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Data Science BSc(Hons)

Give yourself the edge with a blend of data science skills and entrepreneurial know-how.

Key details
Location
Penryn Campus
Course duration
3 years / 4 years
Attendance
Full-time / Sandwich
UCAS code
I1DA / I1DC/ FY37
Subject to validation during this academic year
Yes

Course overview

This course is new for entry year 2023

You’ll become a confident and daring data scientist, able to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning and contemporary statistics to deliver insight through the collection and analysis of data.

Set apart from traditional approaches, this data science course combines technical foundations in information technology and statistics with Falmouth’s visual arts expertise to champion the visualisation of data and the communication of insights.

Choose between a three-year degree or a four-year degree with either Integrated Foundation Year or a year of professional practice.

You will:

  • Join a community of technologists from games, immersive computing, robotics, artificial intelligence and user experience
  • Learn from academic and industry experts with extensive knowledge of machine learning technologies across a range of contexts
  • Master the computing and mathematical foundations necessary to leverage cutting edge technologies to synthesise insights from data, using Agile methodologies
  • Utilise research to push the boundaries of data visualisation, enriching the way people engage with data
  • Work with businesses through challenge-led briefs, with the chance to realise and launch your own products and services
  • Engage in multidisciplinary practice with students across the University, with the flexibility to choose a specialist focus

Course details

On this Data Science degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BSc(Hons) degree over three years or the option to study Data Science BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and/or Sandwich Year study options. 

On this data science course, you'll harness user-centred approaches that incorporate analysis, design, implementation and evaluation to create digital products and services that meet real market needs.

You'll gain an advanced knowledge of data science, an understanding of the principles and theories associated with statistics and a firm foundation in the computing pipelines used to collect, analyse, and visualise data.

You'll also learn development principles that span the sector, including techniques and processes such as Agile with Scrum, version control, data warehousing, and cloud technologies.

Your first year will be shared with all courses in the computing subject area. Working within the bustling Games Academy, you'll develop a foundational knowledge of the discipline and get a practical introduction to programming and computer technology, as well as the pipelines and processes used to create engaging digital products and services.

You'll also develop an individual project, gaining hands-on experience of the various branches of data science by harvesting and analysing data in either a sustainability or citizen science context.

Modules could include:

Development Principles

Creative Computing

Principles of Computing

Individual Creative Computing Project

Multidisciplinary Development Practice

The second year involves much deeper specialism in data science, studying areas such as complex problem solving, web technologies, systems analysis, machine learning, computational mathematics and advanced statistics. Putting this knowledge into practice, you'll also work with peers from Cornwall Business School on challenge-led briefs set by real companies.

Modules could include:

Complex Problem Solving

Computational Mathematics

Web Technologies

Collaboration

Statistics & Machine Learning

Why study a Sandwich Year route? 

You can choose to take an optional Sandwich Year, which means you'll spend a year between your second and third year on placement in industry, developing your business or freelance portfolio* or studying abroad. Choosing this route will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying. 

How you’ll study in your Sandwich Year 

Supported by an employer if you're working in industry, or the University if you've opted for the self-employment route*, you'll develop your industry skills and understanding of the workplace.

If you study abroad, you'll gain new perspectives on your subject, gain in confidence and independence.

Throughout this year, you'll develop a portfolio of work that includes a critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You'll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you've learned and your professional growth.

*Self-employment options are only available for UK students, due to Visa requirements

In your final year, you'll explore more advanced topics in data science and focus on preparing for your future as a data scientist. Alongside an individual research project into novel and emerging approaches to data science, you'll apply your knowledge to a major collaboration project. You'll also specialise in data aesthetics, drawing upon Falmouth's visual communication expertise and cutting-edge research on visualisation methods.

Modules could include:

Data Aesthetics

Future Skills

Major Collaboration

Research & Development: Practice

Research & Development: Dissertation

Why study an Integrated Foundation Year route? 

