BSc (Hons) Data Science · Keele UniversityBachelor's degree · 3 years
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Keele University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Data Science Bachelor's degree at Keele University

BSc (Hons) Data Science at Keele University combines theoretical foundations with practical application across data-driven problem-solving.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Develop skills in data analysis, machine learning and visualisation with Data Science BSc at Keele University, preparing for careers in business, technology and research. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Data Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Keele University. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Computer science graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (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.

8.0
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent81

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent80

Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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.

Modules 16 modules
  • Agile Minds: Development and the Professional WorldCompulsory
    Module details

    This module introduces you to aspects of professionalism and ethics, communication, teamworking, and writing styles: these are also useful transferable skills in science and engineering more generally. The module provides you with important transitional skills that will be built upon in future modules and subsequent careers. The module provides guidance on enhancing employability skills, and advice on working in teams. Delivery of the module will include workshop activities providing you with op

  • Problem Solving and Computer ProgrammingCompulsory
    Module details

    In the first part the module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming, together with techniques for applying these using Python. The module has a strong practical element. Examples will come from various areas of Computer Science and Data Science. You will gain skills of producing, compiling, and debugging simple programs in Python. These skills will be refined in later modules with applications in various areas of Computer Science. In the second part this module teach

  • Foundations of Data ScienceCompulsory
    Module details

    Mathematics underpins much of modern-day Data Science and is a quantitative language for how to discuss concepts and ideas in a formal setting. This module will introduce students to areas of Mathematics most relevant to these areas, including vectors and matrices, functions, graph theory, logic, information theory, probability and statistics, as well as a toolbox of essential mathematical techniques. Students will learn how mathematical abstractions can be used to represent real world scenarios

  • Fundamentals of Computer SystemsCompulsory
    Module details

    You will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and achieve a foundation for other computer science modules. You will obtain an overview of computer systems, bridging theoretical concepts with practical applications and gain an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of modern IT. You will see logic design for core hardware components, the architecture of operating systems, essential features of programming languages, a selection of computing applications, hardwar

  • Web Technologies and DatabasesCompulsory
    Module details

    This module provides a comprehensive introduction to web technologies and databases, equipping students with the practical and analytical skills to design, develop, secure, and deploy modern web applications with robust data-driven backends. Upon completion, students will be able to apply industry-standard tools and best practices in contemporary web and database development.

  • Statistics and Probability for Data ScienceCompulsory
    Module details

    This module provides an introduction to common techniques for exploring, summarising and modelling data. The module develops transferable skills through solving problems, modelling and the use of statistics to understand quantitative information. Emphasis is placed on understanding the meaning behind the data and on the importance of the correct presentation of findings.

  • Computational and Professional Data SkillsCompulsory
    Module details

    Scientific computing is one of the cornerstones of modern applied data analysis. This module gives the opportunity to further develop skills of programming and problem solving as well as application of mathematical results to real-world scenarios, especially those involving the analysis and interpretation of large data sets. As a result students will also possess a valuable, transferable skill, necessary in a large number of data science industries, for example, engineering, meteorology and fina

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will provide students with an introduction to artificial intelligence. Topics will including neural networks, deep learning, evolutionary algorithms and neuroevolution. The focus will initially be on understanding the underlying principles, structures, algorithms and capabilities of AI systems, and then on writing programs that use appropriate machine learning software libraries to pre-process data and apply AI to tasks such as text analysis, data analytics and visualisation, compute

  • Selected Topics in Data ScienceOptional
    Module details

    An opportunity to pursue a personal interest in data science, learning and applying programming and technical skills that complement and extend those taught within the curriculum, under guidance from a staff member.

  • Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Data EthicsCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will expand on the range of artificial intelligence themes introduced earlier in the degree. It will allow students to explore in greater depth, selected research-led topics at the forefront of current thinking in the rapidly evolving field of AI. The module will also provide students with insights and understanding of fundamental issues relevant to data ethics, security and AI governance. Students will acquire practical data science and machine learning skills such as dataset analys

  • Cloud Computing with Data ApplicationsCompulsory
    Module details

    This module introduces cloud technologies and distributed computing, focusing on both principles and practical applications. You will explore big data technologies like Hadoop and NoSQL databases and gain hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services. You will also develop skills in digital communication principles, as well as cloud and network security and compliance.

