Data Science and Analytics BSc (Hons)
Learn the technical and analytical skills to make sense of the vast amounts of data available to organisations on this degree course. You'll develop a deep understanding of modern big data, machine learning and data mining methods, preparing you for key roles such as data analyst, data scientist, systems developer and systems analyst.
Key information
UCAS code:
I1G3
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 2 or 3 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
The World Economic Forum estimated there to be 40 times more data in the world than observable stars in the universe in 2020. Global businesses, social media companies, financial institutions, the healthcare sector and governments all rely on this data, and those who analyse it, to inform business-critical decisions at the highest level.
On this BSc (Hons) Data Science and Analytics degree course, you’ll learn to confidently analyse the vast amounts of data available – a highly desired skill in all sectors. You'll learn to use databases, systems and analytical tools, such as the Relational Model and Structured Query Language (SQL), to identify insights and trends to benefit businesses, like targeting new products or increasing sales. You'll find out how the same systems can be used to identify patterns in medical data, to predict disease or recovery, or in the fight against climate change through analysing soil data or marine biology.
You'll develop a deep understanding of modern big data, machine learning and data mining methods, preparing you for key roles such as data analyst, data scientist, systems developer and systems analyst.
"As set out in the National Data Strategy, data is now the driving force of the world’s modern economies. It fuels innovation in businesses large and small and has been a lifeline during the global coronavirus pandemic."
Course highlights
- Apply your analytical skills to practical problems and real-world datasets collected from our extensive research in areas such as cosmology, health information and cyber security
- Develop commercial skills alongside technical data analysis, such as how to present and visualise your findings
- Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as ethical hacking, 3D computer graphics and animation, malware forensics, robotics and cryptography
- Apply your skills through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, where you'll help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects
- Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (The Chartered Institute for IT), fully meeting the educational requirement for CITP and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng.
Discover Data Science and Analytics
Understanding data helps us to understand the future. In everything we do, data science and analytics provides the answers that shape our world. To manage this changing world successfully, we need to know whats happening. From social media management to financial forecasting. From cosmology to climate change. And beyond our own planet, our knowledge of the universe is expanding. Each new discovery provides us with a vast amount of data that needs to be understood and analysed.
This is the future. Many in the industry are switching and learning about big data. It really is an exciting course that provides opportunities and it never gets boring. I love learning new concepts and the practical side. Also a bonus: you can work in any sector with this.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
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Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Data Science and Analytics degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- 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. - T-levels - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development, T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Digital Business Services, T Level in Digital Support and Services, T Level in Science, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Read more about our computer science researchThe University of Portsmouth is ranked 5th of the modern universities for research quality in computer science and informatics
Facilities and specialist software
SAP Next Generation Lab
Gain practical skills with cloud-based software such as SAP and S&P Capital IQ, in our dedicated lab.
Usability Laboratory
Test your applications with eye-tracking equipment and find out if your subject is looking where you'd expect them to look when interacting with your product.
Careers and opportunities
Data scientist was identified as the 7th top emerging job role in the UK in LinkedIn's emerging jobs report 2020 and The Royal Society revealed a 231% growth in demand for data scientists and engineers between 2014 and 2019. The Government have also reported that UK companies are recruiting for 178,000 to 234,000 roles that require 'hard' data skills, including data ethics, programming, database management, data processing and visualisation.
When you finish this course, you'll be equipped for a career in the data analytics and deep learning industry. With the high demand for data scientists, you can expect a starting salary from £25,000–£30,000, with the opportunity to earn up to £60,000 once you're experienced in the field.
What jobs can you do with a data science and analytics degree?
Previous students have gone on to work as:
- data analysts
- data engineers
- data architects
- information analysts
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Previous students have taken placements roles as a data scientist and marketing data analyst at organisations including BAE Systems and HP.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Modules studied
You'll explore the development and function of CPUs and operating systems, understand the mathematical basis of technical computing, and develop your knowledge of decision logic.
You'll dig into the history and current trends of web design, cyber security, usability, and a further topic specific to your choice of degree. When you complete the module, you'll have the intellectual springboard to excel in the next years of your degree.
You'll simplify complex information, using the concepts of normalisation theory, then apply accurate SQL queries that can deliver the information in intuitive formats. You'll complete this module able to develop and operate industry-standard databases to meet specific business briefs.
In this module, you'll range across a broad range of core concepts and statistical methods, learning how to express complex sets of information in data terms. Using current and emerging digital technologies, you'll manipulate and process messy datasets, and translate the possibilities of your analytical work into intuitive narratives that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
You'll learn algorithm development, object-oriented programming, and how to compare these approaches. You'll also design and implement programs to meet given specifications, using Python and Dart, with the guidance and support to ground your further computing study.
Core modules
In this module you'll get hands-on with leading data mining toolkits for classification, clustering and regression. You'll apply your learning to real-world problems, and use visualisation techniques to translate numbers into narratives.