If you’re taking on a new subject that you haven’t studied in depth before, have been out of education for a while or have a non-standard educational background then an Integrated Foundation Year degree may be the right choice for you. It is a four-year degree with an Integrated Foundation Year to start, which allows you to explore the primary elements of your subject before progressing on to the remaining three years of the BSc(Hons) degree. 

What you'll study in your Foundation year

If you choose this pathway, you'll study five core modules in your Foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs. 

Modules

Explore

You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.

Technique

You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.

Apply

You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.

Industry

You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.

Launch

You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.

After the Foundation year, you progress into Year One of the full three-year degree, equipped with a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject. 

The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 and subject to validation.

The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

How you'll learn

You'll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials and guest speakers, as well as practical demonstrations, workshops and studio practice. Mirroring industry practice, we put a focus on working in multi-skilled teams and schedule regular crit sessions to support peer-to-peer learning. We also aim to provide further learning opportunities through Falmouth's careers and employability service RealWORKS.

At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.

How you'll spend your time

Year

Timetabled teaching

and learning activity

Guided

independent study

Placements

Integrated

Foundation

Year (optional)

Digitally enhanced learning

Digitally enhanced learning

N/A

1

25%

75%

0%

2

25%

75%

0%

Sandwich Year

(optional)

TBC

TBC

TBC

3

25%

75%

0%

 

How you'll be assessed

Year Written exams Practical exams Coursework

Integrated

Foundation

Year (optional)

0% 0% 100%
1 0% 0% 100%
2 0% 0% 100%
Sandwich Year (optional) TBC TBC TBC
3 0% 0% 100%

 

 *These percentages are indicative and may vary

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through coursework only. This can take many forms, including:

  • Practical projects
  • Papers
  • Pitches
  • Portfolios

Designed to mirror industry practice, you'll be continually assessed on group projects through a group working strategy.

Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based.

Staff

On this data science degree, you'll be supported by a vibrant community of artists, writers, designers, animators, composers, producers, entrepreneurs, programmers, researchers and computing enthusiasts.

You'll learn from academic and industry experts with extensive knowledge of machine learning technologies across a range of contexts, including games, web development, immersion, user research, and artificial intelligence.

Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Facilities

You'll work in state-of-the-art development studios that house the latest technology and professional facilities. This includes:

  • Modern i7 machines
  • Attached labs for console development, immersive experience design, and robot fabrication
  • Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects, motion capture, and immersive experiences
  • Standard packages used in software development for the creative industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites
  • Studios open late during term time.
  • Access to free software via Microsoft Imagine

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Careers

As a graduate, you could become:

  • A data scientist, analyst, architect or engineer
  • A cloud computing or business intelligence specialist
  • An artificial intelligence or machine learning programmer
  • An IT professional focusing on database and information systems
  • An app or web developer

How to apply

Course route UCAS code
Data Science BSc(Hons) three year degree I1DA
Data Science BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year  FY37
Data Science BSc(Hons) with Sandwich Year I1DC

We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

Course route Entry requirements
BSc(Hons) three year degree 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
BSc(Hons) four year degree with Sandwich Year 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points

UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

Check how many points your qualifications are worth

For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)

Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.

International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

Fees, costs & funding

Tuition fees

Annual tuition fee Student
£9,250 per year Full-time UK
£17,460 per year Full-time EU/international
£1,850 per Sandwich Year Full-Time UK and EU/international
£1,350 per Sandwich Year, study abroad option Full-Time UK and EU/international

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible. 

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

Typical course costs

  • £100 - recurring annual cost for IT consumables and some additional data storage my be required dependant on project work etc.
  • £750-800 - one-off cost for a personal computer / laptop with at least 8GB RAM and 8MB of cache memory

If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

Additional typical course costs for Integrated Foundation Year pathway

  • £250 for materials
  • A laptop/desktop computer
  • Adobe Creative Suite

In order to participate in our digitally enhanced learning approach, you'll need to have a personal laptop/desktop computer. Depending on your subject, you may need a specific type of computer. If you're unsure about what you might need, please contact our course advisors.

Ask a student

What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?

From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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