University of Essex Online

BSc (Hons) Data Science

Level 4

Research and professional practice

Develop the fundamental skills required to engage in research activities, project management and professional conduct. This module incorporates relevant themes – including how to adopt sustainable development goals, minimise impact and promote social responsibility. You’ll also begin building your entrepreneurial skills and understanding of research methodologies through theoretical discussion, practical exercises and real-world case studies.

Introduction to maths and statistics

How do maths and statistics affect decision-making in sustainable practices? Find out in this informative module. From summary statistics, hypothesis testing and linear algebra, to permutations, probability and parametric and non-parametric tests, you’ll cover a range of mathematical and statistical applications. And by the end, you’ll have a strong understanding of how they’re integral to the role of a computer scientist.

Fundamentals of programming

Gain a comprehensive introduction to programming. By writing, testing and debugging through Python, you’ll develop a strong understanding of coding and its impact on software development. There’s also a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable software, as you explore the role of software in society and beyond.

Object-oriented programming

Ready to discover the fundamental principles of object-oriented programming (OOP) and their application in software development? From inheritance and polymorphism to encapsulation and abstraction, this module introduces key OOP concepts and techniques, giving you a solid foundation for a future career in computing. There’s also a strong focus on sustainability, as you consider resource-conscious software solutions to reduce energy consumption and waste.

Introduction to data modelling

Discover how to work with data in this exciting module. You’ll analyse the key concepts of SQL, such as relations, keys and normalisation, through the design and implementation of relational databases, ensuring you have a solid understanding of database design principles.

Big data technologies

Data mining and machine learning

Database systems and management

Level 5

Research and professional practice 2

Build the skills you need to succeed in your future computing career. Following a team-based project framework, you’ll choose a team project that aligns with specific attributes that fit with your chosen topic. That way, you’ll develop a strong understanding of various professional competencies and ethical standards in project development.

Introduction to data science

Did you know data science plays a key role in medicine, climate science and business analytics? Discover the fundamental concepts of this rapidly growing field as you explore key tools and techniques, as well as ways to analyse both textual and numerical data. By the end, you’ll have developed strong analytical skills and be ready to explore various application domains where data science is relevant.

Computer security

Gain a thorough introduction to cybersecurity with this informative module. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, you’ll explore cryptography, user authentication, operating system security, malware forensics and more, ensuring you’re well prepared for a career in this sector.

Introduction to AI

Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing area, and this module offers an introduction to all facets of AI. You’ll explore the methodologies and techniques of search algorithms, knowledge representation and learning mechanisms – as well as the role of AI in computer games and robotics. And at the end, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of systems built upon interacting intelligent acts.

Linear programming

Data engineering

Data visualisation and communication

Cloud computing for data science

Level 6

Information retrieval

Discover how to design energy-efficient information retrieval (IR) systems in this inspiring module. You’ll learn all about the theoretical foundations of IR systems – such as text processing, indexing and querying – while considering how to minimise the carbon footprint of digital information processing during design and development. That way, you’ll have a strong understanding of the role of IR systems in building environmentally responsible systems that drive social and economic value.

Natural language processing

How do computer programs perform everyday language tasks? Find out in this exciting module. You’ll be introduced to the three fundamental concepts of natural language processing (NLP): understanding the structure and grammar of language; considering language processing tasks that are simple for humans but challenging for computers; and using intelligent computing techniques to solve these challenges.

Applied statistics

Data ethics and leadership

Data warehousing and business intelligence

Capstone project

Learn how to keep computer networks safe from cyber-attacks in this informative module. You’ll begin by exploring the principles, techniques and tools used to secure computer networks – before moving on to network analysis, threat assessment and cryptographic approaches, and how these apply to real-life scenarios.

• Explore a range of programming, language processing and data mining techniques.
• Develop your research and analytical skills.
• Gain the support and guidance of experienced tutors.
• Study with a top 25 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2025).
• We were rated Gold in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Learning Rankings 2024.

Learning and assessments

The course is delivered via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), enabling you to study at your own pace with 24/7 access to study materials. Lectures take place in the form of multimedia lecturecasts comprising of video, audio, text, infographics and multiple questions to provide you with an interactive study experience.

Even though you’ll be learning remotely, you'll have the opportunity to engage with your classmates and tutors through seminars and live Q&A sessions. There are no exams as the assessments are conducted in the form of written assignments, discussion forum participation, reflective journal entries and group work accessed via our VLE.