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BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Computer Science and Digital Technologies
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LOCATION
Docklands Campus
Location Fees and Funding
Here's the fees and funding information for each year of this course
Overview
*This course is subject to validation.
This programme combines two key areas of computing, namely data science and artificial intelligence, in a synergistic manner. Data science and Artificial Intelligence are two complementary areas of Intelligent Systems, with Data science focusing on statistical techniques and Artificial Intelligence on algorithmic techniques. Both areas are in high demand in the tech industry and for Industry 4.0.
Data science and Artificial Intelligence jobs are amongst the best paid in the IT sector with both skills in ever increasing demand. A recent report by the European Union predicted that there would be a need for 346,000 data scientist and machine learning experts by 2020. However, the UK faces a potentially crippling shortage of such professionals, threatening businesses in the UK.
This course seeks to address the chronic shortage of suitably qualified data science and Artificial Intelligence specialists and, at the same time, prepare you for a fulfilling and varied career in this fast growing IT sector.
What makes this course different
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
In addition to the modules on the course, you will also learn about the management, economic, legal, social, professional and ethical issues relating to information processing systems.
You will also develop your communication skills, develop initiative, enhance professionalism and fine tune the ability to work independently as well as with others.
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MODULES
- Core Modules
Key Skills CloseKey Skills
To enable you to develop the core and future skills necessary for the study of computing at HE level by enhancing critical and effective reading and writing, engaging in successful team work and using problem solving strategies.
Mental Wealth; Professional Life (Group Project) CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life (Group Project)
The aim of this module is to provide learners with the basic concepts and the skills needed to complete simple group projects successfully. The emphasis is on practical activities, problem solving, different aspects of project development and the production of good quality project and documentation.
Level 4 Primers CloseLevel 4 Primers
- Introduces and prepares Foundation (level 3) students to the modules they will study at level 4
- Introduces the topics of Software Development, Computer Systems and Networks, Web Technologies, Information’s Systems Modelling and Design, Maths for Computing and level 4 skills
Applied Maths CloseApplied Maths
To provide fundamental knowledge and practical skills in the principles of mathematics suitable for further study in applied mathematics.
Introduction to Computing CloseIntroduction to Computing
The module equips you with an understanding of computing principles and an understanding of the fundamentals of hardware and software, which can provide an opportunity for you to gain appreciation of the practical skills involved in computer systems. It helps you develop a better understanding of computations to solve problems, analysing problems and procedures, and a better understanding of algorithms, languages and programming. It provides an opportunity to you to understand the connections between the different areas of computing.
Business Information Systems CloseBusiness Information Systems
The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the basic concepts and the design of Information systems, to promote an understanding of the characteristics of Information and the different methods of developing Information Systems, and to introduce security of IS. The emphasis is on practical activities, problem solving, system analysis and the production of good quality documentation.
- Core Modules
Information Systems Modelling and Design CloseInformation Systems Modelling and Design
The main aims of this module are: to develop skills and techniques required for analysing, modelling and designing information systems and understand the legal, social, ethical and professional issues relating to the information systems development.
Software Development CloseSoftware Development
This module provides you with the skills necessary to design, implement and test software applications using a high-level programming language. The module is taught from first principals and assumes no prior knowledge of the subject. The module focuses on programming fundamentals such as variables, control structures, arrays and the procedural programming methodology and then goes on to introduce the object-oriented programming concepts of objects, classes and inheritance.
Web Technologies CloseWeb Technologies
The module will allow learners to examine the requirements for web applications and to select appropriate tools and techniques with which to design and build them. They will be able to use those selected tools and techniques to design, implement and test web pages. They will be able to provide professional documentation for the web pages produced.
Maths for Computing CloseMaths for Computing
This module will help you build fundamental knowledge in mathematical concepts and skills that are required for the study and application of computer science. This module starts with the basic arithmetic and algebraic concepts that are used in almost every aspect of computer science. This is followed by topics on logic that are fundamental concepts used in the functioning of computer hardware and design and programming of software. Computer science theory heavily relies on proofs. This module will handle the basics of proof techniques. The module will go on to cover topics in basic abstract and linear algebra and touch upon advance topics like groups and using matrices to solve systems of linear equations. Finally, the basics of probability and some concepts in statistics will be covered.
Computer Systems and Networks CloseComputer Systems and Networks
The module aims to provide a basic understanding of computer architecture and the relationship between hardware and software components of a computer system. It also aims to equip you with an understanding of the fundamentals of computer networking.
