BSc Data Science

Here’s how your BSc Data Science at Aberystwyth University brings learning to life—with hands-on experiences, outstanding resources, and real-world preparation—so you’ll graduate confident, capable, and career-ready:

Practical skills from day one
From the very start, you’ll be building the foundations you need—whether it’s programming, mathematical modelling, statistics, database design, or software engineering. You’ll be taught by staff from both Mathematics and Computer Science, many with PhDs or valuable industry experience. Plus, you’ll always have support around you, from approachable tutors and demonstrators to a dedicated personal tutor.

How this translates into real experiences:

• Industry-standard tools and programming practice
  You’ll gain hands-on experience with the same software and coding languages used in the workplace. Early modules like Introduction to Programming and Programming Using an Object-Oriented Language set the stage, while courses such as Modelling Persistent Data and Software Engineering give you the chance to apply your skills to real-world scenarios.

• Group and individual projects
  From second year onwards, you’ll work on group projects that mimic industry teamwork. In your final year, you’ll take on a Major Project (40 credits) and a Minor Project (20 credits), tackling authentic data-analysis challenges that prepare you for professional roles.

• Personal Development Plan (PDP)
  Throughout your degree, you’ll keep track of your growth with a structured PDP—helping you reflect on your progress, sharpen your skills, and map out your career goals.

• Optional year in industry
  If you want to take things further, you can switch to the four-year pathway with a full year in industry. It’s your chance to test your knowledge in the workplace, gain valuable experience, and strengthen your CV.

• Career preparation and support
  You’ll benefit from Aberystwyth’s career-focused initiatives that help you find placements, gain work experience, and boost employability. Whether through short-term opportunities or structured programmes, you’ll always have routes to build your future.

• Collaborative teaching and support
  Your learning won’t just happen in lectures—you’ll also take part in seminars, tutorials, workshops, and team projects. This means you’ll graduate with not only technical expertise but also teamwork, communication, and time-management skills that employers value.

Graduates of the BSc Data Science program leave ready to tackle the challenges of a data-driven world. You’ll build the expertise to analyze and interpret large, complex datasets—skills that are in demand across industries worldwide. Many graduates step into roles that combine data analysis, technology, and strategy, with employers ranging from global tech companies to leading research organizations.

Common job roles include:

• Data Scientist

• Business/Data Analyst

• Machine Learning Engineer

• Research/Data Consultant

How the University Helps You Succeed

Career Support Tailored to You
From your very first year, you’ll have access to Aberystwyth’s Careers Service. Advisors will guide you through CV writing, interview preparation, career planning, and even connect you directly with employers. You can also gain valuable work experience through initiatives like AberWorks, AberForward, YES, and Go Wales—designed to help you put your learning into practice.

Strong Employment Prospects
The global demand for skilled data scientists is higher than ever, with tens of thousands of roles opening each year. In fact, the profession has been recognized as one of the most exciting and in-demand careers of the 21st century.

Industry Connections That Matter
Our graduates have gone on to work for leading names such as IBM, HP, Gloversure, Plymouth Marine Laboratories, CERN, Walt Disney, and GCHQ. These success stories highlight the strength of our industry links and the reputation of the program.

Academic Excellence You Can Trust
The degree is taught jointly by the Departments of Computer Science and Mathematics, both with rich academic traditions and research strength. Most lecturers hold PhDs, many bring real-world industry experience, and new staff are qualified fellows of the Higher Education Academy—so you’ll be learning from experts who truly understand both theory and practice.

Graduate Outcomes That Speak for Themselves
Aberystwyth consistently outperforms the national average for graduate employability. In fact, nearly 97% of first-degree graduates were in work or further study within six months of finishing their degree (based on July 2017 data). That means you can feel confident your future career will be well supported from day one.