BSc (Hons) Data Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BSc (Hons) Data Science at University of Plymouth has been developed within a university that holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
About this course
This Data Science degree equips you to turn complex data into insight and informed decisions. Build strong foundations in maths and computing and gain expertise in AI, machine learning, statistics and big data. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Data Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Mathematical sciences graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% 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.
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: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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.
Year 1 7 modules
- Software Engineering 1Core20 credits
Module details
In this hands-on module, you'll explore how computers make decisions, repeat actions, and store data while building your own programs step by step to solve real-world problems using programming languages. Along the way, you'll use professional tools and techniques to write clean code, test, and debug.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Algorithms, Data Structures and MathematicsCore20 credits
Module details
Discover the logic that powers computing. This module dives into essential data structures and algorithms, showing how they solve real problems efficiently. From recursion to graph traversal, you'll combine theory and coding to develop analytical skills that form the core of computational thinking.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- CalculusCore20 credits
Module details
Calculus is to degree level maths what algebra is to A level - being confident and competent is key! In this module you will consolidate your existing knowledge of calculus with a strong emphasis on the 'why', not just the 'how'. You will quickly move on to higher dimensions as you meet partial differentiation and multiple integrals. This module is the launchpad for most of the maths you will meet during your degree.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Linear AlgebraCore20 credits
Module details
Vectors and matrices are the building blocks of computation, and key tools in statistics, physics and data science. This module develops practical skills in handling vectors and matrices, explores the mathematical structure of vector spaces, and explores their deep connections with geometry.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Numerical MethodsCore20 credits
Module details
Computers are needed to solve mathematical problems. You'll be introduced to computational mathematics and algorithms. We'll help you to learn Python programming, a skill extensively used in industry. You'll learn a range of numerical methods needed to solve problems in industry, science and finance.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Fundamentals of Data ScienceCore
Module details
Understanding uncertainty and randomness is fundamental for data science and many areas of mathematics. This module provides you with a solid framework for successfully understanding data science and statistical modelling concepts. We'll teach you state-of-the art tools for visualising and making decisions from multiple data sources. You'll also meet widely applicable mathematical results which underpin much of science.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Stage 1 Data Science Placement PreparationCore
Module details
Undertaking a sandwich-year placement (also known as an industrial or work placement) offers many benefits, including valuable hands-on work-experience and enhanced employability. This module is for first-year students who may undertake a placement in their third year. It is designed to support students in exploring placement opportunities and developing the skills and knowledge required to successfully secure one.
Year 2 7 modules
- Stage 2 Data Science Placement PreparationCore
Module details
A year-long work placement is a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop skills that will enhance future career prospects. This module prepares students to begin their placement search by providing practical guidance on where to look, how to apply, and how to present themselves effectively to potential employers; featuring insights from students who have recently returned from their own placements.
- Information Management & RetrievalCore20 credits
Module details
In a world where data is everywhere, learn to find what matters. This module explores how to structure, store, and retrieve meaningful information using modern databases. You'll design queries, optimise search performance, and understand the backbone of intelligent data systems.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Artificial IntelligenceCore20 credits
Module details
Unlock the foundations of machine intelligence. This module introduces core AI concepts including decision trees, neural networks, and heuristic search. You'll explore how machines learn, adapt, and solve problems, building intelligent systems that mimic human thinking.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Software Development Tools and PracticesCore20 credits
Module details
Master the everyday tools of professional software development. This module covers version control, issue tracking, build automation, and documentation workflows. You'll gain the practical habits that enable teams to work efficiently, collaboratively, and with confidence.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Operational ResearchCore20 credits
Module details
Operational Research uses mathematics to solve problems in the management of complex systems. Applications include designing efficient queues and organising the running of patient services in hospitals. You will work on open-ended case studies in Operational Research using simulation methods. These tasks will improve your teamwork, presentation skills and programming, so enhancing your employability.
Assessment: 75% Coursework 25% Practicals
- Data ModellingCore20 credits
Module details
Science, medicine, industry, AI and social media all rely on data. We'll teach you state-of-the art tools for working with multiple data sources. You'll work with a rich range of mathematical models for data generation processes. We'll see how to gain knowledge about these models from observations. These including computational methods with broad applications including simulating physical and chemical systems.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Contemporary Topics in Data ScienceCore
Module details
You will meet a range of contemporary topics and developments in data science. These may include predicting financial time series, decision making for healthcare, or enhancing sustainable development. You will gain valuable insights into data science issues that will put you at the cutting edge of current practice, making you highly employable.
