TEF Gold Undergraduate course Planned new course

BSc (Hons)

Data Science

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 - skills that unlock exciting careers.

Our typical offer

112 UCAS points

Hands-on learning

Hands-on, industry-linked learning from day one – with practical modules, expert support, and a final showcase project aligned to global topics like AI and renewables.

Strong industry connections

Employers shape the curriculum, attend showcases, offer placements and guide career prep. Past placements include Apple, Red Bull Racing and Schneider Electric.

Cutting-edge facilities

Access specialist computer laboratories tailored for data science, software engineering and AI experimentation and high-performing computing resources.
BSc (Hons) Data Science
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About

This data science degree will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in a wide range of industries, from healthcare and finance to environmental science and public services. Through a blend of mathematical and computational foundations and hands-on experience, the course covers key areas such as data management and visualisation, and programming. Explore advanced topics including artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical modelling and big data analytics – preparing you for the challenges and opportunities of a data-driven world.
Teaching takes place in our contemporary Babbage Building , with access to modern computer labs and study spaces. Benefit from being part of a close-knit, collaborative community with supportive lecturers offering personalised guidance throughout the course.
IT professionals working on laptop and computer. Getty 220814958.

This course is for you if...

 
 
you're interested in using data to solve real-world problems
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you like to learn through experience, using cutting-edge tools in programming and big data
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you have an analytical, problem-solving mindset
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you are keen to boost your career prospects
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Details

Year 1

Your first year gives you the mathematical and computational building blocks of data science. We’ll teach you calculus, linear algebra, and numerical techniques relevant to data science, while a module in fundamental data science introduces you to tools used to make sense of data. You’ll learn programming, software engineering, and computational algorithms. By the end of the year, you’ll have not only a strong foundation but also the confidence to start applying your skills to real data science problems.
Group of three students sat around a table – PALs session taking place in Babbage Building

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll begin to see how mathematics, statistics, and computing come together in practice. You’ll study data modelling, information management, and operational research, while also learning professional software development practices. We'll support you in a module that allows you to explore how data science is evolving and to think about where your own interests might take you. By the end of the year, you’ll be equipped with a broad toolkit that also allows specialisation.
Students using new facilities in the Babbage Building.

Optional placement year

You can choose to take a paid placement year. This is your opportunity to apply your knowledge in the data science industry – whether that’s analysing health data, supporting government decision-making, or working with big data. Placement students return with new skills, increased confidence, and even graduate job offers.
Students at computers

Final year

Your final year completes the skill set that you need to become a highly sought after data scientist. You’ll study topics such as machine learning, big data analytics, parallel computing, health data science, optimisation, and financial modelling.  You’ll work on a project supervised by an expert, that shows how these methods can be applied to industrial and societal challenges. This gives you the chance to dive deeper into a topic of your choice, contributing to a broad portfolio of work that demonstrates your expertise, potential and ambition.
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Experience

 
 

Discover data science at Plymouth

Babbage building on a sunny day with blue skies, two people entering the building.
Exceptional facilities
Enjoy state-of-the-art lecture theatres, computer laboratories, study and social spaces – in our innovative teaching and research centre, Babbage Building.
Charlie Eggs and students using new facilities in the Babbage Building.
A supportive team
Benefit from being part of a close-knit, collaborative and supportive community, with direct support from friendly lecturers, ensuring a personalised learning experience.
Computer SCience students using the high spec computing facilities
Practical learning
Through innovative teaching, you will acquire applied, up-to-date, industry-relevant skills in data science, so that you are equipped with practical expertise that is highly valued by employers.
 
 
  • From BMW to Babcock, EDF Energy to the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our placement opportunities will help you get a professional confidence and make better career decisions.
  • You could earn £15,000 a year or more, and possibly gain sponsorship through your final year(s) at university.
  • Build a network of contacts and connections and gain experience that will help you find a job when you graduate. 
A worker speaking with an apprentice/intern/student in front of computers. Getty 2232276548.

The value a placement year adds to your CV can be the difference to securing a good job and a very good job straight out of university. It really helps you to stand out amongst the thousands of other graduates.

Nathan – BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics graduate

 
 

Thriving industry connections

We have a long history of working with industry experts to provide you with the connections and opportunities you’ll need to begin your career. 
Our relationship with a range of industries, and our local Industry Advisory Group ensure our courses are relevant to industry needs.
PEMC Working with Industry
 
 
 
 
 
 

Research-informed teaching

Learn from professionals with industry and research expertise.
Our collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers is focused upon the creation of knowledge and innovative solutions that have a positive impact upon society. 
Our technical staff are also integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
Dr Jason Hughes Lecturer in Mathematics


Lecturer in Mathematics

Professor Alex Belton Head of School and substantive Professor of Mathematics


Head of School and substantive Professor of Mathematics

Dr Nathan Broomhead Lecturer in Pure Mathematics


Lecturer in Pure Mathematics

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
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Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
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Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

 
 

I found that the skills I had already gained at the University prepared me well for my placement experience and also for future jobs. Following my placement, I have been lucky enough to be offered a graduate role on the team that I worked with.

Katie
BSc (Hons) Mathematics graduate
After her industrial internship with Babcock, Katie was offered a full-time graduate position following the completion of her degree. 

Katie Hardman, BSc (Hons) Mathematics student at the University
 
 

Open the door to a successful future

Your degree opens doors to exciting careers across a wide range of industries – including healthcare, finance, technology, government, environmental science and education. With a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, the course includes opportunities for student placements that provide valuable industry experience and enhance employability.
Graduates of our School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics go on to pursue diverse roles or further study, equipped with expertise in programming, analytics, machine learning and big data. Recent employers of Plymouth graduates include KPMG, GCHQ, Lloyds Banking Group, the Met Office, Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit, and Siemens - highlighting the demand for data-driven professionals across sectors.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Full-time study
N/A per year
Part-time study
N/A per credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
N/A per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
N/A per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
112 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
English at grade C/4 and Maths at grade B/5.

A levels
112 points to preferably include an A Level in a technical subject such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Technology or Physics.

BTEC
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC.
This information enables us to process your application quickly and avoid delays in the progress of your application to study with us.  Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access course
Pass Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject (Computing, IT, Science, Engineering) with at least 33 Level 3 credits at Merit/Distinction.

International Baccalaureate
26-30 overall.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
G403
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    112 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    G403
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.