Data Science
This degree equips you with the skills to explore and analyse complex data sets. And to solve practical problems using applied mathematics, statistics and computing. You’ll gain a good grounding in mathematical and statistical methods, which provide the foundation for data analysis.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
This depends on your level of prior knowledge of mathematics and, in general, we recommend that you build up your pace of study slowly to ensure you gain a good understanding of the more basic topics. How many credits you can complete in a year will depend on your study situation, and this qualification is designed to enable you to vary your study intensity from year to year.
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required mathematical skills to study the compulsory module Essential mathematics 1 (MST124), including:
• algebraic manipulation and solving equations
• quadratics and parabolas
• geometry and trigonometry
• exponentials and logarithms.
You can check you’re ready for MST124 and see the topics on our website.
If you don’t feel you have the required mathematical skills, you can study an additional module, Discovering mathematics (MU123), to give you the knowledge and skills you need.
Ideally, you’ll also have some basic knowledge of computing.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
Data scientists are highly sought after in virtually all work places. The use of data science in social media, online commerce and government has revolutionised the digital economy, with employers across both the public and private sectors now recruiting data scientists to identify and solve complex business problems. Data scientists are at the heart of supporting strategic and operational decision making. They are needed in all areas of employment including business intelligence, management, biology, economics, education, engineering, environment studies, finance, government, logistics, medicine, meteorology, market research, sport and multinational businesses.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course
Start dates
• October 2024 - Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025 - Registration closes 09/01/2025
• April 2025 - Registration closes 13/03/2025
Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BSc (Honours) Data Science
Data plays a vital role in every private and public sector enterprise: understanding how to use data to inform decision-making has never been more critical. This degree equips you with the skills to explore and analyse complex data sets. And to solve practical problems using applied mathematics, statistics and computing. You’ll gain a good grounding in mathematical and statistical methods, which provide the foundation for data analysis. Additionally, you’ll learn relevant computing skills, including machine learning and artificial intelligence elements, and gain experience using statistical software. In a world increasingly turning to data for decision-making, there’s a high demand for data scientists in various sectors, including commerce, finance, health, and information technology.
Key features of the course
• Develop familiarity with mathematical, statistical and computational data modelling techniques
• Build your software expertise, including in the widely used Python and R languages
• Gain experience in communicating and critically commenting on data analysis results
• Increase your employability – data scientists are highly sought after in many sectors
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Data Analysis (W77). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Data Analysis (T42).
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• In Stage 1, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study four 30-credit modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll study two 30-credit modules and choose two 30-credit option modules.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.