Data Science with Business Management

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 also get course-specific classes to learn about the principles of Data Science and of business.

Year 2

You will expand the knowledge you gained in the first year, studying more advanced methods for managing data and analysing it. Your business knowledge will increase and a project-based module will allow you to practice it. You’ll have the opportunity to select electives from a wide range of computing topics.

Year 3

You will expand your Data Science skills to cover Big Data and Machine Learning. You’ll also learn about markets and leadership. Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial project-based modules will let you apply and improve both your computing and business skills. Elective modules will let you extend your breadth of computing knowledge.

Year 4

In the first semester, you will learn about strategy, innovation and building dashboards for data visualisation. 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. Methods vary considerably and are chosen to be appropriate to the topic.

Modules often have a 1-hour lecture, supported by practical computing work for the School of Computing modules or smaller group tutorials for the Business School modules.

Assessment of computing modules is frequently by the demonstration of practical skills, either in a time-limited lab session or carried out over a longer period as coursework. More emphasis is placed on exams and written work for the business modules.

Activity summary

Year 4

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Tutorials - 25 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. For computing modules, this typically involves reviewing lecture material and engaging in extra practical activities. For business modules, this may involve prescribed reading, preparing for tutorial assignments, or researching and writing course reports.

Staff delivering on this course

Many of the computing staff have strong relevant research backgrounds, particularly in Machine Learning. Business staff have worked in a range of professional backgrounds. This ensures the course remains cutting edge and professionally relevant.

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
• 2 Portfolios
• 3 Project outputs
• 2 Practical skills assessment

Year 3

• 2 Written exams, typically for 2 hours each
• 3 Reports
• 2 Project outputs
• 3 Practical skills assessment

Year 4

• 2 Reports
• 1 Dissertation
• 2 Project outputs

Feedback

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

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 Business Management a good career choice?

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

• Data Scientist,
• Data Engineer,
• Data Analyst,
• 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.

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 Business Management course?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• 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 Year 1 entry: 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.

Year 2 entry

• SQA Advanced Higher: CC at Advanced Higher plus CC at Higher (4 subjects), one of which must be Computing or another numerate subject. English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: BBC to include Computing or another numerate subject at Higher. GCSE English at grade 5 or above is required if not held at A Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

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

Entry Requirements Explained

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:

English Language requirements

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

Additional Costs

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