Year 3 (optional placement year) 1 modules
- Data Science PlacementCore
Module details
A year-long work-placement, undertaken with an approved placement provider and in a role relevant to the students programme. Students will leave with practical and relevant work experience, where they put theory into practice. This module is attached to the Placement and provides students with a single digital space to refer to for key reminders, FAQs, contact details, top tips and their Placement-year handbook.
Final Year 7 modules
- Modelling and Numerical SimulationCore20 credits
Module details
Simulations and modelling drive research and innovation across industry. In this module you'll explore mathematical models and algorithms, write code to implement them, and assess their performance both theoretically and in practice. You'll also run your code on our state-of-the-art high-performance computer, gaining forward-looking skills valued by employers.
Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Practicals
- Data Science ProjectCore
- Health Data ScienceCore
Module details
In this module we'll teach you how to apply probability techniques in health data contexts. You'll gain experience of the use of data science in medical decision making. We'll explain how to compute sample sizes and perform survival analysis. You'll model the outcomes of clinical trials and observational studies using the latest computational and statistical techniques.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Financial ModellingOptional20 credits
Module details
The module covers financial modelling for bonds and rates, equities, currencies and options. While analysing and modelling each category of securities with specific and pertinent approaches, it stresses the underlying principles governing all valuation processes. The module also equips the students with the skills to use software, such as Excel, for implementing models and perform analysis.
Assessment: 60% Examinations 40% Coursework
- Machine LearningOptional20 credits
Module details
Dive into the world of machine learning, where data becomes insight and algorithms learn from experience. You'll explore supervised and unsupervised models, build neural networks, evaluate results, and apply industry-standard tools - gaining hands-on experience in one of the most transformative fields in computing today.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Big Data AnalyticsOptional20 credits
Module details
Work with data that doesn't fit in a spreadsheet. In this module, you'll use big data frameworks to process, analyse, and visualise vast datasets. You'll learn a range of big data analytical techniques and technologies, explore distributed storage, and develop scalable analytics solutions - building practical skills for industries where data drives discovery, decision-making, and innovation.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Optimisation, Networks and GraphsOptional20 credits
Module details
Do you want to make businesses efficient by optimising their supply chains? Do you want to be part of AI decision making? We'll teach you the optimisation and graph theory that will make this possible. You'll study the implementation of cutting-edge algorithms to tackle real-world challenges. We'll also explain the mathematics of networks that are used to model complicated systems such as social media interactions.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
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 Data Science degree equips you to turn complex data into insight and informed decisions. You'll build strong foundations in mathematics and computing, then move into specialist areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics and big data. A course like this normally progresses from core modules in programming, computer systems and discrete mathematics, through data structures, algorithms, databases and software engineering in Year 2. Year 3 typically offers specialist options, including cybersecurity, AI and advanced machine learning, alongside security and networks, culminating in an individual project where you'll design and evaluate a substantial piece of work under supervision.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Recent accepted students typically had a UCAS tariff between 112 and 127 points. You'll need to meet the university's entry requirements; check their admissions pages for specifics relevant to your background.
Careers & job market
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National earnings data shows Computer Science graduates earn £25,000–£35,000 at the 15-month point, £23,375–£33,000 after three years, and £29,750–£42,000 after five years. These figures reflect the broader graduate population, not a guarantee for individual outcomes.
University & format
University of Plymouth is a University in Plymouth offering this 3-year full-time BSc (Hons) Data Science degree taught in English. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body with degrees nationally recognised. It holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 17% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
| a Baccalaureate | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Plymouth →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 | £30,000 | £26,000 – £30,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £19,500 – £31,500 | 65 |
| 5 years after | £33,000 | £25,000 – £40,000 | 65 |
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
- 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: 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.
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.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
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: 55%. 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.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedIs 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
75% 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 8.5 out of 10: NSS 89.9% · in work or study 75% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
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 University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 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 University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £15,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Plymouth’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 University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
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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