Mental Wealth; Professional Life 1 (IT Project Pitching) CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life 1 (IT Project Pitching)
Developing fundamental professional skills is increasingly critical for successful graduate-level employment, entrepreneurship and career progression in the 4th industrial revolution.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to identify the skills, competencies and experience required for successful development to, and in, a range of potential future career areas.
Herein you will begin to recognise the areas for their own personal professional development through taught and workshop activity.
Central to the developmental process is for each student to cultivate the reflective skills, openness and self-awareness to enable themselves to assess what they are doing, identify areas for improvement, and confidently receive and give constructive feedback. Students will additionally develop knowledge of strategies to advance their own emotional intelligence through 'life style' and 'self care' approaches to inform their health and wellbeing.
Having acquired understanding of the key developmental areas, students will have an opportunity to form groups and develop, then pitch IT project ideas to an in-house IT consultancy micro-business, and be mentored and supervised by students from higher years in developing these ideas. In this position they will learn and begin to apply the skills developed elsewhere in their studies (and from external activities) as required in the workplace.
- Core Modules
Database Systems CloseDatabase Systems
This module aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical knowledge that influences the design, implementation and applications of database management systems. It promotes the understanding of database systems in information management by providing technical skills that are required to deploy a database management system using various languages and tools that can be used within games development.
Data Structures & Algorithms CloseData Structures & Algorithms
This module builds upon the foundational programming skills by looking at how to distinguish between, use and build a range of advanced data structures such as queues, stack and trees. The module also provides students with conceptual knowledge of the analysis, design and implementation of algorithms, such as sorting and searching, for solving complex problems.
Artificial Intelligence CloseArtificial Intelligence
This module investigates methods of state of the art and research trends in Artificial Intelligence and related topics. In particular, the module introduces AI from machine learning to biologically inspired AI systems. This provides students with knowledge of the principles and applications of AI systems, and to promote appreciation of the current state of development in this area.
Mental Wealth; Professional Life 2 (Computing in Practice) CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life 2 (Computing in Practice)
Developing fundamental professional skills are increasingly critical for successful graduate-level employment, entrepreneurship and career progression in the 4th industrial revolution.
This module equips you with the skills that are needed to make successful applications for jobs within the IT sector, provides you with opportunities to gain experience of working in the IT industry and apply their knowledge of information and communication technologies, gained elsewhere in their programmes, to the solution of a real-world business problem
Herein you will advance the areas identified at level 4 for their own personal professional development (including emotional, social, physical, cultural and cognitive intelligences) through taught and workshop activity.
You will reflect on the success of the strategies that they employed to further develop their reflective skills, self-awareness, 'life style' and 'self-care' approaches and where necessary improve their approaches.
Students will have an opportunity to gain work experience in an external IT company or have the opportunity to select an in-house microbusiness to join. In this position they will take on a specific production role, working collaboratively with peers and academic staff on a live project. In doing so they will apply the skills learnt elsewhere in their studies (and external development) required in the workplace.
Business Intelligence Analysis CloseBusiness Intelligence Analysis
This module provides you with the knowledge of the current trends in business intelligence analysis techniques and related topics and expose you to the skills, techniques and programming tools that yield the current industrial standards for data analysis.
Programming for Data Science CloseProgramming for Data Science
This module provides students with the skills necessary to prepare, cleaning and data manipulation using commercial use programming language. The module builds on fundamental programming skills taught at level 4 and focuses on a programming language suited for data science tasks and the essential libraries within the programming language for completing data science tasks.
- Core Modules
Optional placement CloseOptional placement
This course offers the opportunity of year-long placement between years two and three. If you choose to take this option, you’ll spend your third year on a placement with a relevant company or organisation, adding valuable practical experience to your growing academic knowledge.
The extra placement year means it will take four years to complete your studies, instead of three. - Core Modules
Big Data Infrastructure & Manipulation CloseBig Data Infrastructure & Manipulation
Builds upon the Level 5 Database module by giving you the opportunity to develop skills in access, manipulation, transformation, and analysis of complex data sets using SQL and familiar scripting languages.
Project Management CloseProject Management
This module provides students with a thorough understanding of the role of ICT projects in the context of an enterprise environment. The students also expose the critical challenges in managing a project in meeting organisational objectives and satisfying the requirements of a project portfolio. It aims to develop a professional approach towards utilising standard methodologies, tools and techniques in managing information systems projects.
Mental Wealth; Professional Life 3 (Project) CloseMental Wealth; Professional Life 3 (Project)
Developing professional skills are increasingly critical for successful graduate-level employment, entrepreneurship and career progression in the 4th industrial revolution.