  • Research and Development Project in Data ScienceCompulsory
    Module details

    This module enables students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex technical, software, programming, research or business problem within the Data Science discipline.

  • Professional Experience in EducationOptional
    Module details

    This module gives students interested in pursuing teaching or training as a career the opportunity to gain experience in the world of teaching in schools, colleges and other educational settings. You will develop skills highly valued by employers such as communication, and interpersonal skills, whilst learning to address individual needs and developing engaging teaching materials. You will be supported via a range of activities to prepare for your placement and have the choice to source your own

  • Cyber Security and ApplicationsOptional30 credits
    Module details

    Cybersecurity sits at the heart of today's interconnected world, where every organisation faces complex and evolving digital threats. This 30-credit module gives you the knowledge, practical skills, and professional insight needed to meet those challenges with confidence. Bringing together a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles with application-focused content, the module blends lectures, hands-on labs, and team-based projects to simulate real-world problem-solving. You will explore the

  • Research and Communication Skills in Data ScienceOptional
    Module details

    Independently investigate an advanced topic in Data Science, applying programming and technical skills to design and implement a solution or demonstration that extends knowledge beyond the taught curriculum, under academic supervision.

  • Medical StatisticsOptional
    Module details

    This module illustrates the application of statistical techniques to health related research. Methods are applied using data from real-life studies, and the importance of statistics for making healthcare decisions is emphasised. No prior knowledge of medicine or biology is required. The module commences with a revision of hypothesis testing and statistical inference procedures. This is followed by four main topics: epidemiology, survival analysis, clinical trials and meta-analysis. Epidemiology

Level 5 1 modules
  • Flexible Work PlacementOptional
    Module details

    In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial. This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement. You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles. This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your

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 develops skills in data analysis, machine learning and visualisation, preparing you for careers in business, technology and research. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals, such as Python and Java, alongside discrete mathematics and computer systems architecture. In Year 2, you'll move into algorithms, databases, software engineering and artificial intelligence. Year 3 focuses on specialist options such as cybersecurity, advanced machine learning, human-computer interaction, systems and networks, or software engineering, culminating in a substantial individual project where you design, build and evaluate your own work. Throughout, you'll learn how to model data, analyse it critically and communicate findings clearly.

Who it's for

This course suits students with strong analytical and technical foundations. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, typically with a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. You'll benefit from this programme if you're interested in applying computational and statistical methods to real-world challenges, whether in industry, research, or emerging technology sectors. The course is taught in English and delivered full-time over three years.

Careers & job market

Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating, with 75% of working graduates in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Starting salaries typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years, according to national Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Educational Outcomes data. Your career prospects will depend on your individual performance, specialisation choices, and the opportunities you pursue during and after your degree.

University & format

This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time over 3 years at Keele University, a University located in the UK. Teaching is delivered in English. The degree is a nationally recognised UK qualification. Keele 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.

The teaching on my course
76%
Learning opportunities
78%
Assessment and feedback
79%
Academic Support
84%
Organisation and management
84%
Learning resources
88%
Student voice
76%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Contextual offersPublished by this provider

The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysOpen Days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Keele University's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent100%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeG420quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code G420). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Keele University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at Keele University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 3 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Keele University funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

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.

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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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£30,000£25,000 – £35,00010
3 years after£26,500£23,500 – £34,50065
5 years after£37,000£29,000 – £49,00065

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

80%
in work or further study 15 months on
75%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
65%
find their work meaningful
65%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£30,000
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£26,500
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£37,000
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £22,000 – £43,500

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.

80 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

55% working25% working and studying5% in further study75% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; 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.

This course £37,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
59th percentile

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.

  • Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 45% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828

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: 45; response rate: 65%. 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.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • Tech companies
  • Banks & fintech
  • Consultancies
  • Government (GDS) & startups

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

80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. 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 8.0 out of 10: NSS 80.7% · in work or study 80% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Keele University

All students13,680
International8.5%
Aged 25+29%

Computing across the UK

Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Keele University

88 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 35Anti Social Behaviour 18Burglary 9Public Order 8Other Theft 5

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 Keele University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by Keele 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 Keele 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 Keele University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by Keele University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 75% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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