Data Science MSci/BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
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Data scientists/analysts are in demand across a large range of sectors, from healthcare to finance, from marketing to transport. This course aims to provide the essential training you will need to be successful in this fast-moving, dynamic field.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BSc:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

25DF

Start date

November 2024


Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BSc option.

Foundation year

The course aims to provide you with a solid grounding in mathematical principles and an understanding of the core technology associated with the use and application of computer systems. Professional and academic skills are integrated across all modules, including information finding and handling, problem-solving and the communication of outcomes.

Degree

The degree brings together a range of techniques that the modern data scientist needs. You will study modules in mathematics, data analysis and computing and tackle a variety of interesting and engaging problems from the latest research studies, business and industry.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of computing and mathematics.

Degree

  • You will have the chance to equip yourself with transferable and professional skills which prepare you for employment in industry, business, or education.
  • You will be provided with the opportunity to develop critical and reflective skills required for problem-solving in a variety of contexts.
  • The course has a particular emphasis on modern applications and the use of appropriate computational methods, software and technology.
  • You can expect to improve your knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of the latest data science, as well as the use of computational methods.
  • You will have the chance to gain industry-relevant experience2 as you apply real-world, commercial software development practices within teams of your peers, preparing you for your career after graduation.

What you'll study

In your first year, you will be taught the fundamental skills and concepts needed to begin your journey as a data scientist. You’ll be familiarised with the mathematical, statistical and computational foundations, and you will apply those principles in regular laboratory sessions which help solidify your understanding. You will also begin developing the professional skills you will need in your day-to-day career on graduation: working as part of a team, the ethical and legal issues around data structure and models. 

Modules

In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with data science, linear statistical models and artificial intelligence, amongst others. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. 

Modules

The final stage of the BSc (Hons) in Data Science covers advanced topics in data science including Big Data management and visualisation methods, machine learning algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks and advanced statistical methods. 

Modules

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise3.  

This year provides insight into more advanced topics in data science and can act as a stepping stone to postgraduate research or further study. 

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, seminars, lab, workshops, online activities and group work.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also use tutorials, online support/learning, workshops and group work.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, programming, data management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.


Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from block to block, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, laboratory practicals4 and online support sessions/classes.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a limited variety of methods to allow you to focus on what you are assessed on, not how. Assessment methods will consist of either a portfolio artefact with supportive report or a time-constrained phase test. Assessment takes place at a single stage at the end of each module.

You will be expected to engage in both class and online activities, and discussions. You can also expect to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

Formative feedback will be used to prepare you for summative assessment and give you an early indication of your progress. A portion of each module’s contact time will be dedicated to course support sessions. The course support sessions2 are where you can explore areas of the course that you may find challenging or get support with your personal projects and employability efforts.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 20 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

80 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

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Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

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The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office, Enterprise Hub and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

On-site facilities4 offer you a variety of learning environments, which benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • sigma Centre: mathematics and statistics support
    An award-winning support centre which provides a range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. You can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments (subject to availability). 
  • Informal Study Areas: 
    Informal computer access to all the specialist software required for your studies. There are bookable spaces where you can meet with academics or work in small groups (subject to availability). 

Careers and opportunities

The Data Science degree at Coventry University is focused on preparing you to work in one of the most dynamic fields in the digital age, with a focus on transferrable and work-ready skills.

As a data analyst, you will often find yourself working in a multidisciplinary environment, as you bring your technical skills and knowledge to bear upon a specific business issue. This is precisely the type of situation upon which Coventry University built this course, aiming to equip you for the world of work. 

Data analysts have job prospects in areas such as business analysis, risk analysis, energy demand forecasting, health analytics, sports analytics, web analytics, games data analytics, social media analytics and more. 

Where our graduates work

Previous students have found employment as Financial Analysts at IBM, Gaming Financial Analysts for Warner Bros, Finance Assistants at Scottish Power, Business Performance Process Analysts at National Grid, Power Analysts at E.ON and Customer Service Analysts for Cummins.

Recent graduates have embarked on Finance Graduate Schemes, as Customer Services Analysts, Graduate Actuary, Information Analysts and a Trainee Accountants for companies like E.ON, National Grid, Thames Water, NHS, Hodge Lifetime Solutions and Prime Accountants. Others have also used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications. 

Further study

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master's option3, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise. 

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