This module will provide you with the opportunity to apply the full range of skills, competencies and experience required for successful development to, and in, a range of potential future career areas.
Herein you will advance the areas identified at level 5 for their own personal professional development (including emotional, social, physical, cultural and cognitive intelligences) through taught and workshop activity.
You will undertake a sizeable piece of individual academic work in an area of your own interest relevant to, and demonstrating technical skills acquired in, your programme of study. You will normally need to research one or more academic topic areas and then apply your findings to the construction of a computer-based system.
You will consider the ethical, legal, social, and professional issues in the construction of systems and the project will require appropriate research, analysis, design, implementation, quality assurance, evaluation and project management.
You will reflect on the success of the strategies that you employed to further develop your reflective skills, self-awareness, 'life style' and 'self care' approaches and where necessary improve your approaches.
You will have an opportunity to select an in-house microbusiness to join in the role of 'Manager'. In this position you will oversee the successful operation of the enterprise, coach and mentor students new to the programme. Working collaboratively with peers and academic staff, you will ensure the effective delivery of a live project by managing people and physical resources. In doing so you will apply the skills learnt elsewhere in your studies (and from external activities) required in the workplace.
Enterprise Architecture and Cloud Computing CloseEnterprise Architecture and Cloud Computing
This module provides students with in-depth understanding of the concepts and principles underpinning the application of Enterprise Architecture and Cloud Computing in business. The module furnishes students with an understanding of the supporting technologies, portals and collaboration tools used for the development of Enterprise Architecture. It also examines the relationship between Enterprise frameworks and Web based Enterprise Architecture. This module provides students with needed techniques for investigating and analysing the various cloud deployment models, platforms and development of cloud systems. The module provides students with the skills needed to develop Enterprise portal for different Enterprise Architectures and Enterprise Cloud Computing Systems. This module furnishes students with the knowhow to evaluate the methods used for developing and or simulating web portals using software packages. The module provides students with the understanding of future industrial and research trends in information systems development by reviewing established concepts and upcoming techniques in Cloud, COBIT, ITIL.
Advanced Topics in Data Science and AI CloseAdvanced Topics in Data Science and AI
This module takes the student step-by-step through the latest deep learning architectures for processing big data sets for tasks such as classification, regression, recommendation systems and natural language processing. The students will be taught the theory and fundamentals of these state-of-the-art techniques, while also learning how to setup, train and evaluate deep architectures on public datasets and discuss the ethics of this medium.
HOW YOU'LL LEARN
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, practical and lab sessions, and independent study. We also use a virtual learning environment (Moodle®) to supplement your learning journey.
This programme also incorporate a major project in the final year. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to organise and carry out a substantial piece of work linked to data science and artificial intelligence.
Guided independent study
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and Moodle.
Dedicated Academic Advisor
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students.
Academic support
If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential. You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses.
Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need. UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).
Workload
Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities. The size of classes can vary depending on the nature of the course, module and activity. This can range from large groups in a lecture theatre setting, to smaller groups taking part in seminars and collaborative work. You will receive your personalised timetable at the beginning of the academic year dependent on your course.
Your timetable
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9.00am and 6.00pm. For undergraduate students Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
HOW YOU'LL BE ASSESSED
Assessments will be via:
- examinations (in-class and at end of year)
- case study analysis
- portfolio collation
- individual/group reports
- group assessments
- presentations
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
CAMPUS and FACILITIES

Docklands Campus, Docklands Campus, London, E16 2RD
WHO TEACHES THIS COURSE
The teaching team includes qualified academics, practitioners and industry experts as guest speakers. Full details of the academics will be provided in the student handbook and module guides.
Related Courses

Our Data Science and Artificial Intelligence course will allow you to explore the fascinating and fast-moving field by studying natural language processing, predictive analytics, deep neural networks, image processing and more."
Solomon Alexis
Principal Lecturer
What we're researching
At the University of East London we are working on the some of the big issues that will define our future; from sustainable architecture and ethical AI, to health inequality and breaking down barriers in the creative industries.
Our students and academics are more critically engaged and socially conscious than ever before. Discover some of the positive changes our students, alumni and academics are making in the world.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER
Some of our former professional students are data analysts from local councils, a chief software architect from Bermuda, a business manager with EDF Energy and a system design analyst with Microsoft, to name a few.
Our alumni range from an information security architect working at the New York Stock Exchange to entrepreneurs running a successful award-winning game design company (DinoByte labs), just to name a few.
Explore the different career options you can pursue with this degree and see the median salaries of the sector on our Career Coach portal.