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2024 - 2025
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Course summary

Our BSc Data Science and Computing offers you the skills and knowledge to develop your career in data science as a data scientist or as a data-driven software developer. You will gain a broad knowledge of computing and mathematics and acquire strong programming and data analysis skills using Python, R and Java - the most popular programming languages used by data scientists today. Data is everywhere and continuing to grow rapidly. This has created a huge demand for qualified experts who can uncover valuable insights from data. Data science combines:

  • data analytics
  • applied statistics
  • computer science
  • software engineering.
Experience in these areas is highly sought-after by employers across all sectors of the economy including in business, finance, manufacturing and the public sector. Our BSc Data Science and Computing degree offers a balance between gaining a deep understanding of the fundamentals, to provide you with a strong basis for long-lasting professional success, and learning current skills which are important in the marketplace. You will also consider social, professional and organisational issues that play a key role in understanding how data science and computing contribute to and shape the future of businesses and organisations. Teaching on this degree is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other daytime commitments. Our world-class research activity also informs our teaching and our interactions with business, public and third-sector organisations. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. Highlights
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students.
  • Our world-class research in data science, data analytics and software engineering at the Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics (BIDA) informs our teaching and our interactions with business, public and third-sector organisations.
  • We have four modern computing laboratories, with a total of 133 workstations. The labs have projection facilities and are air-conditioned. Our wide range of software runs on a number of platforms including Unix, Windows and Linux. The local area network is a switched gigabit/10gigabit ethernet. Our computers are connected to the SuperJANET academic network.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths as data scientists or data analysts, with the benefit of being competent software engineers as well, a combination of skills sought by employers. Job opportunities exist in software engineering, data analysis, machine learning, finance and many vertical market sectors, for example:
  • machine learning engineers for artificial intelligence software
  • analytics associates/data scientists
  • quantitative analysts
  • graduate software developers.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

A combination of coursework, in-class tests, examinations and a final-year project.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. FOUNDATION YEAR DEGREES Our ‘with Foundation Year’ route is full-time only and provides you with an additional year of supported study. This is an ideal route if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree.

Additional entry requirements

Admission tests

Institutions Own Test (IOT)

If you have no previous formal qualifications you will need to complete an admission test including English comprehension and mathematical knowledge.

Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students
No data
Student satisfaction
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

To be confirmed
Data Science and Computing at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS