Data Science and Computing with Foundation Year

Our BSc Data Science and Computing offers you the skills and knowledge to develop your career in data science as a data scientist or as a data-driven software developer. You will gain a broad knowledge of computing and mathematics and acquire strong programming and data analysis skills using Python, R and Java - the most popular programming languages used by data scientists today.<br/><br/>Data is everywhere and continuing to grow rapidly. This has created a huge demand for qualified experts who can uncover valuable insights from data. Data science combines:<br/><br/><br/>- data analytics<br/><br/><br/>- applied statistics<br/><br/><br/>- computer science<br/><br/><br/>- software engineering.<br/><br/><br/>Experience in these areas is highly sought-after by employers across all sectors of the economy including in business, finance, manufacturing and the public sector.<br/><br/>Our BSc Data Science and Computing degree offers a balance between gaining a deep understanding of the fundamentals, to provide you with a strong basis for long-lasting professional success, and learning current skills which are important in the marketplace. You will also consider social, professional and organisational issues that play a key role in understanding how data science and computing contribute to and shape the future of businesses and organisations.<br/><br/>Teaching on this degree is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other daytime commitments. Our world-class research activity also informs our teaching and our interactions with business, public and third-sector organisations.<br/><br/>If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didnt achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. <br/><br/>**Highlights**<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.<br/><br/><br/>- Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students.<br/><br/><br/>- Our world-class research in data science, data analytics and software engineering at the Birkbeck Institute for Data Analytics (BIDA) informs our teaching and our interactions with business, public and third-sector organisations.<br/><br/><br/>- We have four modern computing laboratories, with a total of 133 workstations. The labs have projection facilities and are air-conditioned. Our wide range of software runs on a number of platforms including Unix, Windows and Linux. The local area network is a switched gigabit/10gigabit ethernet. Our computers are connected to the SuperJANET academic network. <br/><br/><br/>**Careers and employability**<br/><br/>Graduates can pursue career paths as data scientists or data analysts, with the benefit of being competent software engineers as well, a combination of skills sought by employers. Job opportunities exist in software engineering, data analysis, machine learning, finance and many vertical market sectors, for example:<br/><br/><br/>- machine learning engineers for artificial intelligence software<br/><br/><br/>- analytics associates/data scientists<br/><br/><br/>- quantitative analysts<br/><br/><br/>- graduate software developers.<br/><br/><br/>We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.