Data Science

On this degree you'll develop ethical data-driven solutions which have a positive impact on organisations and society. Taught by active researchers and developed with industry experts, you'll learn the technical and analytical competencies necessary to become a responsible data scientist.

Taught by active researchers and developed with industry experts, prepare for a career where you can use data-driven solutions to make a positive impact on society.

Most data science courses are based in computer science or engineering departments - our degree is based in social sciences. That’s because we think it’s important to teach you not just the key technical skills like programming and statistics, but also how to use data-driven solutions responsibly and to the benefit of society.

The programme blends technical knowledge and practical experience with a deep understanding of the wider context in which data science is conducted in the real world. This includes key elements of Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, Ethics, Safety/Security (FATES), as well as sustainability and legal considerations.

Our course is designed to be suitable for students from a wide range of backgrounds and does not require prior specialist knowledge in mathematics, statistics or computer science. Instead, you’ll develop the technical, analytical and critical thinking skills you need through hands-on, applied learning. We teach practical data science using real-world examples, avoiding the heavy emphasis on theory and maths that may be typical of other data science programmes.

Data science underpins all kinds of decision making, so you could be studying data from a sports team to improve performance, using real-world data as part of the solution to climate change, or using machine learning to predict and detect cancers or future downtime of factory machines.

With opportunities to study abroad, work-based placements and developing your personal portfolio, you’ll be in a strong position for the future. The Faculty of Social Sciences also holds a variety of events to develop your skills, such as our Hackathon.

Why study this course?

• Number 1 in the world for library and information management - QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

• Sustainability, equality, diversity and ethical practice - With a strong focus on sociological theory, you will explore the underpinning concepts of responsible data science and the ethical application of technical approaches. By studying with us, you'll develop solid foundations in ethics, sustainability, critical thinking, and how to influence outcomes of data to positively impact society.

• Created with your future in mind - Our programme was developed from the ground-up, taking into consideration research, industry needs and gaps in the market. Therefore, our content is completely up-to-date and cohesive.

• Uniquely employable - Designed alongside industry experts and taught by active researchers, this course gives you the skills to manage the complexities of data in organisations and to integrate the work of data scientists with those in more managerial or policy-making roles.