If you have an analytical mindset, like to think outside the box and enjoy solving problems, a career in Computer and Data Science might be for you. Data generated by humans and machines are transforming our society, economics and politics. The ability to recognise patterns and extract insights from complex data gives organisations the power to forecast the future and make intelligent decisions that quickly address and solve problems. It’s no wonder Data Science is such a growing and lucrative field.
Our Computer and Data Science degree will teach you how to make sense of these large sets of data – identifying what’s required, analysing and processing the data, and making it easy to read and understand. Informed by industry needs, the degree will equip you with the in-demand skills to design and utilise data science systems and use industry-standard tools and techniques to address real-world problems. This covers a variety of sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail & e-commerce, transportation & logistics, energy & utilities, social media marketing and environmental sciences.
Foundation Year
This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.
The foundation year will be relevant to:
- Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
- Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.
Find out more about the
foundation year.
Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.
Course Content
Degree
The degree programme is comprised of a number of compulsory modules, with a range of options in the final year to develop your specific interests and expertise.
Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.
All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.
Year 1:
- Computational Thinking
- Architectures & Operating Systems
- Principles of Programming
- Technology and Society
- Introduction to Data Analytics
- Explore
Year 2:
- Data and Knowledge Management
- Data Analysis
- Blockchain Fundamentals
- Data Visualisation & Storytelling
- Expand
- Collaborative Project
Year 3:
- Data Visualisation Grammar and Idioms
- Professional, Sustainable & Ethical Technology
- Business Analytics & Intelligence
- Development Project (40 credits)
Optional modules (select one):
- Industrial Work Experience
- Computational Intelligence
Learning & Teaching
A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.
Due to the nature of the programme, online and campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery - so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.
Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.
Assessment
The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.
Employability & Careers
The course will equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand, apply and critically evaluate underlying Computing and Data Science principles. In addition, graduates will also be equipped with the skills to design and utilise Data Science systems and use industry-standard tools and techniques in their implementation.
Real-world experience can be obtained as part of your studies by completing an optional sandwich year placement / industrial internship. Over the past few years, our students have been successful in obtaining placements in nationally competitive schemes with Microsoft, HP, General Electric and the Met Office.
Graduates will be ably equipped to pursue a highly lucrative career, of which there are numerous opportunities across a variety of sectors.
On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across computing and information systems here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
Typical Offers
The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.
If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a
Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.
-
Tariff points: 104-112
-
Contextual offer: See our
contextual offers page.
-
GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
-
English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
-
A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
-
BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM
-
T Level: Merit. No specific subjects required.
-
Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
-
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5. No specific subjects required.
-
Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
-
Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.
Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact
Admissions or refer to the
UCAS Course Search.
Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found
here.
If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or
RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.
How to Apply
Further information on how to apply can be found
here.
Contact Us