Data Science MSci/BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Data scientists/analysts are in demand across a large range of sectors, from healthcare to finance, from marketing to transport. This course aims to provide the essential training you will need to be successful in this fast-moving, dynamic field.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BSc:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MSci:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

256A / 257A

Start date

September 2024


Course overview

The course brings together a range of techniques that the modern data scientist needs. You will study modules in mathematics, data analysis and computing and tackle a variety of interesting and engaging problems from the latest research studies, business and industry.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • You will have the chance to equip yourself with transferable and professional skills which prepare you for employment in industry, business, or education.
  • You will be provided with the opportunity to develop critical and reflective skills required for problem-solving in a variety of contexts.
  • The course has a particular emphasis on modern applications and the use of appropriate computational methods, software and technology.
  • You can expect to improve your knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of the latest data science, as well as the use of computational methods.
  • You will have the chance to gain industry-relevant experience2 as you apply real-world, commercial software development practices within teams of your peers, preparing you for your career after graduation.

What you'll study

In your first year, you will be taught the fundamental skills and concepts needed to begin your journey as a data scientist. You’ll be familiarised with the mathematical, statistical and computational foundations, and you will apply those principles in regular laboratory sessions which help solidify your understanding. You will also begin developing the professional skills you will need in your day-to-day career on graduation: working as part of a team, the ethical and legal issues around data structure and models. 

Modules

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with data science, linear statistical models and artificial intelligence, amongst others. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Modules

The final stage of the BSc (Hons) in Data Science covers advanced topics in data science including Big Data management and visualisation methods, machine learning algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks and advanced statistical methods. 

Modules

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise3.  

This year provides insight into more advanced topics in data science and can act as a stepping stone to postgraduate research or further study. 

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, seminars, lab, workshops, online activities and group work.

You will be expected to engage in both class and online activities, and discussions. You can also expect to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

Formative feedback will be used to prepare you for summative assessment and give you an early indication of your progress. A portion of each module’s contact time will be dedicated to course support sessions. The course support sessions2 are where you can explore areas of the course that you may find challenging or get support with your personal projects and employability efforts.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points BSc (Hons): 120
MSci: 128
A level BSc (Hons): BBB to include Mathematics at grade B or above. Excludes General Studies.
MSci: ABB to include Mathematics at grade B or above. Excludes General Studies.
GCSE BSc (Hons)/MSci: Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above including English and Mathematics
BTEC BSc (Hons)/MSci: Considered on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme BSc (Hons): 29 points to include 5 points in Mathematics at Higher Level.
MSci: 31 points to include 5 points in Mathematics at Higher Level.
Access to HE BSc/MSci: Considered on an individual basis.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

On-site facilities4 offer you a variety of learning environments, which benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • sigma Centre: mathematics and statistics support
    An award-winning support centre which provides a range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. You can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments (subject to availability). 
  • Informal Study Areas: 
    Informal computer access to all the specialist software required for your studies. There are bookable spaces where you can meet with academics or work in small groups (subject to availability). 

Careers and opportunities

The Data Science degree at Coventry University is focused on preparing you to work in one of the most dynamic fields in the digital age, with a focus on transferrable and work-ready skills.

As a data analyst, you will often find yourself working in a multidisciplinary environment, as you bring your technical skills and knowledge to bear upon a specific business issue. This is precisely the type of situation upon which Coventry University built this course, aiming to equip you for the world of work. 

Data analysts have job prospects in areas such as business analysis, risk analysis, energy demand forecasting, health analytics, sports analytics, web analytics, games data analytics, social media analytics and more. 

Where our graduates work

Previous students have found employment as Financial Analysts at IBM, Gaming Financial Analysts for Warner Bros, Finance Assistants at Scottish Power, Business Performance Process Analysts at National Grid, Power Analysts at E.ON and Customer Service Analysts for Cummins.

Recent graduates have embarked on Finance Graduate Schemes, as Customer Services Analysts, Graduate Actuary, Information Analysts and a Trainee Accountants for companies like E.ON, National Grid, Thames Water, NHS, Hodge Lifetime Solutions and Prime Accountants. Others have also used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications. 

Further study

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option3, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise. 

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.


How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
BSc: EECU148
MSci: EECU149

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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