BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI Bachelor's degree at the Arts, London
BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI at Arts London is accredited as a nationally recognised UK degree and holds Bronze status for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the Arts, London, based in Creative Computing Institute. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 55% 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)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 10,140. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 55% (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.
Year 1 6 modules
- Methods 1: Introducing Computer and Data Science
Module details
This unit will introduce you to the discipline of computer science and the sub-discipline of data science and their effects on the wider world that we all live in. Each is a mixture of art, science, and engineering that continues to shape us, from individuals to large organisations like governments. To better understand their influence, you will become literate in computer programming languages such as JavaScript and Python and become familiar with basic mathematics that are useful for applicati
- Critical 1: Mathematics and Statistics for Data ScienceCore
Module details
This unit will introduce you to the fundamentals of mathematics and statistics. You will explore key theories and approaches that support contemporary statistical reasoning, and the general mathematical principles upon which they depend.
- Critical Project 1: Data, Representation and VisualisationCore
Module details
In this unit, you will explore how information is represented as data, and how different types of data can be organised, stored, analysed, and interrogated. You will also learn how to use different programming languages and data representations to create, navigate and analyse complex data structures.
- Methods 2: Data Applications in Wearable and IoT
Module details
This unit will provide hands-on learning from scratch as how to explore physical computing and Internet of Things technology to develop products for various sectors including fashion and robotics. The unit is curated in such a way that students would be encouraged to explore various interdisciplinary collaborations to leverage different skills that may be required to accomplish the project goal of their choice. Moreover, the data collected through this project should be analysed and the outcomes
- Critical Project 2: Database Systems for Data Science: Hybrid and Cloud IntegrationCore
Module details
This unit will introduce fundamentals of data, managing database systems, handle relational and NoSQL databases, entity modelling and ER diagrams and discuss case studies under data science applications of databases. This unit will also introduce to few cloud-based data storage and management which will be later utilised towards your project developments in later years.
- Critical 2: Data Governance, Privacy Compliance and Computational EthicsCore
Module details
In this unit, you will be taught what it means to represent people as data points and explore the effects of data abstraction at a macro scale on individuals and marginalised groups. You will also explicitly look at the use of data in public policy making. Also this unit will intend to cover the aspects of the data regulation conditions in the acquisition, processing, and storage of data in computer systems. Furthermore, investigate legal definitions encompassing Personal Data, Intellectual Prop
Year 2 6 modules
- Methods 3: Algorithms and Complexity
Module details
You will be introduced to a range of standard algorithms used in computing for topics such as searching, sorting, data structures, and analysis. You will implement them and analyse their efficiency, performance, and complexity using formal and informal types of notation that will be introduced in the unit. You will also think critically about how the abstract, automated decision-making of algorithms might have unintended or negative effects on real-world data, especially how they might have harm
- Critical 3: Organisations and Computing EntrepreneurshipCore20 credits
Module details
This unit allows you space to develop your understanding of what type of organisations exist that you may want to work for, with, or to start on your own. You will explore a range of different organisations in different industries, such as companies, start-ups, non-profits, government divisions, NGOs and small collectives through case studies and guest lectures. These will help you understand why different organisations have different structures and business models and may lead you to third-year
- Critical Project 3: Software Development with Database IntegrationCore
Module details
In this unit, you will explore the dynamic intersection of data science and software engineering. Commencing with principles of project initiation, define objectives and align software engineering practices with the distinctive requirements of data-driven projects. Uncover data engineering foundations to grasp effective strategies for data collection, pre-processing and including the integration of a database into your project.
- Methods 4: Deep Learning and Big Data Integration: Technologies and Tools
Module details
In this unit you will explore the convergence of deep learning and big data in this unit, examining processing intricacies through tools like MapReduce. You will gain insights into distributed storage, retrieval principles, and construct efficient data pipelines. Throughout, you will cover topics such as Hadoop, Spark, data warehousing, and diverse storage technologies, mastering the integration of deep learning for advanced big data analytics.
