Introduction
Are you excited by the rapid advancements in big data, predictive analytics, and AI technologies such as ChatGPT? Are you looking to study a subject that can unlock tremendous social and economic benefits and is highly sought after by employers?
The BSc Data Science programme equips you with the skills for an exciting career in data analytics, data engineering, machine learning or AI.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BSc
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
- UCAS Code
- G403

Data scientists use technical analysis, design, and programming skills to tackle a wide variety of challenges, ranging from mitigating climate change and detecting diseases to optimising production processes and enhancing customer experiences.
In recent years, data science has experienced a revolution with advancements in big data, predictive analytics and AI technologies such as ChatGPT and Bard AI. While these developments have improved how organisations automate processes, forecast trends, and engage with customers, the growing volume and complexity of data available presents new challenges to how we can leverage its true power.
To overcome this challenge, organisations look to data scientists who have the advanced data analysis and modelling skills to extract meaningful insights from data. The Data Science degree programme is designed to address this challenge. You will learn essential data analysis and modelling skills, including programming, statistics, software engineering, data curation, and more. The topics you study will also provide you with advanced knowledge and techniques applicable to artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, distributed systems and cybersecurity.
Throughout the programme, you will have opportunities to further enhance your employability by engaging with the legal and ethical standards relating to data while also learning how to effectively communicate data-driven ideas and solutions.
What You'll Study
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
- Programming 1 (CS1032)
- Calculus 1 (MA1005)
- Algebra (MA1006)
- Object - Oriented Programming (CS1527)
- Calculus II (MA1508)
- Understanding Data (ST1506)
Optional Courses
Plus 30 credit points from courses of your choice.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Data Science?
- This programme is designed to take advantage of the growing demand for data scientists across almost every industry sector today including energy, finance, health, government, retail, mining and manufacturing.
- We go beyond classical software engineering, user experience, statistics and data analysis to teach students how to apply logical thinking, machine learning and computer algorithms to come up with solutions to problems faced across many academic disciplines and industry sectors.
- The Aberdeen University Artificial Intelligence Society and the Aberdeen University Computing Society provide a forum for students to share their interest and expertise in computing through workshops, guest talks, coding challenges and social events
- Computing at Aberdeen has strong links with industry organisations who support our teaching through case studies within lectures and seminars and prizes (including for example Amazon, CGI and ScotlandIS).
- You will learn both the theory and the practice of data science with special emphasis given to Artificial Intelligence Systems and Knowledge Technologies. We also focus on developing your teamwork, leadership and entrepreneurship skills in preparation for your career.
- The Aberdeen Software Factory is a student-run software house that enables computing science
students gain experience working on larger software projects for external clients. - The University of Aberdeen is a member of the Turing University Network, a network of UK universities engaged in cutting-edge teaching and research in data science and AI.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEntry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC*
Minimum: BCC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
EU / International students | £24,800 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions | |
Home Students | £1,820 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
RUK | £9,535 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023, the employment of data analysts and scientists, big data specialists, AI machine learning specialists and cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow on average by 30% by 2027.
According to Prospects.ac.uk, entry-level salaries for Data Scientists range from £19,000 to £25,000. With a few years' experience you could expect to earn £30,000 to £50,000, while experienced, high-level, data scientists or contractors can earn upwards of £60,000, in some cases reaching more than £100,000.
Graduates of this programme will be well placed to pursue careers such as:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Architect
- Data Mining Engineer
- Data Scientist
This LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report listed Data Engineer as one of the fastest-growing jobs in the UK.
Our Experts
- Director
- Professor Marco Thiel
- Other Experts
- Dr Nigel Beacham
- Professor M Carmen Romano
- Professor Nir Oren
- Dr Raja Akram
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX