
Computer and Data Science - Nepal delivery - BSc (Hons)
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Do you want to develop the skills needed to be a leading computing professional for the 21st century? Skills development in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence tops the list of four grand challenges facing the British industry as per the Industrial Strategy of the government....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date January 2023
- School School of Computing and Digital Technology
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
Do you want to develop the skills needed to be a leading computing professional for the 21st century? Skills development in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence tops the list of four grand challenges facing the British industry as per the Industrial Strategy of the government. To respond to this national call - inspired by a global demand for these skills - BSc Computer and Data Science produces Computer Science graduates who specialise in the most modern methods on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Data Visualisation and a wide range of tools for evaluating, storing, integrating and processing data to deliver high-value software solutions to the challenges faced by the modern economy.
Also, to give you a solid foundation in Computer Science, this course shares a common first year with the Computer Science programme, and teaches computer programming, computer architecture, algorithms and data structures, network fundamentals and website design, all the while nurturing your creativity. In the second and third year the course continues to teach vital topics from Computer Science such as software engineering, cyber security and databases.
As a result you can apply for job titles including the terms Computer Science, Software Engineer, Software Developer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and Artificial Intelligence.
You’ll gain a well-rounded education in Computer and Data Science, whilst developing your teamwork and software development skills. This is because you will work collaboratively with academics and businesses, applying practice-based skills to real-life case studies and projects.
While studying your Computer and Data Science degree with us, you’ll also have access to dedicated industry-standard facilities in a fully equipped lab running the latest software. Plus, we’re home to a Cisco Systems and a Microsoft Academy Centre, so you can rest assured knowing our university course will prepare you for a successful career in the industry.
What's covered in this course?
In your first year you will share a common first year with the BSc Computer Science course. The first year covers fundamental concepts, such as computer programming, algorithms and data structures, computer systems, website development, and network fundamentals while also nurturing your creativity with an innovation project. In your second year, you will consolidate your learning by studying four Computer Science modules and two Data Science specific modules. The Computer Science modules include advanced topics, that is, cyber security and software design, as well as critical topics, that is, object oriented programming and database & web application development.
The Data Science modules are Introduction to Data Science and Data Visualisation that introduce the lifecycle and visualisation of a data oriented project/product. In the final year you will broaden your understanding of data science by studying specialised subjects like artificial intelligence and machine learning, modern data stores, deep neural networks and, data management and machine learning operations. In addition, you will complete an individual project in order to demonstrate your technical skills and general employability in preparation for your career.
The individual project simulates typical graduate workplace tasks that require in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area of computer and data science. This will include consideration of wider issues and the ability to manage activities and resources, and to generate, implement and report on solutions to meet task objectives. During your course, you’ll have the opportunity to take a professional placement year between your second and third year. This is something we recommend highly, as it will give you an invaluable opportunity to hone your expertise, try out a potential career path and get relevant workplace experience that is valued by many employers. It will also boost your CV.
With emphasis on computer lab-based practical work and project delivery, this course will provide you with ample opportunity to acquire both the technical and transferable skills desired by industry. Extra support sessions in mathematics will be offered to students which will be led by a specialist mathematics tutor. Underpinned by an extensive range of staff knowledge and skills, the course seeks to develop you into a confident independent and team problem solver who is willing to take on new challenges and experiences.
You will be able to build an online portfolio for personal and professional development using software such as Mahara or GitHub. We focus on employability so our course encourages and enables collaborative activity, engagement with work placements, projects and international exchanges. Various activities have been built into the course to promote employability such as innovation fest, mid-semester employability week and the mini project during level 4 induction week. You will have the opportunity to take a sandwich placement year between your second and third year. This is something that is highly recommended, as it will give you an invaluable opportunity to put your skills into practice, try out a potential career path and get relevant workplace experience that is valued by so many employers. The course is also part of the Erasmus scheme, which allows you to study abroad within the EU for a semester, normally during the second year of the course.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
The course covers a breadth of topics and the newest developments using a very hands on approach.
Julian
Why Choose Us?
- Learn from industry experts - Our staff have a wide range of research and industrial experience. They are also actively involved in a range of professional associations such as the British Computer Society and the Higher Education Academy
- Strong industry links - With companies such as Oracle, Linux Professional Institute, Microsoft and Apple. This allows us to ensure that the course is up to date, relevant and respected by employers
- Become a specialist - You will learn about the international standards and regulatory frameworks to allow you to work in an ever-changing computing industry, both at a local level and a global stage
- Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT – The course meets standards set by the profession
- Optional professional placement year - You will have the opportunity to undertake professional placement in between your second and final year of study
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day this spring. It’s your chance to learn about our courses, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. Before the event we’ll post you an event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 25 March 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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T- Levels |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Additional information for EU/International students
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Jan 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
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TBC
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Jan 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
-
TBC
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Within the Computer Systems Module, you will gain knowledge and experience of computers and computer hardware.
This module presents a holistic view of how computer systems work and it also provides the underpinning knowledge required:
- for the design of computer architecture
- to show how software interacts with hardware
- to apply electronics principles
- to use number systems for computer technology
This module provides the underpinning skills necessary to develop an effective web based information system based around a clear understanding of the visual requirements of an interface, a structured design approach and the technical skills necessary to implement a solution.
Data structures and algorithms are essential in computer science, software engineering, and computer games and graphics programming. Data structures are structured representations of data; the design of a data structure determines how operations (such as reading to, writing from, modifying, or computing with the data) can be achieved. An algorithm is a set of instructions which can be followed in order to solve a computational problem.
This first-year project allows you to develop and cultivate a creative mind-set through collaborative innovative practice, allowing you to bring together knowledge and imagination to construct a viable product. It is an opportunity to express your ideas, skills and talent to the wider community of innovative practice.
The project provides you with an opportunity to be part of a thriving community of innovators that practices connected learning. This is facilitated by putting you into inter-disciplinary project teams supported by innovation mentors, advisors and academics; culminating in you exhibiting your work to an international panel of experts.
This introductory computer programming module provides the underpinning knowledge and practice for computing students to design, build and test software components. The module will make use of practical sessions primarily to allow you to apply programming principles and constructs in order to creatively solve problems by means of developing small programs. Module content and assessment enables learners to acquire programming skills in a modern imperative language.
The module provides the opportunity to learn and critically reflect the skills required in building and designing basic networks and their requirements within a network infrastructure. This module builds on the underpinning knowledge and theory of networking systems.
The module consists of:
- Subject specific lectures/laboratory sessions to introduce knowledge and skills relevant to network and information systems, along with communication architecture
- Lectures/laboratory sessions to introduce principles and techniques for information communication within a network and ensuring effective communication
- Global view on information system communication.
Year two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Programming is an engineering tool that plays a vital role to drive most of the modern technologies surrounding us, including the technological devices for communication, transportation and entertainment. In other words it can be said that our modern lifestyles are heavily dependent on programming.
Moreover, businesses increasingly rely on computers and the software run on them. Programming skills and a broader and deeper understanding of programming are therefore becoming increasingly important to the jobs market.
The vast majority of web applications are connected to databases for the purpose of storing and retrieving information. On this module you will be introduced to relevant concepts and technologies, applying them to the development of such applications. You will gain knowledge and skills concerning data modelling (entity-relationship models) and relational database implementation and administration (using SQL).
You will also acquire new programming skills (e.g., writing server-side scripts in PHP) in order to produce applications that provide useful functionality. You will also gain practical experience in the use of web frameworks to develop web applications to enhance your employability skills.
Data applicable to organisational bodies for decisions making process are increasing rapidly. Automation of tracking, the increase of new data types (e.g., social media, audio, and video), improved storage of electronic records, re-use of administrative records, and the outburst of modelling data have all amplified the availability of data. However, making full use of these data requires not only right storage and but also advanced analytical capabilities.
Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that deals with technologies, processes, and systems to extract knowledge and insight from data and supports reasoning and decision making under various sources of uncertainty. The goal of Introduction to Data Science is to teach students how to answer questions with data.
The module will enable students to conduct computational investigations needed for vital decisions and prediction of new trends and at the same time enhance students’ employability skills.
Computer Scientists need to address the realities of the application of their field within an environment where cyber security threats present unique challenges to application and system developers, in relation to the requirement for secure design and operation. This module provides a foundation for security consideration as required in the design of software expected to perform within a networked and data sharing environment. This module has been designed to provide the necessary theoretical framework, foundations and practical support for effectively pursuing security solutions with reference to the requirement for secure application development.
This module is about software engineering with a focus on software design. It covers three stages of the software engineering life-cycle, requirements, design and implementation, but with a focal point on design and an emphasis on the design theme.
The module provides the necessary skills to:
- construct models of requirements and designs,
- synthesise implementations from design models,
- apply software design patterns.
The standard UML is used as the modelling language, the vehicle through which important design concepts are explored to convey a software engineering ethos based on getting it right by adequately studying the problem and mindfully constructing designs of software solutions.
The aim of this module is to identify, apply and design data visualisations. The module provides you with the fundamental principles and practice-based activities needed to design data visualisations for different contexts and different types of data. More advanced visualisation concepts and tools for analysing multi-dimensional data and large data sets will also be examined and appraised.
You will learn how to employ visualisation as a tool that can help users understand large and/or complex data sets. Finally, upon completing the module, you should be able to decide on the best visualisation for the data and research question at hand, and then implement in the best way possible.
Professional Placement Year (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Computer and Data Science with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 6 modules listed below as well as the following Level 5 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace
Final year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a core component of computer science, aiming at developing intelligent agents that mimic human’s cognitive capability in learning, reasoning, and problem solving.
