Data Science

Data Science is an exciting new discipline where Computing and Mathematics meet, and graduates with Data Science skills are in great demand. It addresses how we can make sense of the terabytes of information that our computers collect every day. It can be used to predict what people will want to buy, or where we need to put more money into the National Health Service to make it more effective, or the best ways of tackling global warming. Demand is growing rapidly for people who can use computers to analyse and make sense of the data that is now available. A degree in Data Science is an ideal start to working in this area.

Data Science at Aberystwyth University is jointly taught by the Computer Science Department and the Department of Mathematics and gives you a strong grounding in the underlying theory of Data Science as well as the practical skills to be able to apply that theory in real-world data analytics. It provides both the underlying mathematical understanding and the practical computing skills needed to be able to design and carry out analysis of large sets of data and to draw implications from the results.

A Data Scientist needs both mathematical and computing skills so you will divide your time between the two subjects. In the first year, you will be introduced to programming, operating systems, and software development, and no prior knowledge is necessary although students will be expected to already have a reasonable A-Level in Mathematics. In the second year, you will begin to specialise in your chosen subject area and elect for more specialised statistics modules. On the Computing side, students participate in the Software Development Lifecycle module which includes a group project where, taking one of the roles which exist in the industry, such as project manager, designer, or quality assurance manager, you will produce a working software product. All this experience is brought together in the final year in a major individual project which should apply all the knowledge of realistic data analysis.

Studying for a degree with us will equip you with a range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Employability skills are a recurring theme during your degree. Our departmental careers adviser works closely with us to ensure you have appropriate CV and interview skills training, careers education, and visits from employers and recent graduates to let you know what opportunities await after graduation.

The final year project demonstrates your ability to work independently (under supervision), and brings together your technical skills with your knowledge of statistics, applying data science to a practical problem. Finally, you'll also need to describe your work in a final written dissertation report that presents your achievements in a professional manner.

Almost all companies are beginning to examine the data that their customers provide, and to use it either to improve services or for marketing purposes. It involves finding and interpreting patterns in Big Data and needs an excellent understanding of statistics and good computing skills. The shortage of skilled Data Scientists means that graduates in this area are expected to be in great demand over the next few years - one study estimates that around 200,000 Data Scientists will be needed. BSc Data Science gives an excellent experience of both the Statistics and the Computer Science needed by Data Scientists.