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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Aberystwyth UniversityThe BSc Data Science with integrated year in industry blends mathematical, statistical, and computational tools to equip you with the ability to decipher vast amounts of data and launch a strong career in this growing field. Co-taught by Aberystwyth’s long-established Mathematics department and the innovative Computer Science team, this four-year degree combines solid theory with hands-on application and real-world relevance.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you'll dive into both mathematical foundations and computational basics—think of tackling modules like Algebra, Calculus, Introduction to Programming, and Introduction to Computer Infrastructure, plus Statistics, Probability, Further Algebra and Calculus, and Mathematical Analysis. Together, these modules lay a firm groundwork in key disciplines while giving you early exposure to programming and problem-solving.
Year 2
Moving into year two, you'll build deeper understanding through modules such as Algorithm Design and Data Structures, Applied Statistics, Distributions and Estimation, Numerical Analysis, Linear Algebra, Modelling Persistent Data, and Software Engineering. This year stretches your ability to analyze data, work with databases, and engage with software lifecycles—setting you up for more complex challenges.
Year 3 (Integrated Year in Industry)
Year three is your opportunity to step into the professional world through the Sandwich Year placement. You’ll apply your academic learning in a real-industry setting, gaining confidence, networking opportunities, and insight into what truly drives data-driven organizations.
Year 4
In the final year, your studies culminate with advanced and practical modules like Machine Learning, Minor Project, Statistical Inference and Linear Models, Linear Statistical Models, and the significant Major Project. You’ll draw together statistical mastery and computing skills to investigate realistic data challenges—plus, you can explore even more specialized topics through options like Graphs and Networks or Stochastic Models in Finance.
Focus Areas
A fusion of mathematical statistics, computational methods, programming, data modelling, machine learning, and real-world data analysis.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll learn to design and perform large-scale data analyses, apply statistical models and machine learning algorithms, engineer software solutions, and communicate actionable insights, all underpinned by strong theoretical reasoning and practical experience.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
While the course doesn’t list specific accreditations on the course page, it is jointly delivered by the Departments of Mathematics (taught since 1872) and Computer Science, ensuring teaching from highly qualified, research-active faculty with strong standards of professional and pedagogical expertise.
Reputation (Employability & Satisfaction)
Employability: There’s a recognized global shortage of skilled data scientists, with estimates suggesting around 200,000 professionals will be needed in the near future. Aberystwyth graduates go on to work for names like IBM, HP, CERN, Walt Disney, GCHQ, and more.
Student Experience: The 2023–24 National Student Survey reports high satisfaction across both Mathematics and Computer Science course components—reaching up to 98%+ approval on the quality of learning resources, teaching, feedback, course management, and academic support.
At Aberystwyth, studying BSc Data Science (with integrated year in industry) is not just about lectures—it's about rolling up your sleeves and diving into real-world experiences. Students tackle real data challenges using hands-on workshops, cutting-edge labs, and expert guidance at every turn. You'll gain access to computing facilities, collaborate with peers on live projects, and benefit from strong industry connections—all designed to sharpen your practical skills and confidence.
Here’s how this plays out in practice:
Integrated Year in Industry: In your third year, you’ll spend a full year working in a real professional environment—getting hands-on experience, building your CV, and growing your network before graduation.
Computing and Robotics Facilities: The Department of Computer Science boasts Linux and Mac OS X labs, access to central servers, and even robotic equipment like Arduinos and mobile robots—powerful tools for building practical coding and data-handling skills.
Research Environment: You're studying in a setting rich in research—a legacy of innovation including their robotic "Robot Scientist" projects. Access to these resources and the Llandinam Building’s infrastructure means student projects can thrive in a real research environment.
Joint Learning by Experts: You'll learn from specialist staff across both Mathematics and Computer Science, renowned for their PhD-level research, industrial experience, and skills in programming, statistical modelling, database design, and software testing.
Here’s the full picture:
So, what exactly does this experiential learning look like for you?
Integrated year in industry: Real-world placement in year three, offering hands-on experience and industry networking.
Specialist computing facilities: Linux and Mac OS X labs, central servers, plus access to robotics gear (Arduino kits, mobile robots)—all to support software and data projects.
Research-driven environment: Work amid a department with a strong robotics and AI research heritage—access tools and methods born of cutting-edge innovation.
Modules from both Mathematics & Computer Science: Gain practical insights through programming, statistical methods, data modelling, database techniques, and software testing—embedded within research-fluent teaching.
Graduates of the BSc Data Science (with integrated year in industry) program emerge primed for the data-driven world—with strong demand for their expertise and proven employability success. Typical roles include Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Business Intelligence Specialist. These positions are highly sought after across sectors like tech, finance, healthcare, and public services.
Here’s what sets this degree—and your future career—on a powerful trajectory:
University services supporting you into employment:
You’ll benefit from Aberystwyth’s Careers and Employability Service, including personalized guidance from the Work Experience Coordinator and Careers Advisors to help you secure a quality placement during your integrated year.
Employment stats and salary figures:
While specific data for this course is limited, graduates in mathematical sciences typically earn around £29,000 about 15 months after graduating (range: £25,000–£30,000), rising to about £30,500 after five years.
Computer science-related graduates—closely aligned with data science—earn approximately £28,000 after 15 months (range: £24,000–£34,000), increasing to £38,000 after five years.
Additionally, around 90% of these graduates are working or further studying 15 months post-graduation.
University–industry partnerships:
Students in the course gain hands-on industry experience through their integrated year, with support from departments, Careers Service programs like AberWorks, AberForward, YES, and Go Wales.
The curriculum is jointly delivered by the Department of Computer Science and Department of Mathematics—blending theoretical and practical skills from long-established, research-rich departments.
Long-term accreditation value:
The BSc is taught by expert staff in departments with rich historical foundations (Mathematics since 1872); graduates benefit from academic rigour combined with real-world relevance. While not professionally accredited, the strength lies in strong academic, quantitative and technical grounding.
Graduation outcomes:
Demand for skilled data scientists is high, with a noted shortage of qualified professionals.
Graduates of the broader Computer Science stream have found roles at IBM, HP, CERN, Walt Disney, GCHQ, and more—highlighting the broad reach and attractiveness of this skill set
Completion of secondary education (equivalent to UK A Levels) with grades BBB–BCC; Mathematics required at grade B or above; UCAS Tariff 120–104 points; international certificates accepted with 70%+ overall and strong maths scores; English language proficiency via IELTS 6.0 (no band < 5.5), TOEFL 80–93, PTE 59–62+, or equivalent. Applicants not meeting direct English requirements may take a pre-sessional English course.Minimum age 18 at entry; no prior programming knowledge needed, but strong maths and logical reasoning valued; foundation program available if entry criteria are not met. Application requires academic transcripts, English test results, personal statement, and possibly reference letters.Data analystData scientistMachine learning engineerBusiness intelligence analystAI researcherData engineerQuantitative analystRisk analystStatisticianOperations analystResearch scientistSoftware developerDatabase administratorData consultantFinancial analystMarket researcherPolicy analystHealthcare data analystCybersecurity analystProduct analystBig data specialistCloud data engineerCustomer insights analystAcademic researcherGovernment data specialist
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