BSc Data Science (Defence)
About this course
BSc in Data Science (Defence), a data science (defence) degree centred on computational, statistical and mathematical methods for national security contexts. Core topics include Programming, Computer Architecture, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Project Management, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The programme integrates defence-relevant teaching, industry projects, hackathons, guest lectures, placements, and employer-led activities, supported by specialist AR, VR, XR, and sensor computer labs. The first year covers foundational principles through compulsory modules such as Programming, Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, and Fundamentals of Machine Learning. The second year advances technical capabilities with compulsory study in Machine Learning and Data Science, Team Project, Software Development, and Statistical Modelling and Inference. Students can tailor their studies during optional module selection by choosing from areas such as Computational Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, and Computer Science Research and Applications.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA - AAB. Required subjects: GCE A-Level Maths grade B. Applicants may offer A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths. IB: 36/666-34/665.
What students say
Based on about 105 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 240 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 48 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 76%
- Working and studying: 7%
- Further study: 6%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 81%
- Elementary occupations: 4%
- Engineering professionals: 3%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 3%
- Administrative occupations: 2%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- East of England: 5%
- London: 40%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 40%
Who gets in
Based on about 230 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 88%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 1%
- Foundation course: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 3%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Machine Learning
- Defence and Security
- Programming
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Computers and the Internet
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science
- Computational Mathematics
- Machine Learning and Data Science
- Team Project
- Software Development
- Database Theory and Design
- Statistical Modelling and Inference
- Data Science in Society
- Computational Intelligence
- Artificial Intelligence and Applications
- Outside the box: Computer Science Research and Applications
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Data Science (Defence) at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £40,500 after 3 years, £58,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £37,000 and £68,500. The £58,000 median after five years is £22,000 more than the UK median for Computer science.
What do graduates of BSc Data Science (Defence) at University of Exeter do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Data Science (Defence) at University of Exeter?
85% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Data Science (Defence) at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Data Science (Defence) at University of Exeter?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.