(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Data Science and Analytics (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
None
BSC I1GB
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB, including Mathematics
Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics
BTEC: DDD, only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics.
IB: 32 points or three Higher Level certificates with 655. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5. We will accept 5 in either Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Higher Level Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programme Courses (formerly certificates) at both Higher and Standard Level. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for.
We can also consider combinations with BTECs or other qualifications in the Career-related programme – the acceptability of BTECs and other qualifications depends on the subject studied, advice on acceptability can be provided. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 15 level 3 credits at Distinction and 30 level 3 credits at Merit, only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics.
T-levels: Distinction, only in conjunction with A-level Mathematics.
What if I don’t achieve the grades I hoped?
If your final grades are not as high as you had hoped, the good news is you may still be able to secure a place with us on a course which includes a foundation year. Visit our undergraduate application information page for more details.
What if I have a non-traditional academic background?
Don’t worry. To gain a deeper knowledge of your course suitability, we will look at your educational and employment history, together with your personal statement and reference.
You may be considered for entry into Year 1 of your chosen course. Alternatively, some UK and EU applicants may be considered for Essex Pathways, an additional year of study (known as a foundation year/year 0) helping students gain the necessary skills and knowledge in order to succeed on their chosen course. You can find a list of Essex Pathways courses and entry requirements here
If you are a mature student, further information is here
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College here.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Yinghui Wei
Dr Murray Pollock
Director of Statistics / Senior Lecturer
Newcastle University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in high demand in the computing industry and the wider economy
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research
To enable students to acquire an understanding of computer science, mathematics and statistics as well as business analysis
To develop the student’s ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity
To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development
To provide students with an understanding of the industrial context and an appreciation of a range of external factors that affect the work of a data analyst and computing professional
To provide students with experience of the transition to University level
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Principles, techniques and proceses of project management.
A2: The industrial context and the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of data analysts and computing professionals.
A3: Mathematical principles that underpin the analysis and generation of computer models and algorithms.
A4: Programming models, languages and development environments.
A5: Computer systems, including computer architecture, operating systems, embedded computer systems and computer networks.
A6: Information systems, including data modelling, database design, information retrieval and visualisation and access via interactive web pages.
A7: Systems analysis and software development processes.
A8: Principles, techniques and applications in those areas of Data Science and Analytics in which the student has chosen to develop special expertise.
A9: Experience of the transition into higher education.
A101: An experience-based understanding of work roles is developed through the placement year.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A9. Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line.
Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories, assignments and project work.
Specialist knowledge (A8) is further developed during supervision of the final year individual project.
Transition into higher education (A9) is obtained in all level 3 modules.
A101 is is achieved through taking part in the placement year.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked coursework.
An assessment of the understanding of underlying concepts and principles forms part of the overall assessment of the final year individual project report and oral presentation.
A101 is demonstrated by successful completion of the year spent in industry.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a given problem and select the most appropriate methods for its solution.
B2: Evaluate the relative strengths of a range of theories, techniques, tools, languages, etc. used in the design and construction of computer-based systems
B3: Interpret the contents of articles and other sources and form a critical judgement of their relative importance and relevance to an area of study.
B4: Construct informed, succint and reasoned descriptions of, and proposals for, computer-based systems.
B101: A capacity to connect subject specific theory to practice in a work environment.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.
B1 is a key element of most assignments project work.
B2 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software.
B3 is developed through guided reading and tutor led discussion groups.
B1 - B4 are all important aspects of the final year project, and are developed in the course of individual supervision.
B101 is developed through the placement year.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
B5 is assessed via successful completion of the placement year.
C: Practical skills
C1: Make effective use of a range of theories, techniques, programming languages, operating systems, design support tools and development environments.
C2: Specify, design, implement, test and document a computer-based system.
C3: Work as a member of a team, contributing to the planning and execution of a system development task.
C4: Propose, plan, undertake and report a self-directed individual programme of investigation, design and implementation.
C101: Communicate with a range of colleagues and clients in a working environment.
Learning methods
Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software.
Various aspects of C2 are acquired in programming, software engineering and other assignments, and further developed in team and individual project work.
C3 is developed in group assignments and the first and second year team projects.
C4 is developed during the supervision of the final year individual project.
C101 is developed through the Placement year.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.
C101 is assessed via successful completion of the placement year.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively in written reports and oral presentations using appropriate terminology and technical language.
D2: Retrieve information using search engines, browsers and catalogues; use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present technical reports in various formats (documents, oral presentations).
D3: Use mathematical techniques in the processes of analysis and design.
D4: Analyse complex problems and design effective solutions.
D5: Plan and manage team projects using available support tools; work effectively as part of a team.
D6: Organise activity and manage time in a programme of self-directed study.
D101: Capacity to work in a team within a work environment.
Learning methods
Students learn key skills in research, problem solving, communication and team project work in the first year module CE101, and thereafter the development of key skills forms an integral part of their overall learning activity. In particular
D1 and D2 are developed in team and individual project work.
D2 is developed through the use of the internet as a major information source, and practice in the use of tools such as Word and PowerPoint.
D3 and D4 are developed in exercises and assignments.
D5 is developed in group assignments and the first and second year team projects.
D6 is developed in the final year individual project.
D101 is developed through the Placement Year.
Assessment methods
Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management (D5, D6) and the quality of presentations (D1 and D2).
An individual's contribution to team projects (D5) is determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components.
The assessment of the final year individual project report includes specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources (D2).
D101 is assessed via successful completion of the placement year.