BSc (Hons) Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-01-01 | - |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BSc (Hons) Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology
Overview
The UK economy is suffering a staggering annual loss of £57.2 billion as a result of a widespread data skills gap among workers in knowledge-intensive sectors (HR Review, 2024). As a result, there is a strong need in the market for those with qualifications and skills in areas such as data science and big data technology.
This BSc (Hons) Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology programme will prepare you for a range of careers in Big Data and Data Science including technical, management, and leadership opportunities in this discipline.
Key Facts
- Learn to develop and test various data science applications for business intelligence
- Learn to programme with SQL, MySQL, Python, R language or similar and deploy distributed machine learning models using Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure or AWS
- Satisfy the educational requirements of the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for professional membership
- Top up your existing qualification to a UK honours degree with direct entry onto Level 5 or 6
What Will I Study?
This programme is designed for those, who wish to study a broad-based computing programme with a specialism in data science and big data technology. It is also attractive to learners who have related Data Science or IT work experience and wish to gain an academic qualification in a subject area in which they are familiar. This programme is specifically designed to enable you to develop in depth technical knowledge that will allow you to discover new data driven solutions.
You will also train and deploy distributed machine learning models using cloud-based platform such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure or AWS or similar and machine learning technology. You will additionally be exposed to the in-depth concepts, principles, technologies, and techniques of big data analytics. You will subsequently be able to apply this knowledge and skill in your own context, and subsequently critically analyse the implementation and recommend potential future improvements.
How Will I Be Taught and Assessed?
- Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops, lab sessions, seminars, tutorials, case studies, guest/expert input, and task-based learning in guided and independent study, totalling between 4-14 hours per week (plus project work on Levels 5 and 6)
- You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 30 hours per week
- Assessments take place through mix of coursework and exams, including quizzes, tests, mock exams, practical lab exercises, presentations, Q&A and discussions, formal exams, critical report writing and in-class tests.
- Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations
- Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
- Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
- You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet regularly during your studies
Careers and Further Study
After graduating from this programme, you will be equipped to work in a variety of careers in the IT industry, or to progress to academic or research-orientated careers.
The programme will develop your skills and competencies for careers in a range of job roles, such as:
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Data Architect
- Information Security Professional
- Business Analyst
- Business Intelligence Developer, to name but a few
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
Depending on your previous qualifications, you can join the programme directly onto Year One, Two or Three.
- Year One (Level 4): 112 UCAS Tariff points
- Year Two (Level 5): HNC or equivalent Level 4 qualification in an computing or IT subject area
- Year Three (Level 6): HND or Foundation Degree in a computing or IT related field. Applicants holding a relevant computing or IT qualification in addition to one of the following: DipHE, any Level 5 award such as Certificate, Diploma or NVQ, will also be considered.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS minimum score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent)
Modules
Year One
- Algorithms and Programming Fundamentals
- Foundations of Computing Technology
- Database Design and Implementation
- Data Communications & Networks
- Web Design and Development
- Software Engineering Principles
- Academic Language Skills for Computing and Technology
- Cloud Computing Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Systems and Processes in Business Context
- Academic Language Skills (0 credits)
- Developing Digital and Professional Competence
- Contemporary Issues in Computing and Digital Technologies
Year Two
- London Campus UG Internship (optional)
- London Campus UG Group Consultancy Project (optional)
- London Campus UG Professional Practice (optional)
- Technology Strategy and Leadership for Sustainability
- Academic Language Skills for Northumbria London Campus
- UG Project (40 credits)
- Data Science and Data Analytics
- Big Data Analytics
- Machine Learning on Cloud
Fees and Finance
Tuition Fee 2025/26
- UK/Home students: £9,535 per annum
- International students: £20,950 per annum
This course is eligible for student finance through Student Finance England (for eligible home students). For more information, please visit our dates & fees page.
Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £250 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this undergraduate programme.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
Payment Plans for Self-Funded Students
If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.
How to Apply
Once you’re ready to apply, if you are a UK or a Home student, you will need to apply via UCAS. If you are an international student, you can apply to us directly following the below instructions.
UCAS Applications – UK/Home Students
To apply through UCAS, you will need to use the following codes:
- Institute code: N77
- Course code: G517
- Campus code: L
Find out more about applying through UCAS here
Direct Applications – International Students
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study in the UK. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol on your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
You can apply online to study the BSc (Hons) Computing with Data Science and Big Data Technology. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
Please note: For 2025 applications, you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
Apply for 2025
Supporting Documents
For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:
- Fully completed application form
- Personal email address must be included on the application form
- Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not English)
- Passport – copy of personal details page
- Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
- Reference
- Confirmation of immigration history including copies of previous and current visas if applicable
You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.
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