Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Aberystwyth UniversityThis degree is designed to give you the tools and confidence to succeed in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields. By blending mathematics, statistics, and computer science, you’ll learn how to make sense of huge and complex datasets while gaining the practical experience employers value. The programme is co-taught by Aberystwyth’s long-established Mathematics department and the forward-thinking Computer Science team, so you’ll benefit from both tradition and innovation throughout your studies.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year introduces you to the building blocks of the subject. You’ll study modules like Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, and Probability, alongside computer-focused courses such as Introduction to Programming and Computer Infrastructure. Together, these subjects give you a strong foundation in problem-solving, logical thinking, and technical skills.
Year 2
In year two, you’ll develop greater depth and start working with real computational methods. Modules include Algorithm Design and Data Structures, Applied Statistics, Distributions and Estimation, Linear Algebra, Software Engineering, and more. This is where you’ll begin connecting mathematics with computer science in meaningful ways—preparing you for more advanced analysis and software development challenges.
Year 3 (Integrated Year in Industry)
Your third year takes you out of the classroom and into the workplace. This professional placement is a chance to apply what you’ve learned so far, gain invaluable experience in industry, and see how data science drives decisions in real organizations. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to make contacts and explore career options.
Year 4
In your final year, you’ll move on to more advanced and specialized topics. Core modules include Machine Learning, Statistical Inference, and Linear Models, along with both a Minor and Major Project. You’ll also have the option to branch into areas like Graphs and Networks or Stochastic Models in Finance. This year pulls everything together—giving you the chance to showcase your skills through substantial independent projects.
Focus Areas
Mathematical statistics
Computational methods
Programming and software development
Data modelling and machine learning
Real-world data analysis
Learning Outcomes
By the end of your degree, you’ll be able to:
Design and carry out large-scale data analyses
Apply statistical models and machine learning techniques
Develop and manage software solutions
Translate data into clear, actionable insights
Combine theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills
Professional Alignment
Although the course isn’t tied to a specific accreditation, it’s delivered by two of Aberystwyth’s strongest academic departments. Mathematics has been taught here since 1872, while Computer Science is known for its modern, research-active staff. This combination ensures high standards, expert teaching, and a learning experience rooted in both history and innovation.
Reputation & Employability
Employability:
The demand for data scientists is growing rapidly worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of roles predicted to open in the coming years. Aberystwyth graduates have gone on to work at organizations such as IBM, HP, CERN, Walt Disney, and GCHQ—showing the wide variety of career paths available.
Student Experience:
Students consistently report high levels of satisfaction with this programme. In recent national surveys, Mathematics and Computer Science courses at Aberystwyth have scored as high as 98% for quality of teaching, resources, feedback, and academic support—so you can feel confident about the learning environment you’ll be part of.
At Aberystwyth, studying BSc Data Science (with an integrated year in industry) isn’t just about lectures—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting stuck into real-world experiences. From day one, you’ll work with real data, use cutting-edge labs, and get the kind of expert guidance that turns theory into practical skills. You’ll collaborate on live projects, use top-class computing facilities, and build strong links with industry—all helping you grow in confidence and capability.
Here’s how this comes to life for you:
Integrated Year in Industry
In your third year, you’ll step out of the classroom and into the workplace. This full year in a professional setting gives you invaluable hands-on experience, a stronger CV, and a network of industry contacts—so you’re already a step ahead before graduation.
Computing and Robotics Facilities
You’ll have access to specialist computing labs running Linux and Mac OS X, central servers, and even robotics equipment such as Arduino kits and mobile robots. These aren’t just for show—they’re the tools you’ll use to bring your coding, data-handling, and problem-solving skills to life.
Research Environment
Aberystwyth is home to pioneering research, from robotics to AI—including the groundbreaking "Robot Scientist" projects. As a student, you’re learning in the same environment where real innovation happens, with access to facilities in the Llandinam Building that support ambitious, research-driven projects.
Learning from Experts
Your studies are led by staff from both Mathematics and Computer Science, combining world-class research expertise with practical know-how. You’ll learn from specialists in programming, statistical modelling, database design, and software testing—skills that employers truly value.
Graduates of the BSc Data Science (with integrated year in industry) leave ready to thrive in a world powered by data. Employers are actively seeking graduates with these skills, and Aberystwyth students have a strong track record of employability. Popular career paths include Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Business Intelligence Specialist—roles in high demand across industries like technology, finance, healthcare, and the public sector.
University services supporting you into employment
From your very first year, you’ll have access to Aberystwyth’s dedicated Careers and Employability Service. This includes one-to-one advice from Careers Advisors, as well as tailored support from the Work Experience Coordinator to help you secure a meaningful placement during your integrated year in industry.
Employment stats and salary figures
While exact figures for this specific course aren’t available yet, the outlook for related subjects is very strong.
Graduates in mathematical sciences typically earn around £29,000 within 15 months of finishing their degree (range: £25,000–£30,000), rising to about £30,500 after five years.
Computer science graduates, whose skills overlap heavily with data science, earn about £28,000 after 15 months (range: £24,000–£34,000), with salaries climbing to £38,000 after five years.
Around 90% of these graduates are in employment or further study just 15 months after graduation.
University–industry partnerships
The integrated year in industry is your chance to put learning into practice and build a strong professional profile before graduating. You’ll be supported by both academic departments and university-wide initiatives like AberWorks, AberForward, YES, and Go Wales. With teaching delivered jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics, you’ll benefit from the combined strengths of two highly respected, research-active teams.
Long-term value of your degree
This BSc is delivered by staff who are not only experts in their fields but also part of departments with long-standing reputations—Mathematics at Aberystwyth dates back to 1872. The degree may not carry professional accreditation, but its real strength is in the rigorous academic foundation and technical skills you’ll develop—skills that employers value highly across all sectors.
Graduation outcomes
Demand for data science professionals continues to grow, and there’s a recognised shortage of skilled graduates in this area. Aberystwyth’s wider Computer Science graduates have gone on to exciting roles at leading organisations such as IBM, HP, CERN, Walt Disney, and GCHQ—demonstrating the breadth of opportunities open to you with this background.
A Levels BBB-BCC to include B in MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate: 30-28 with 5 points in Mathematics at Higher LevelIELTS: 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each component TOEFL iBT: 88 with minimum component scores: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17 A minimum final GPA of 3.0–3.2 (depending on subject) plus either 2 AP scores of 3+, 2 High School Honors classes with at least B, or 2 College-level classes with at least B.Applicants from US with lower scores may be considered for courses with integrated foundation years.For mature learners (ie applicants over the age of 21), we will also consider work experience in lieu of exams on a case by case basis for US applicants.Indian Standard XII English scores of 70–80% (from CBSE, CISCE, or other recognized boards except Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh) obtained within 7.5 years of course start meet the requirement.GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh and MathematicsData 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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