The underlying aim of the programme is to offer students a broad and challenging modern curriculum that will enable them to gain a deep understanding of the developing area of data science, where mathematics and computer science meet to address the issues raised by large-scale data analysis. Recent developments in automated systems and data gathering have meant that ‘big data’ is becoming increasingly common. Large data sets are now the norm in a wide variety of disciplines and applications, including the sciences, finance, retail, and particularly the digital economy and social media. The programme will produce graduates with the core mathematical and computer science knowledge and skills needed to present, analyse and ultimately understand large data sets.

For all three years, the students take 60 credits in each of the two disciplines of mathematics and computer science.

During the first year (Qualifying year), students will study core mathematics as well as modules in probability and statistics. In the data science, students take the modules of Programming and Algorithms, Computer Fundamentals and Programming Paradigms.

In the second and third years, the focus will equally split between mathematics and data science, with the opportunity to study a range of optional modules so much so that students can tailor the course to their own interests.