Data Science with Artificial Intelligence

Year 1

You will take part in a common Foundation Year with the rest of the School of Computing, which will introduce you to fundamental Data Science topics including programming, problem solving, databases and data analysis. You’ll be introduced to Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and look at their impact on society.

Year 2

You will expand the knowledge you gained in the first year, studying more advanced methods for managing data and analysing it. You’ll learn about using data in a web application, and apply your knowledge in a project. You’ll be able to select electives from a wide range of computing topics.

Year 3

You will expand your Data Science skills to cover Big Data, Machine Learning and Data Visualisation. Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial project-based modules will let you apply what you’ve learned so far and improve your soft skills. Elective modules will let you extend your breadth of computing knowledge.

Year 4

In the first semester, you will learn about several cutting edge, advanced topics in Artificial Intelligence. In the second semester, you will undertake a large, individual capstone project on a suitable topic of your own choice, which will allow you to demonstrate all you have learned throughout the course.

Learning methods

There are two semesters per year. You will typically study 4 modules each semester, with 3-4 hours contact time per module. Modules often have a 1-hour lecture, supported by 2 hours of practical work and sometimes a 1 hour tutorial.

Methods of teaching vary and are chosen to be appropriate to the topic.

The School places strong emphasis on practical computing skills. Most modules involve practical labs with exercises to complete, assisted by staff and demonstrators.

Assessment is frequently by the demonstration of practical skills, either in a time-limited lab session or carried out over a longer period as coursework.

Activity summary

Year 4

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project supervision - 4 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Independent study - up to 15 hours per week

How long is a BSc (Hons) Data Science with Artificial Intelligence course?

A BSc (Hons) Web and Mobile Design degree can be completed over:

• 4 years
• 4 years + 1 year honours degree project

Independent study

Independent student is an essential part of reinforcing the knowledge and skills taught on the course. This typically involves reviewing material presented in the lectures and engaging in extra practical exercises. These exercises may involve completing work from a lab, additional lecturer-directed practice or self-directed practice of skills.

Staff delivering on this course

Many of the computing staff have strong relevant research backgrounds, particularly in Machine Learning and other areas of Artificial Intelligence. This ensures the tools and techniques taught remain cutting edge.

Our staff members regularly feature in the Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted for by the students. Recently, Computing has received multiple awards for Continued Excellence.

Many of our staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 Written assignment, including essay
• 3 Reports
• 2 Project outputs
• 2 Practical skills assessment

Year 2

• 2 Reports
• 1 Portfolio
• 3 Project outputs
• 2 Practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 1 Written exam, typically for 2 hours
• 3 Reports
• 2 Project outputs
• 3 Practical skills assessment

Year 4

• 1 Dissertation
• 3 Project outputs
• 1 Practical skills assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Optional, paid short (3 months, Summer) or long (12 months, Year long) placements can be undertaken in this course.

You are supported in finding a placement through the University Placements Office. You will be supported during the placement by a dedicated Placement Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement modules. You will be assigned an Academic Tutor, who will conduct regular communications with you and your employer.

The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Study Abroad

You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional 12 month period of Study Abroad at one of our partner universities across the world. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, whilst gaining a valuable and tailored educational experience.

Job Prospects

Is Data Science with Artificial Intelligence a good career choice?

The course prepares you for a career in Data Science. Job openings include:

• Data Scientist,
• Data Engineer,
• Data Visualisation Specialist,
• Data Manager,
• Database Designer/Manager,
• Data Mining Expert,
• Machine Learning Engineer.

The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary to be effective researchers. The School of Computing has extensive research strengths in topics related to the course, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision and Computational Intelligence. Suitable graduates may apply to continue to PhD programmes within the School.

Depending on the electives you select, you may be able to pursue a career in more general computing areas, including software development.

Aberdeen is home to many multinational oil and gas companies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups, so graduates can seek employment locally. RGU is also involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood Group PSN, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies, and you may benefit from the university’s links with some of these companies when it comes to securing placements or employment.

What is needed for a BSc (Hons) Data Science with Artificial Intelligence course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at GCSE grade 5 if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3 and two further passes to include English and Maths at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include a pass in Standard Level English and Maths at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Tuition fees for this Data Science with Artificial Intelligence course are as follows:

For Academic Year 2024/2025

Scottish Students

• £1,820 per academic year

EU Students

• £6,930 per academic year

Rest of UK Students

• £6,930 per academic year

International Students

• £17,720 per academic year

For Academic Year 2023/2024

Scottish Students

• £1,820 per academic year

EU Students

• £6,750 per academic year

Rest of UK Students

• £6,750 per academic year

International Students

• £17,040 per academic year

Additional Costs

• Long placement (45 weeks – 1 Year) - £1,000
• Short Placement (6 - 12 Weeks) - £320