(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Data Science and Analytics (Including Foundation Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
None
BSC I1GF
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
UK and EU applicants:
All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you
- think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
- have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
- are returning to university after some time away from education; or
- are looking for more support during the transition into university study.
Standard offer:
Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.
Examples of the above tariff may include:
- A-levels: DDD
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
- T-levels: Pass with E in core
For this course all applicants must also hold GCSE Maths and Science at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). We may be able to consider a pass in OFQUAL regulated Level 2 Functional Skills Maths where you cannot meet the requirements for Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE Mathematics if possible as this will better prepare you for university study and future employment.
If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.
Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:
We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.
You will still need to meet our GCSE requirements.
International applicants:
Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
English language shelf-life
Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Pre-sessional English courses
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.
Pending English language qualifications
You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.
If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
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.
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.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.
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.
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.
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).