Data Science & Artificial Intelligence BA/BSc

**Understand the transformative power of data and AI. You’ll gain the skills and expertise to explore, innovate and communicate within this exciting field.**<br/><br/>**What is data science?**<br/>Data science can predict global trends and help humans make better decisions. It’s the use of tools and techniques with data to build understanding to use in the real world. Data and data science is the driving force behind artificial intelligence (AI) systems. <br/><br/>**Data science and Artificial Intelligence**<br/>AI is already changing the way we work, communicate and live life. This ‘technological wave’ requires specialist understanding, ethical consideration and deep appreciation of the social consequences and impact to our society. You’ll explore and build skills to lead and advise on how AI can work by improving process and accuracy, to permanently disrupting the way we do things. <br/><br/>As part of this course, you’ll:<br/><br/>• Study data analysis techniques and key topics, from data management and analytics to machine learning, statistics and programming <br/>• Learn to analyse data sets to create meaningful visualisations that can be used to deepen our understanding of any topic, from crime connections to business insight <br/>• Develop your theoretical knowledge, practical skills and confidence to be able to convert data into valuable insights <br/>• Gain an in-depth understanding of core data analysis techniques informed by knowledge of data principles and practical considerations<br/>• Understand the techniques associated with AI and how they can be applied to projects<br/>• Use open-source data and tools such as python and SQL, tableau and R and Matlab<br/>• Learn how to identify data that will inform your investigation, ensure quality results, select the best analysis techniques for the task and choose impactful methods to get your message across<br/><br/>You’ll consider and evaluate the practical applications of your knowledge, such as how AI can be used within different areas as a ‘digital assistant’ or in advanced and innovative ways via Generated AI Technology (GAIT) using Large Language Models (LLMs) such as those used in ChatGPT. You’ll also understand the importance of ethics and data governance in your approach to data science and AI.<br/><br/>**Work in an exciting field**<br/>There is a wealth of opportunity open to skilled data scientists. And you’ll graduate ready to take advantage of it. As a data scientist, you could work with some of the biggest names in industry to develop exciting experiences, or even help save lives through preventative healthcare.<br/><br/>Our graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of companies, including:<br/><br/>• Google<br/>• NHS Digital<br/>• Leeds City Council<br/>• Asda<br/>• The Open Data Institute<br/>• Cap Gemini<br/>• The Data Shed<br/>• The Oakland Group<br/>• Sky<br/>• Yorkshire Building Society<br/>• Yorkshire Water<br/>• TPP UK<br/><br/>You’ll understand how to work with data to gain insights and create narratives. This skillset will make you an asset to any organisation or individual seeking to make evidence-based decisions. You’ll be able to apply your expertise to a wide range of areas including marketing channels, and scientific innovations such as smart houses.

Ranked a top 10 university in the UK for course quality and careers (Uni Compare Rankings, 2026), Leeds Beckett University is committed to giving you the support and guidance you need to succeed in a career. From hands-on opportunities to cutting-edge facilities, LBU's courses are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.<br/><br/>You'll also have access to a dedicated team of career experts who will offer you advice and opportunities for professional development while studying your course and for up to five years after graduation. Leeds Beckett's aim is to ensure you are career-ready.<br/><br/>And, if you want to live in a budget-friendly city loved by students, with a thriving cultural scene, diverse community and plenty of job opportunities, Leeds is the perfect destination. It's recently been ranked the best place to live in the North (Sunday Times, Best Places to Live 2024)!<br/><br/>Study a course that gives you a future advantage, in a city with something for everyone.