Data Science BSc (Hons)

Students at Birkbeck don’t just learn theory—they build real, practical skills from day one. Classes take place in labs, where you’ll work directly with industry-standard programming languages like Python, R, and Java. These tools are at the heart of modern data work, whether you’re collecting, storing, analyzing, or visualizing information. What’s unique is the flipped-classroom style: you prepare ahead of time by watching videos or reading, and then use class time to actively solve problems. It means your learning is hands-on, collaborative, and focused on real-world challenges.

Here’s what makes experiential learning at Birkbeck stand out for this degree:

• Dedicated computer labs: Many modules include lab-based sessions in fully equipped PC labs, where you’ll be coding, analyzing, and experimenting in real time.

• Course support on Moodle: Every course and module comes with its own online space that includes handbooks, lecture recordings, and tutorial materials. It’s your central hub for staying organized and supported.

• Personal tutor & support network: From the start, you’re paired with a personal tutor and introduced to the library, IT services, study skills support, and even wellbeing resources—so you feel prepared before lectures even begin.

• Direct links to research at BIDA: The program is closely connected to the Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics, which works on cutting-edge projects like cybersecurity, environmental monitoring, and artificial intelligence. It’s an opportunity to see how classroom knowledge connects to live research.

• Flexible, evening-friendly schedule: Classes are usually held in the evenings, with some daytime options too. This makes study accessible, especially if you’re working or managing other commitments.

• Interactive teaching style: You won’t just sit through lectures. Learning includes seminars, tutorials, and practical classes—so you’re part of an active, collaborative environment.

• Flipped-classroom engagement: By preparing before class, you use lecture time to practice and apply concepts, especially in programming and data analysis.

• Continuous improvement through feedback: Student feedback is taken seriously at Birkbeck. Regular surveys help refine and improve teaching and learning, so your voice helps shape the course experience.

Birkbeck’s BSc Data Science gives you the perfect blend of theory and hands-on skills. By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to step into exciting roles such as data scientist, machine learning engineer, quantitative analyst, or even as a graduate software developer. Employers value the balance of technical ability and real-world application you’ll gain here.

Support to help you get there
You won’t be navigating your career journey alone.

• The Careers and Enterprise Service acts as your career partner from the start of your degree right through to life after graduation—helping you connect your studies with your ambitions.

• Optional micro-placements give you the chance to step into the workplace during your degree and gain valuable experience.

• The Learning Development Service is on hand to strengthen your study skills—everything from planning your dissertation to brushing up on numerical skills or preparing for exams.

• Thanks to flexible evening timetables (with many lectures recorded), you can balance your studies with work or other commitments.

Employment prospects
While there isn’t discipline-specific salary data published just for Data Science, Birkbeck graduates overall stand out in the job market—half earn over £30,000 just six months after graduation. This reflects the university’s reputation for producing work-ready, high-earning professionals.

Industry connections
Birkbeck has deep ties with business, government, and third-sector organisations, which means you’ll benefit from teaching and projects linked to the real world. Micro-placements and collaborative projects often involve external partners. On top of that, the Immersive Learning Centre offers unique opportunities to work with cutting-edge tools like VR, 3D scanning, and motion capture on projects co-designed with industry.

Accreditation and reputation
Your degree is awarded by the University of London—adding prestige and recognition worldwide. Birkbeck has been pioneering computing and data science since 1957, and its reputation is backed up by research excellence, with Computer Science & Informatics ranked among the UK’s top 25 (REF 2021).

Life after graduation
When you finish, you’ll leave with more than technical expertise. Employers value your transferable skills—problem-solving, analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, and project management. With these, you’ll be well-placed to build a career across sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, insurance, and public services, in roles such as analytics associate, data scientist, machine learning engineer, or quantitative analyst.