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Course overview
Unlock the power of data with this 100% online BSc (Hons) Data Science. If you’re seeking a career at the forefront of technology, this course is ideal for you. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn essential skills in programming, machine learning, statistics and data analysis. Whether you’re wanting to upskill or are new to the field, you’ll gain the practical experience required for this sector – while exploring real-world applications within the professional environment.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore a range of topics, including:
- data analytics and visualisation
- statistical analysis
- machine learning techniques
- ethics and governance in data science
- big data and cloud computing
A shorter 16-month CertHE is also available, equal to a total of 120 credits.
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
Our BSc (Hons) Data Science has an indicative study duration of 4 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.
It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.
Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.
All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.
On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus.
Entry requirements
At the University of Essex Online, we believe everyone should be able to access education. That’s why we take both academic and work-based experience into account when deciding if you’re eligible for a course.
All our potential students are assessed individually by a dedicated Admissions team who’ll determine whether you’re right for either the academic, open or work experience entry route onto our courses.
Academic entry route
- three A-levels or equivalent
Work experience entry route
- GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
- at least three years’ experience within the fields of IT, data science, computer science or business
English language requirements
As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency in English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.
You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in selected countries. Submit an enquiry to find out more.
Pathways
- MSc Data Science
Course features
- Explore a range of programming, language processing and data mining techniques.
- Develop your research and analytical skills.
- Gain the support and guidance of experienced tutors.
- Study with a top 25 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2025).
- We were rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces.
We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways:
- our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent
- you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme
- you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform
- there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work
- you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise
Delivery
The course is delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), enabling you to study at your own pace with 24/7 access to study materials. Lectures take place in the form of multimedia lecturecasts comprising video, audio, text, infographics and multiple questions to provide you with an interactive study experience.
Even though you’ll be learning remotely, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with your classmates and tutors through seminars and live Q&A sessions. There are no exams as the assessments are conducted in the form of written assignments, discussion forum participation, reflective journal entries and group work accessed via our VLE.
Subjects
Develop the fundamental skills required to engage in research activities, project management and professional conduct. This module incorporates relevant themes – including how to adopt sustainable development goals, minimise impact and promote social responsibility. You’ll also begin building your entrepreneurial skills and understanding of research methodologies through theoretical discussion, practical exercises and real-world case studies.
How do maths and statistics affect decision-making in sustainable practices? Find out in this informative module. From summary statistics, hypothesis testing and linear algebra, to permutations, probability and parametric and non-parametric tests, you’ll cover a range of mathematical and statistical applications. And by the end, you’ll have a strong understanding of how they’re integral to the role of a computer scientist.
Gain a comprehensive introduction to programming. By writing, testing and debugging through Python, you’ll develop a strong understanding of coding and the impact on software development.
There’s also a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable software, as you explore the role of software in society and beyond.
Ready to discover the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) and their application in software development? From inheritance and polymorphism to encapsulation and abstraction, this module introduces key OOP concepts and techniques, giving you a solid foundation for a future career in computing. There’s also a strong focus on sustainability, as you consider resource-conscious software solutions to reduce energy consumption and waste.
Discover how to work with data in this exciting module. You’ll analyse the key concepts of SQL – such as relations, keys and normalisation – through the design and implementation of relational databases, ensuring you have a solid understanding of database design principles.
About University of Essex Online
University of Essex Online delivers 100% online part-time courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. The qualifications we offer include CertHEs and Bachelors degrees at the undergraduate level, and PG Certs, PG Dips and Masters degrees at the postgraduate level, with study durations ranging from 8 months to 4 years.
As an established provider of 100% online degrees in the UK. All our courses are specifically designed for online delivery, combining silver-standard teaching with the latest technology and enabling you to gain a degree from anywhere in the world.
All our qualifications are awarded and validated by the University of Essex, an award-winning university with a 60-year heritage of teaching and research excellence. On completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to graduate at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. You will receive the same certificate as campus-based students – your mode of study is only mentioned on your academic transcript.
We're proud to be rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings 2024. Our achievement, which is based on four pillars - resources, engagement, outcomes and environment - recognises our commitment to excellent online education.
