BSc Data Science (Placement Year)
About this course
BSc Hons in Data Science (Placement Year), a mathematics and statistics degree focused on computational methods and data-driven analysis. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems, Control Systems, Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Human Behaviour, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Design & Creative Practice. The course includes a compulsory professional placement year in industry prior to the final year, and culminates in a substantial individual project undertaken in collaboration with an academic supervisor. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Designing Software Systems, Digital Systems, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Matrices and Calculus, Probability and Statistics, and Software Development. In the second year, students build further competence through compulsory studies including HCI: Designing for People, Multivariate Probability and Statistics, Project Skills, and Secure Data and Systems, alongside optional modules covering areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering. The third year is spent on a professional placement role in industry. The final year centres on the Third Year Project (Data Science), supported by a wide variety of advanced optional modules spanning Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Medical Statistics, and Quantum Computing.
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. This should include Mathematics grade A or Further Mathematics grade A. IB: 36 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 47 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 62%
- Working and studying: 16%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 2%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Finance Professionals: 15%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 40%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 8%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 14%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Designing Software Systems
- Digital Systems
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Matrices and Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
- Software Development
- HCI: Designing for People
- Multivariate Probability and Statistics
- Project Skills
- Secure Data and Systems
- Applied Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Extended Reality
- Internet Applications
- Algorithms
- Applied Security Methods
- Data Engineering
- Sustainable Computing
- Placement
- Third Year Project (Data Science)
- Advanced Programming
- Changepoint and Time Series Analysis
- Computer Science Education
- Computer Vision
- Digital Health
- Environmental Statistics
- Languages and Compilation
- Machine Learning
- Medical Statistics
- Natural Language Processing
- Quantum Computing
- Secure Artificial Intelligence
- Secure Cyber Physical Systems
- Secure Distributed Systems
- Statistical Inference
- Statistical Learning and Prediction
- Stochastic Processes
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Data Science (Placement Year) at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £40,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £50,000. The £40,000 median after five years is £3,000 less than the UK median for Statistics.
What do graduates of BSc Data Science (Placement Year) at Lancaster University do next?
94% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Data Science (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
91% 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 (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
Does BSc Data Science (Placement Year) at Lancaster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Data Science (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.