Data Science BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 112 - 120 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): I124 (full-time); I125 (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years full-time / four years with placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
Introduction:
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.
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97% of our mathematics students were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).
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.
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.
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.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
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.
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.
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 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.
Find out more about work placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- 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
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
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.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications including A-level or equivalent IT, Maths or science grade C
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2494.
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.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
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.
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. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other
Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
What do the course fees cover?
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.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
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.
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. Placement opportunities are available in the UK and overseas. Travel grants and Erasmus funding may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. Students will also be required to pay additional costs for printing, poster preparation and final dissertation copies in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 - £50. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Other
Students will require a basic scientific calculator for use in examinations (e.g. Casio 83 or 85 series, approximately £15).
How to apply
Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you apply.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
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!
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.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. 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.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.