Enter OTP
This degree puts you right at the heart of the data revolution. You’ll learn programming, IT, machine learning, and big data tools while solving real-world challenges in cutting-edge labs. It’s designed for ambitious students who want practical, hands-on experience turning complex information into powerful insights—perfect preparation for careers like Data Scientist, AI Developer, or Business Intelligence Analyst.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building the Basics
You’ll start with a strong foundation in programming, statistics, and computer systems. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your IT literacy, master linear algebra, and explore computational modelling. You’ll also get an early taste of research in data science, use professional tools like LaTeX, and learn how ethics and law shape data-driven projects.
Year 2 – Putting Knowledge into Action
This year takes you deeper into the world of structured data, algorithms, databases, and the fundamentals of AI. A highlight is the team-based data science project, where you’ll work with classmates to bring theory into practice through real-world case studies.
Year 3 – Specialising and Leading
Your final year is about independence and expertise. You’ll explore data mining, data visualisation, and computer systems security, while your self-directed project gives you the chance to take ownership of a problem and create your own solution—showcasing your creativity, technical skills, and leadership.
Focus Areas
Programming • Statistical analysis • Machine learning • Big data technologies • Databases • AI • Data visualisation • Security • Ethical and legal issues in data science
What You’ll Achieve
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Extract insights from complex datasets using programming, machine learning, and visualisation tools
Apply ethical and secure practices when handling data
Work effectively in teams on real-world projects
Take the lead on independent research and problem-solving through your final project
Professional Recognition
The course is designed in line with the standards of the British Computer Society (BCS), supporting your journey toward professional recognition as a Chartered IT Professional. Your final-year project in particular plays a key role in meeting these industry expectations.
Graduate Success
Hertfordshire graduates go far—93% are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree (Graduate Outcomes survey, 2021/22).
The programme is all about gaining practical, real-world experience. From your very first day, you’ll get hands-on with industry-standard tools in our brand-new Spectra building—home to the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science. It’s packed with cutting-edge software, hardware, and simulation facilities that make your learning feel real and relevant. You won’t just be studying theory—you’ll be applying it to projects that reflect genuine workplace challenges. Plus, our careers team is on hand to help you land placements with top companies such as Apple, BT, IBM, Intel, GSK, Microsoft, and Xerox. These opportunities mean you’ll take what you’ve learned in the classroom and put it straight into practice in the industry.
That hands-on experience continues through:
Collaborative projects that feel just like real industry work—tackling data challenges, designing machine learning models, or building end-to-end data pipelines.
Immersive lab time in Spectra’s tech-rich facilities, designed to give you confidence with programming, machine learning, big data analysis, and more.
Personalised support from our dedicated Careers and Employment team, who’ll guide you and connect you with the right opportunities in industry.
At Hertfordshire, you’re not on your own when it comes to building your career. The dedicated Careers and Employment team works closely with you to help secure placements and internships. Many of our students have landed opportunities with leading organisations like Apple, BT, IBM, Intel, GSK, Microsoft, and Xerox. These experiences not only give you hands-on skills but also help you make valuable professional connections.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
Graduates from our BSc Data Science program see excellent early career outcomes—around 93% are in employment or further study within just 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2021/22). While official salary figures aren’t available for this specific course, our graduates consistently find roles that reflect the strong demand for their skills.
University–Industry Partnerships
The program is designed with industry in mind. You’ll benefit from strong links with major tech and healthcare companies, including Apple, IBM, Microsoft, GSK, BT, Intel, and Xerox. These partnerships mean you’ll be learning with the same technologies and practices used in the workplace, making you career-ready from day one.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
Your studies will take place in Spectra, our state-of-the-art facility for computer science. With access to industry-standard software, hardware, and simulators, you’ll develop practical skills that employers value—and keep pace with the latest technologies shaping the future of data science.
Graduation Outcomes
What makes our graduates stand out is the versatile skill set they take with them: coding, machine learning, big-data tools, data analysis, and visualisation. These abilities open doors across industries that are transforming the world through data-driven decision making—whether that’s tech, healthcare, finance, or beyond.
Typical A Level offer: BBB–ABB; Mandatory subjects: Mathematics (grade B) IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.Typical IB offer: 120–128 UCAS points and must include Mathematics at HL grade 4 or aboveTest of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 72 with band scores of reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20For US Applicants: Year 1 undergraduate entry requires a High School Diploma (min GPA 3.0) plus either 2 APs (score ≥3), SAT (≥1070), or ACT (≥23), with subject-specific A Level equivalents needing honours/college credit in that subject.For Indian Applicants: For Year 1 undergraduate entry, completion of Standard XII with 60–70% (subject-specific or higher for some courses) and 65% in English is required.GCSE Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.Data ScientistData AnalystBusiness AnalystMachine Learning EngineerArtificial Intelligence EngineerData EngineerBig Data EngineerStatisticianDatabase AdministratorQuantitative AnalystRisk AnalystFinancial AnalystOperations AnalystResearch ScientistBusiness Intelligence DeveloperData ArchitectCloud Data EngineerMarketing AnalystHealthcare Data AnalystSocial Media AnalystCybersecurity AnalystFraud AnalystProduct AnalystSupply Chain Analyst
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University of Hertfordshire
