BSc (Hons) Data Science with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BSc (Hons) Data Science with foundation year at Coventry University. The foundation year supports students who need additional preparation before progressing to the main degree.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Data Science with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Mathematics graduates from this provider, 95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £31,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 95% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 55% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Foundation year 4 modules
- Algebra and ApplicationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to fundamental algebraic concepts (sets, functions, basic group theory, linear systems, introductory eigenvalue/eigenvector theory and vector spaces). It should help you develop your computational skills in solving and interpreting linear equations. It aims to provide you with the essential building blocks in algebraic thinking, forming a foundation for more advanced topics in subsequent years.
- Statistics and Data ScienceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to key statistics and data science techniques. In this module you will consider data summaries, exploratory data analysis, data visualisation, probability concepts, estimation and hypothesis testing. Explore the predictive analytics methods of regression and correlation and gain hands-on experience using modern software tools to analyse real datasets. This module includes content on probability and statistics, data wrangling and data visualisation and the practical app
- Calculus and ApplicationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to single-variable calculus, covering limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals which should create a solid base for later study. Learn about ordinary differential equations, sequences and series. This module includes topics such as foundations of calculus and sequences, differential calculus, integral calculus, complex numbers, an introduction to ordinary differential equations and power series. It also focuses on real-world uses such as optimisation and rates of
- Programming and Artificial IntelligenceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to programming and artificial intelligence. Learn the fundamentals of programming, how to write clear and effective code, and develop your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills, with a focus on AI applications. The module focuses on simple AI programming challenges, including games, chatbots and maze solvers, along with introductory material on machine learning, neural networks and generative artificial intelligence. Content includes necessary mathematics, as
Year one 4 modules
- Advanced Calculus and Complex AnalysisCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Extend your understanding of single-variable calculus into multivariable domains, exploring partial differentiation and multiple integrals. You will be introduced to vector calculus concepts (for example, gradient, divergence, curl) and apply these to geometric/physical problems. Develop knowledge of complex analysis, focusing on analytic functions, contour integrals and basic residue theory. These advanced calculus methods will be linked to real-world or theoretical scenarios to reinforce your
- Data Modelling and Machine LearningCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn the fundamental concepts, models and applications of multiple regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and machine learning. These techniques will be explored and applied to a variety of real datasets. Hypothesis testing and estimation will be extended within a statistical data modelling framework. The methods taught in this module are extensively used in industry, commerce, government, research and development. Module content will address wider social, ethical and professional issues of a
- Differential Equations and ApplicationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Examine broader solution techniques (transform methods, series methods) for both linear and selected nonlinear equations. You will be introduced to Fourier-type expansions and Sturm–Liouville theory for solving boundary-value problems in ordinary differential equations. Study systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), both linear and nonlinear, with a focus on stability and qualitative behaviour. This includes working with simple classifications and elementary solution strategies for par
- Artificial Intelligence ApplicationsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Explore the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries. Get hands-on experience with AI tools and techniques, understand the ethical implications of AI and develop skills to implement AI solutions in real-world scenarios. Covering key AI concepts and a broad overview of its applications, this module aims to teach machine learning, exploring supervised and unsupervised learning, neural networks and deep learning, with practical exercises to reinforce these co
Placement year 2 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
Year two 3 modules
- Optimisation and AICompulsory30 credits
Module details
Get an understanding of optimisation techniques and how they are used in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). Explore the maths behind solving different types of optimisation problems, both with and without constraints and with discrete or continuous variables. This module will explore a variety of optimisation techniques in AI and ML, including gradient descent, batch gradient descent, stochastic gradient descent, Mini-batch gradient descent and Adam. You will investigate adv
- Advanced Topics in StatisticsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to advanced topics in statistics and data science. Using relevant software, learn how to critically examine data and choose and apply appropriate analyses using a range of methods. The material will be set within a range of different contexts taken from industry, medicine, agriculture and engineering. This module will be particularly useful if you are interested in postgraduate study in statistics, or a career in statistics or data science.
- Mathematics and Data Science Project (Single)Compulsory30 credits
Module details
The individual project module provides you with an opportunity to apply and integrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout your degree programme in a substantial individual piece of work. The module aims to develop your ability to solve real-world problems, engage in independent research, enhance your professional skills and demonstrate technical proficiency in your chosen subject area. This module should help you develop your project planning and time management skills. It will also test yo
Final year 5 modules
- Neural Networks and Deep LearningOptional30 credits
Module details
Deep learning is a part of machine learning that uses layered neural networks to understand complex patterns in data. Learn the fundamentals of neural networks and deep learning and build practical skills in designing, testing and evaluating neural network models. Explore more advanced deep learning topics and techniques, such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks and generative models. This module also looks at how deep learning is used in real-world applications including
- Cryptography and Information TheoryOptional30 credits
Module details
This module integrates higher-level algebraic and number-theoretic concepts (modular arithmetic, finite fields) into the study of cryptography and basic information theory. Learn how abstract algebra underpins classical and modern cryptographic protocols, as well as the fundamentals of encoding/decoding information.
- Machine Learning and Statistical ModellingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Review the fundamental concepts of probability and statistics and develops deeper understanding of statistical models, estimation, inference and stochastic processes. Survey a range of statistical and machine learning models (including supervised learning and unsupervised learning) with applications to real-world datasets. Consider techniques for model evaluation and discuss wider modelling issues such as bias, fairness, under/overfitting, interpretability and scalability. Build a solid foundati
- Deep Learning and Computer VisionCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop fundamental concepts, algorithms and architectures of artificial neural networks, deep learning and image processing. These fundamentals are applied and integrated in a broad range of real-world applications with a particular focus on practical and computational challenges in computer vision. This module will provide an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements in deep learning and computer vision. It aims to offer practical experience with real-world applications, enabling you to
- Generative AI and Reinforcement LearningCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Build knowledge and understanding of the concepts, algorithms, limitations and challenges of such artificial intelligence technologies, alongside developing practical skills implementing and experimenting with these systems. This module covers advancements in generative AI and reinforcement learning, equipping students with knowledge of technologies that are revolutionising various industries. It emphasises hands-on projects where you can implement generative models and reinforcement learning al
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course puts you through a 4-year foundation-to-honours pathway in data science. Coventry University structures this around practical programming and computing theory, moving from fundamentals to specialist depth. You'll usually begin with programming basics, imperative and object-oriented coding in languages like Python and Java, alongside computer systems, architecture and discrete mathematics. In year 2, a course like this typically progresses to algorithms, data structures, databases, software engineering practices and machine learning. Year 3 introduces you to specialist options such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, systems and networks, and human-computer interaction, alongside security, networks and an individual supervised project where you design, build and evaluate substantial software work.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in data science and computing who may benefit from a foundation year to strengthen their academic preparation. Most accepted students entered with A-levels or equivalent qualifications; the typical UCAS tariff among recent entrants was 80–95 points. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time at Coventry University's Coventry campus.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £25,000–£35,000 (15 months after graduation), rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. These figures reflect national outcomes; individual earnings vary. First-year continuation stands at 85% across the student cohort.
University & format
Coventry University is a University located in Coventry. This is a 4-year full-time honours degree taught in English, leading to a BSc (Hons) in Data Science with foundation year. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. Coventry holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Optional placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 97% |
| another higher-education qualification | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £31,000 | £27,000 – £35,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £25,500 | £20,500 – £31,000 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £31,000 | £26,000 – £41,000 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 60; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
95% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £31,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.7 out of 10: NSS 79.9% · in work or study 95% · continued 55%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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