines.

The course 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.

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 complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.

Find out more about work placements.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) with access to facilities including a Games Development Lab Robotics lab and a High Performance Computing Suite.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your course mates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you apply.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

International students

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.