In this module, you'll study the problems of scale in software systems, and the industry's solutions to those issues. You'll then work in a team to develop a medium-sized software application, review each other's work, and engage in the thoughtful and reflective discussions that inform the professional software engineering process.
You'll learn how choosing the right structure impacts the efficiency of algorithms. Through coding exercises, you'll construct data structures from scratch and see first-hand how they enable solving complex problems. You'll review different implementation options and analyse the tradeoffs in memory usage, speed, simplicity, and more. By the end, you'll have developed core skills for designing optimized data structures tailored to algorithm needs. The module builds a strong foundation for writing efficient, scalable code that handles real-world data.
You'll approach problems using classical and modern technology, using contemporary platforms, and evaluate current and emerging issues in the field.
Optional modules
You'll apply modeling, texturing and lighting skills as you learn the algorithms rendering each scene, and optimise your projects for real-time interactivity and visual fidelity. On completion, you'll be ready to apply your skills to areas such as medical imaging, autonomous transport UIs and smart city simulations.
This module provides hands-on experience mentoring computing teachers and students in local schools. Spend 5-6 days immersed in a classroom environment, assisting with lessons, special projects, and illuminating possible careers. You'll need to be adaptable, creative, and passionate about sharing knowledge. This opportunity allows you to apply computational thinking in a practical setting, developing leadership, communication and pedagogical skills. Gain insights into teaching while challenging yourself.
Master an ethical hacker's mindset and toolkits to spotlight vulnerabilities before threats do. Evaluate insider threats, footprinting networks, exploiting, pivoting - and recommend defences to make systems watertight. Multiply your career options with high-demand penetration testing skills spanning web apps, networks, embedded devices and humans themselves.
In this module, you'll study industry theory and best practice, before using your knowledge to create a dynamic web application to meet client specifications. As you build your app, you'll gain experience with client-side and server-side programming, and API integrations.
Core modules
On this module, you'll integrate technical knowledge with project skills - proposing and implementing solutions that address real industry challenges.
Your key activities span literature analysis, design, prototyping, testing, and critical evaluation against project objectives. Adhering to legal, ethical and professional standards, you'll produce high-quality artefacts and written reports that showcase your readiness for workplace application or postgraduate research.
Through a sequence of mini-projects, you'll work with your lecturers to tackle current data science problems in areas like cybersecurity, healthcare, and scientific research. With light supervision, you'll apply your analytical skills to extract insights from complex, incomplete, and often contradictory data sources. You'll also learn how to maintain data integrity, security and privacy in this volatile, fast-moving field.
You'll model and query cloud data warehouses, identify statistical outliers and patterns, and develop visually engaging reports that provide management recommendations.
Optional modules
You'll examine the philosophy of AI, its methods of representing knowledge, and what this implies about the nature of learning. You'll also apply and evaluate different AI approaches in different situations, covering neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms.
You'll work in a team to analyse the issues, engage closely with the client to match your understanding to their needs, and bring your fresh insights to their problem. By the end, you'll have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to propose to your client, and demonstrable evidence of using team-based approaches to complex industry issues.
You'll gain fluency developing 3D graphics for emerging web frameworks, alongside use of computer vision tools and techniques for facial recognition and object tracking. When you complete the module, you'll be able to bring vision and graphics together to solve real world challenges.
You'll utilize forensic tools and methodologies on real-world cases, equipping you to predict threats, construct payloads, reverse engineer code, and monitor malicious network traffic. With balanced theory and practice, you'll gain well-rounded abilities for malware analysis, strengthening your capabilities as an all-rounded forensic investigator.
You'll identify risks from emerging technologies, assess impacts of data breaches, and evaluate technical and human safeguards. You'll develop expertise in cloud security, mobile devices, access controls and more.
You'll craft incident response plans that mitigate insider threats, hacking, malware and physical attacks. And you'll get real-world skills to protect infrastructure through layered security deployments.
You'll study distributed databases, complex query formulation, transaction control, data visualization, and emerging technologies like NoSQL. You'll also prepare for business applications, scalability and architectures such as web, mobile, and distributed databases.
In this future-focused module, you'll look at the effects of innovative technology in enterprise, the contexts in which advances are created, and frameworks for understanding future developments. You'll also prepare for your early career development as you appraise the current IT employment landscape.
Examine embedded systems and sensors powering smart watches, homes, cities and more. Evaluate networking protocols and data analytics techniques to realize value from machine information. Develop IoT applications while considering security, interfaces and human needs. With the ability to blend hardware, software and cloud services, you’ll be at the forefront as IoT transforms business and society.
You'll work with real robotic systems as you implement practical programming skills, alongside study of various approaches to robot sensing and control systems. Through guest lectures, theoretical learning and practical challenges, you'll develop specialised knowledge of this rapidly developing field.
After your second or third year, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
Previous students have completed work placements at well-known companies, such as:
- IBM
- UKCloud
- Intel
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- tutorials
- lab sessions
- self-directed study
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written assignments
- presentations
- group and individual lab-based assessments
- projects
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,430 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I1G3
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.