Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

This is a Connected Degree

Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

Overview

The World Economic Forum estimated there to be 40 times more data in the world than observable stars in the universe in 2020. Global businesses, social media companies, financial institutions, the healthcare sector and governments all rely on this data, and those who analyse it, to inform business-critical decisions at the highest level.

On this BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence course, you’ll learn to confidently analyse the vast amounts of data available – a highly desired skill in all sectors. You'll learn to use databases, systems and analytical tools, such as the Relational Model and structured query language (SQL), to identify insights and trends to benefit businesses, like targeting new products or increasing sales. You'll find out how the same systems can be used to identify patterns in medical data, to predict disease or recovery, or in the fight against climate change.

You'll develop a deep understanding of big data, machine learning and data mining methods, preparing you for key roles such as data analyst, data scientist, systems developer and systems analyst.

Course highlights

• Apply your analytical skills to practical problems and real-world datasets collected from our extensive research in areas such as cosmology, health information and cyber security

• Develop commercial skills alongside technical data analysis, such as how to present and visualise your findings

• Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as ethical hacking, 3D computer graphics and animation, malware forensics, robotics and cryptography

• Apply your skills through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, where you'll help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects

• Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP.

Careers and opportunities

Data scientist was identified as the 7th top emerging job role in the UK in LinkedIn's emerging jobs report 2020 and The Royal Society revealed a 231% growth in demand for data scientists and engineers between 2014 and 2019. The Government have also reported that UK companies are recruiting for 178,000 to 234,000 roles that require 'hard' data skills, including data ethics, programming, database management, data processing and visualisation.

When you finish this course, you'll be equipped for a career in the data analytics and deep learning industry. With the high demand for data scientists, you can expect a starting salary from £25,000–£30,000, with the opportunity to earn up to £60,000 once you're experienced in the field.

What jobs can you do with a data science and analytics degree?

Previous students have gone on to work as:

• data analysts

• data engineers

• data architects

• information analysts

Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

"Data Warehousing and Mining were my favourite subjects – learning how big data is stored and utilised was deeply interesting and engaging. The staff here are friendly and knowledgeable and my course provided a me with the skills I needed to land my dream job." Azdean Smith, BSc (Hons) Computing Student