As a branch of AI, machine learning (ML) allows to create software that adapts and learns (from examples), rather than being explicitly programmed for a particular outcome. Both AI and ML rely on managing, processing and analysis of large datasets, something that Data Science (DS) is concerned with. Many services provided by technology giants such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, Amazon, etc. are powered by DS, ML and AI. The recent advances in these subjects have already led to significant industrial applications such as self-driving cars and Industry 4.0.
This module will introduce Data Management techniques through a combination of practice-based activities and theoretical discussions associated with real world issues a Data Science team might encounter. This will be further enhanced by reviewing how MLOps can be used to enhance the capability of organisations through the deployment of Machine Learning systems in a production setting.
You will gain knowledge pertaining to the application of Data Management and MLOps techniques through practical experience, theory in practice and by exploring ‘real world’ issues via a range of software tools. In addition, you will learn about relevant ethical and legal issues associated with security and privacy when storing large amounts of data, particularly when it relates to personal information.
Deep learning (also called deep neural network) is a sub-field of Artificial Intelligence(AI), aiming at extracting knowledge automatically from large data sets in a hierarchical way.
Deep learning, which is considered as the state-of-the-art in data science and AI, is inspired by the structure of human brain. Now well established and accepted in industry, deep learning provides both predictive and descriptive analytics solutions that can be applied to a wide range of applications from business to scientific and governmental applications.
This module will introduce NoSQL databases and distributed data storage frameworks through practice based activities. Through guided hands-on tutorials, you will become familiar with techniques using non-structured and semi-structured data examples. Also, you will gain knowledge on managing and processing data in a distributed infrastructure. This course will improve your development skills and provide experience with many different data systems.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Download course specification
Download nowKnowledge and understanding are acquired though a mixture of formal lectures, tutor-led seminars and practical activities, with other independent learning activities at all stages.
Emphasis is placed on guided, self-directed and student-centred learning, aimed at giving you increasing independence of approach, thought and process.
The course provides access to effective commercial development environments and ensures you have practical awareness of computer systems requirements. You are required to meet strict deadlines, and to manage and plan your overall workload.
Knowledge is assessed by a number of methods, including seminars, coursework, viva, presentation, interactive automated assessment, formal examination and project work.
Assessment criteria are published both at a generic course level and to provide guidance for individual items of assessment. Anonymous marking systems are in place for all formal examinations.
You will undertake a major project involving research and application of that research in the solution of systems-related problems.
Attendance requirements
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
This course is accredited by the following organisations:
Our accreditations from these bodies show employers that you have the level of knowledge and skills they need when you graduate.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Engineering Council Accredited Degree
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Our graduates typically design and implement software across such rewarding areas as web development, interface design, security issues and mobile computing.
We know that employers are looking for graduates who offer a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, which is why our course is geared towards employability.
What you learn on our course will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role and because you’ll know how to use sophisticated, industry-standard equipment and software, you will be able to demonstrate that you can put into practice your deep theoretical knowledge.
You will be taught about the roles and responsibilities of a professional working within the computing and data science professions, and gain an appreciation of the social, environmental, ethical, economic and commercial considerations that impact on computer and data science solutions.
We will also prepare you for a career by equipping you with myriad transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving expertise, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member.
In addition, our specialist industry links with the Linux Professional Institute, the Oracle Academy, Cisco, and Microsoft, Apple, and Oracle, plus our world-class facilities, will mark you out as a highly employable graduate.
It’s why our graduates have gone on to pursue computing and software development and designer careers in a wide range of industries, from SME software companies, to industry, government, banking, and healthcare.
The ‘Learning Outcomes’ for this course didn’t really mention employability so this is largely based on the Computer Science web page
Further Study
Successful completion of the course can open up opportunities for employment in IT industry, but you may think to continue your studies at postgraduate level, studying a computer science subject in greater detail by means of MSc or PhD. The most common Masters to proceed onto would be MSc Business Intelligence or MSc Big Data Analytics.
Although postgraduate study may appear essential for a career in academia, recent statistical evidence shows that it can also be useful for a range of other careers. For example, in 2014 the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills noted that someone with a Master’s degree earns on average £9,000 more per year than someone with a degree qualification.
According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (2014) observation, one in seven jobs will require a postgraduate qualification by 2022. All these facts indicate the contribution of postgraduate study to employability is increasingly significant.
Placements
We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and, as part of your Computer and Data Science course, you have the option of undertaking an industrial placement after the second year of study.
If you decide to do this, it will extend the duration of your course to four years.
Thanks to our excellent partnerships and working relationships with some of the UK’s leading companies, you have the chance of undertaking a high-quality industrial placement with leading organisations such as IBM, Dignity Plc, Mortgage Brain, and Griffiths-Waite.
Learn more about some of the prestigious organisations that our students are placed with:
Full details can be found on the School placements page.
International
We've developed a wide range of educational partnerships across the world, making it easier for you to apply to study with us.
The academic collaboration between Sunway College and BCU offers graduate students numerous opportunities and exposure in the international market.
Facilities & Staff
This course is delivered by Sunway College. For more information, please visit the Sunway College website.