Birkbeck, University of London
Data Science and Computing BSc (Hons)
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 10 graduates of Data Science and Computing BSc (Hons) and other courses in Computer Science at Birkbeck, University of London for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Computer Science.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of all UK Graduates of

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29508 £25180 £29878
25-75 percentile range £24622 - £35312 £18838 - £32904 £21658 - £40986

Course Description

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.

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:

  • data analytics
  • applied statistics
  • computer science
  • software engineering.

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.

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.

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.

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 didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Highlights

  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Careers and employability

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:

  • machine learning engineers for artificial intelligence software
  • analytics associates/data scientists
  • quantitative analysts
  • graduate software developers.

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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Data Science and Computing BSc (Hons) at Birkbeck, University of London

45% Business and public service associate professionals
20% Administrative occupations
10% Information Technology Professionals
10% Business and public service associate professionals

A combination of coursework, in-class tests, examinations and a final-year project.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Computer Science

Qualification requirements

Access to HE Diploma

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. If you have no previous formal qualifications you will need to complete an admission test including English comprehension and mathematical knowledge.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Data Science and Computing, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

See all 17 university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

List of 197 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birkbeck, University of London - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birkbeck, University of London

undergraduates:
4800
postgraduates:
2810
Total:
7610
  • Stella’s Starting Study Vlog
  • Top reasons why students choose Birkbeck, University of London
  • “How has the Birkbeck experience been for you?”
  • Birkbeck's Student Experience
  • Studying for a PhD at Birkbeck - Veronika Akhmadieva

Where is this programme taught

Main Site
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Politics and Data Science BSc (Hons) The London School of Economics and Political Science - - - £9250 £24720 - London On campus Full-time
Social Sciences with Data Science BSc (Hons) University College London - - - £9250 £32100 - London On campus Full-time
Data Science (with integrated year in industry) BSc (Hons) Aberystwyth University - - - £9000 £18830 - Aberystwyth On campus Full-time
Data Science and Analytics BSc (Hons) University of Essex - - - £9250 £20500 - Colchester On campus Full-time
Linguistics with Data Science (Including Placement Year) BA (Hons) University of Essex - - - £9250 £19500 - Colchester On campus Full-time
Mathematics for Data Science BSc BSc (Hons) Brunel University - - - £9250 £19330 £21260 - Uxbridge On campus Full-time
Mathematics for Data Science with Placement BSc BSc (Hons) Brunel University - - - £9250 £19330 £21260 - Uxbridge On campus Full-time
Applied Computing BSc (Hons) University of Wales - - - £9000 £13500 - Cardiff On campus Full-time
Data Science BSc (Hons) University of Exeter 83% 5% 10% £9250 £27000 160 Exeter On campus Full-time
Data Science BSc (Hons) University College London - - - £9250 £35000 - London On campus Full-time