- Critical 4: Machine Learning for Data Science and Ethical ComputingCore
Module details
In this unit, you will learn the fundamental principles of Machine Learning crucial for Data Science and AI. You will be able to achieve expertise in the advanced data wrangling skills in the realms of data cleaning and pre-processing, building upon the knowledge acquired in earlier modules. This unit will also help you to explore the application of various Machine Learning algorithms within the domain of data science, while also gaining insights into the pivotal role of ethical considerations w
- Critical Project 4: Data Science Project: Software Development with Big Data and CloudCore
Module details
In this unit, you will deliver a substantial software project based on knowledge and competencies that you have developed so far on the course. You will develop projects that will address specific problems and challenges across a range of case studies or use cases that represent arts or science or their intersection.
Year 3 5 modules
- Methods 5: Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Analytics
Module details
Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence is at the core of modern industries. The ML competencies that you have developed so far will come handy in this unit. You will examine more complex intelligent systems design, cloud-based deployments including neural networks, reinforcement learning and other critical techniques such as Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision and apply them to different contexts such as audio, video and image generation and data analysis.
- Critical 5: Data and CybersecurityCore
Module details
This unit will build on your understanding of contemporary data security methods. You will be taught to use techniques including static program analysis and threat analysis. You will also use tools to analyse security risks in online applications.
- Critical Project 5: Applied Analytics: Data-driven Product DevelopmentCore
Module details
This unit will focus on leveraging data analytics to inform and optimise every stage of product development. You will learn to leverage data to inform UI design, optimize testing processes, and refine product architecture. Key areas include advanced project management, cost estimation, and predictive analytics to develop scalable, innovative, and business-aligned solutions. The unit also emphasizes practical applications and collaboration, preparing you for interdisciplinary, analytics-driven ro
- Critical 6: Responsible Data Science: Equity, Consent, Innovation and EthicsCore
Module details
In this unit, you will consider and reflect on critical approaches to technology development, particularly as they pertain to data science and AI, building on the design ethics work delivered throughout the course so far. You will be encouraged to apply these techniques to your Final Year Project, exploring how you have applied your knowledge of computing ethics in your work.
- Critical Project 6: Final projectCore40 credits
Module details
This will be your final thesis project, where you will demonstrate your skills and understanding of a range of methods and approaches including statistical methods, data visualisation, machine learning and AI, NLP, CV, data security, project management and other essential topics in the discipline.
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
You'll usually start with programming fundamentals in Python and Java, computer systems architecture, and discrete mathematics. In Year 2, a course like this normally moves into algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, then artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year 3 introduces specialist options, such as cybersecurity, distributed systems, natural language processing or advanced machine learning, alongside security and networks, and culminates in an individual software project you'll design, build and evaluate yourself. The course emphasises both theoretical foundations and practical, hands-on application throughout.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-levels or equivalent qualifications; most accepted students held these credentials. Typical entrants achieved a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. You should be interested in computing fundamentals, data analysis, and emerging technologies. The course is taught in English and runs 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. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. These figures reflect national trends from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention stands at 85% across the institution.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI is delivered full-time over 3 years by the University of the Arts, London, a UK degree-awarding body, based at the Creative Computing Institute. Teaching is in English. The degree is recognised nationally and holds a Bronze award 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.
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 | 85% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a Baccalaureate | 5% |
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 (code I2I4). 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 Arts London →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 | £25,000 – £37,000 | 10140 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £20,000 – £35,000 | 20 |
| 5 years after | £29,500 | £24,500 – £34,500 | 25 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 10,140. Cohort 2021-22.
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. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 10,140. Cohort 2021-22. 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.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Web and Multimedia Design ProfessionalsSOC 2020 214 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £32,574
- Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
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: 65; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI worth it?
It depends. BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI adds about +£25,630 over the first ten years vs. going straight to a job, but on these earnings the payoff is slower than average.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 20.9. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
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
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
55% 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 6.5 out of 10: NSS 84.1% · in work or study 55% · continued 55%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of the Arts, London
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 Creative Computing Institute
4,311 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 Arts London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £30,890 / 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 Arts London’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 Arts London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Arts London
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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