Enter OTP
This degree gives you the perfect mix of technical skills and creative problem-solving to make sense of massive data sets. You’ll learn to use powerful tools like SQL, machine learning, and data mining to turn raw information into meaningful insights. Along the way, you’ll develop the kind of skills employers look for in roles such as data analyst, data scientist, or systems developer. If you’re naturally curious, love spotting patterns, and want to transform messy data into real-world solutions, this course is a great fit.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in computing. In Architecture and Operating Systems, you’ll get to grips with how CPUs and operating systems work. Core Computing Concepts introduces you to the essentials of web design, cyber security, and usability, while Database Systems Development gives you hands-on practice designing relational databases. At the same time, Practical Data Science walks you through the entire data workflow—from cleaning messy datasets to applying statistical techniques and presenting clear insights. And in Programming 1, you’ll learn to code in Python, tackling real-world problems right from the start.
Year 2
Your second year is all about deepening your skills. In Applied AI and Machine Learning, you’ll use industry toolkits to tackle real challenges. Big Data teaches you how to work with vast, complex datasets using modern architectures, while Data Structures and Algorithms sharpens your coding efficiency with tools like trees and graphs. You’ll also experience the full software development cycle in Software Engineering Theory and Practice, collaborating in teams to build medium-scale applications.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll take on the Engineering Project, a major research-based challenge of your choice, guided by expert supervision. Alongside, Business Analytics trains you to query cloud data warehouses, uncover trends, and present insights that drive smart decisions. You’ll also dive into advanced topics in Deep Learning, applying cutting-edge techniques to real-world problems such as natural language processing, network security, or image recognition.
Focus Areas
Architecture • Operating Systems • Core Computing • Database Systems • Practical Data Science • Programming • AI & Machine Learning • Big Data • Data Structures & Algorithms • Software Engineering • Business Analytics • Deep Learning • Engineering Project
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll know how to:
Clean and manipulate data effectively
Design and manage relational databases
Program in Python, GUI, and Dart
Think algorithmically and code efficiently
Apply AI and machine learning to real problems
Work with big-data systems and architectures
Manage software projects from start to finish
Use business analytics to support decision-making
Build and train deep learning models
You’ll leave ready to turn raw data into powerful stories that drive change.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT). It fully meets the academic requirement for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status and partially meets the requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng), giving your career a solid professional edge.
Reputation, Employability & Rankings
The University of Portsmouth is ranked Top 30 in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024).
Our graduates go on to thrive: 96% of computer science graduates are working or in further study within 15 months, earning an average starting salary of around £30,000. With demand for up to 234,000 data-skilled professionals in the UK, your skills will be in high demand. Salaries typically start between £25,000–£30,000 and can rise to £60,000+ as you gain experience.
✨ This version keeps the clear structure but makes it warmer, more approachable, and student-focused.
Students on this degree get hands-on from the very start. You’ll sharpen your technical and analytical skills by working directly with real datasets, using tools like SQL, machine learning methods, and industry-standard analytical systems. It’s not just about theory—you’ll learn how to turn raw data into meaningful insights, whether that’s predicting healthcare trends, guiding business decisions, or tackling climate challenges.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Advanced Computing Facilities
You’ll have access to the University’s High Performance Computing lab, packed with powerful resources. From Python and MATLAB to scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, you’ll work through Jupyter Notebooks using the same tools that data scientists and AI specialists rely on worldwide.
Cutting-Edge Research Systems
You can get involved with unique resources like the SCIAMA Supercomputer—complete with GPU-accelerated nodes—and the IBM PowerAI Vision System, equipped with NVIDIA Tesla GPUs. These facilities support demanding machine learning and image-processing projects, giving you the chance to explore problems at scale.
Live Data Projects & Real-World Problem Solving
Throughout your studies, you’ll work with live datasets and real industry challenges. That could mean applying AI to forensic computing, tackling industrial analytics, or testing models that address today’s biggest data-driven questions.
Optional Paid Placement Year
This flexible “Connected Degree” lets you add a placement year in either your third or fourth year. Many students have used this to step into roles with top employers, including IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, major banks, and other well-known organisations.
Industry Collaboration & Research Hub
Through the Portsmouth AI and Data Science Centre, you’ll connect with research at the forefront of AI. Projects here explore cyber security, adversarial machine learning, and privacy-preserving AI—often in partnership with industry leaders and government agencies.
University-Wide Facilities & Support
Beyond your specialist labs, you’ll also benefit from the University’s wider support network: modern computing facilities, a world-class library, and dedicated student services that are there to help you thrive both academically and personally.
Graduate roles and earning potential
Graduates from this degree often move quickly into careers such as data analyst, data engineer, data architect, and information analyst. Typical starting salaries fall between £25,000 and £30,000, with experienced professionals earning up to £60,000 or more as they advance.
University career support
You won’t be on your own when it comes to finding the right role. Our Careers and Employability Service is available to you one-to-one throughout your studies and for up to five years after graduation. They can help you with job applications, CVs, interview prep, networking, and long-term career planning.
There’s also the option of a placement year, giving you the chance to gain paid industry experience (average salary around £19,000), strengthen your CV, and build valuable professional connections.
Employment stats and salary outlook
On average, computer science graduates go on to earn around £30,000 fifteen months after leaving university, with salaries ranging from £25,000–£35,000. Employment and further study rates are also very strong, reaching as high as 96%.
Industry links and hands-on opportunities
You’ll benefit from direct connections with employers and industry-standard tools. For example, the SAP Next Generation Lab gives you hands-on experience with leading cloud platforms like SAP and S&P Capital IQ.
The course also includes real-world engagement opportunities, such as working with Code Club to introduce young learners to coding in Python, HTML/CSS, and Scratch.
Our Artificial Intelligence and Data Science research area works closely with a wide variety of organisations, including healthcare providers, global companies, defence organisations, and leading universities. These collaborations often feed directly into student projects through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and applied research.
Professional recognition
This degree is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), meaning it meets part of the requirements for professional registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP). This adds long-term value to your qualification and helps set you apart in the job market.
Your future after graduation
By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional recognition to step straight into sought-after roles in data analysis, engineering, architecture, or information management.
A levels - BBB-BBC, to include a relevant subject. Relevant subjects: Mathematics; Further Mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; Software Systems Development; Electronics; Physics; Information Technology; Economics.International Baccalaureate - 27English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.79 with a minimum of 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 20 in Speaking and 17 in Writing.Applicants should have average of 75% or above in the 12 Standard (State Board) examinations or 70% in the Central BoardA set of three AP exams or SAT Subject Tests (completed before their cancellation in 2021) in different subjects—meeting any subject-specific requirements—along with a high school diploma (typically with a minimum GPA of 3.0).APs (Advanced Placement Tests): 444; ACT (American College Testing): composite score of 27; SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests combined (post-March 2016): 1200 in SAT Reasoning (combined) and 3 SAT subject tests at scores of 600, 600, 600Data ScientistData AnalystBusiness Intelligence AnalystMachine Learning EngineerAI EngineerData EngineerStatisticianQuantitative AnalystRisk AnalystOperations AnalystFinancial AnalystMarketing AnalystHealthcare Data AnalystBig Data EngineerResearch ScientistDatabase AdministratorData ConsultantProduct AnalystFraud AnalystCustomer Insights AnalystSupply Chain AnalystPolicy Analyst
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University of Portsmouth
