Data Science

Why study Data Science at Aberystwyth?

• This course is taught jointly by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics. Mathematics has been taught at Aberystwyth University since 1872, making the university the first in Wales to teach this subject. Our established heritage alongside our strong research based teaching ensures an innovative and stimulating experience.

•  The combination of the modules delivered by the Mathematics and Computer Science department will give you a strong grounding in the underlying theory of Data Science as well as the practical skills to be able to apply that theory in real world data analytics.

• Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be able to design and carry out analysis of large sets of data and can draw implications from the results.  This course will allow you to understand how data collected by companies can have a large effect on their operations.

Our Staff

Almost all of the Department of Computer Science Lecturers and Teaching Fellows are qualified to PhD level, and those who are not have considerable research or industrial experience. All new Lecturers and Teaching Fellows are required to obtain the PGCTHE, and hence are Senior Fellows or Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The department also employs a number of part time demonstrators and tutors and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Research fellows and research assistants (mostly PhD qualified) may also be involved in delivering occasional teaching when it is appropriate.

All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active. The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

There is a shortage of skilled Data Scientists, which means that graduates in this area are in demand! One study estimates that around 200,000 Data Scientists will be needed.

 Forbes Magazine labelled Data Scientist as “the sexiest job of the 21^st century.”

The role of Data Scientist is finding and interpreting patterns in big data, and needs an excellent understanding of statistics and good computing skills. 

Our graduates have found employment with employers such as:

• IBM

• HP

• Gloversure

• Plymouth Marine Laboratories

• CERN

• Walt Disney

• GCHQ 

Transferable skills:

During your first year, you will have the opportunity to take part in a weekend of activities in Gregynog hall nearby Aberystwyth. This residential weekend will focus on:

• Group activities

• Communication skills

• Good time management 

• Creative thinking 

Work experience opportunities

Students who are interested in completing a work experience placement should consider our sister course BSc Data Science with integrated year in industry (7G74). This sister course has an identical syllabus to 7G73, however you will have an additional year to undertake a year in industry. 

As a student here, you will be able to take advantage of the various opportunities that exist such as AberWorks, AberForward, YES and Go Wales.

 The department supports students seeking voluntary work, particularly in the teaching of mathematics in all sectors. Further information can be obtained from the department. 

What will I learn?

• In the first year, you will combine modules in programming and software with fundamental mathematics and statistics.

• In the second year you will extend your knowledge of statistics alongside data analysis and databases.

• In the final year you will bring your study together in a major individual project, covering a realistic data analysis problem, in addition to core and elective modules in statistics and computing.

How will I be taught?

• You will be taught by enthusiastic staff through a complementary set of teaching and learning methods and approaches, ranging from formal lectures, seminars and tutorials to practicals and individual and group-based project work.

• You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practicals, projects, workshops and examinations.
  You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries, whether these are academic-related or personal issues. You should feel free to contact them at any time for help and advice.

• You will also have the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan (PDP) at Aberystwyth. This is a structured process of self-appraisal, reflection, and planning, which will enable you to chart your personal, academic and professional development throughout your time at university. By recording your academic performance, and highlighting the skills you already have and those you will need for future employability, the PDP portfolio will equip you with the necessary tools to plan effectively, develop successful approaches to study, and consider your future career options and aspirations.