BSc (Hons) Data Science with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

A degree in Data Science can help prepare you for a wide range of career options.

Data science can be described, in simple terms, as the study of data. The information and their assessment of big data can reveal interpretations and insights that can be utilised in many contexts, such as:

• businesses can predict and capitalise on consumer behaviour
• banking institutions are becoming savvier when it comes to fraud detection
• investors can use a combination of big data and artificial intelligence to make more informed investment choices
• pharmaceutical companies are using data analysis to accelerate the development of promising drugs.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

On this degree programme, you'll be able to explore the many contexts and uses of data analysis across different industries, from how it's being used in banking to help with fraud detection, to understanding how investors are able to use a combination of big data and artificial intelligence to make more informed investment choices. 

At BNU, we always provide our students with opportunities to work on real-life scenarios, business challenges and work-relevant problems whenever we can which is why your experience as a student with us will be so unique.

We have a fantastic computing department with a dedicated team of academics and professionals delivering industry-relevant courses in a suite of well-equipped computer labs.

You’ll benefit from small class sizes that give you a chance to develop close working relationships with the tutors and other students. You'll also benefit from guest speakers and valuable networking opportunities.

This programme isn't just aimed at recent school and college leavers, we also welcome applications from mature candidates who may have aspirations to return to education, perhaps as a springboard towards a significant career change.

What facilities can I use?

We offer a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning and we've also invested heavily in industry-relevant software packages that will contribute further to you teaching experience.

Our computing facilities are packed with the latest equipment. We regularly upgrade our computer hardware and software, so you have the equipment and facilities to truly excel.

Our library is the perfect place to find the resources you need and a quiet place to study, filled with four floors of books, journals, computer suites and study rooms. Or, if you’d rather work off campus, e-Journals and resources are only a few clicks away using our Virtual Learning Environment.

We'll cover related areas too, such as data warehousing, big data, business intelligence, data visualisation, intelligent systems and statistical methods.

The final stage of the programme provides options for different specialisation pathways. Depending upon what has inspired you during your course, and perhaps motivated by future career ambitions, you can potentially select modules that concentrate on either database development, artificial intelligence or cloud computing and network security. This final project gives you the opportunity to carry out a unique in-depth investigation of a topic you're particularly interested in, and to further develop your skills in research, problem solving and critical analysis.

This programme will:

• provide you with an in-depth understanding of the different dimensions of the field of data science
• equip you with relevant technical skills and experience in the use of different technologies, systems, approaches and methodologies relevant for the secure storage, communication, analysis and presentation of data
• develop your skills and knowledge so you can systematically and critically analyse the different methods and strategies for addressing various data-related problems in order to devise and implement appropriate solutions
• give you an appreciation of professional, moral, legal and ethical issues involved generally in computing and information technology and more specifically in relation to the handling and management of data.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.