Computer Science (Data Science and AI) with Industrial Placement BSc (Hons)

Data and artificial intelligence are changing how organisations understand problems. 

They are also changing how they make decisions and build technology. This degree combines a strong foundation in computer science with specialist study in data science and AI.

You'll begin by developing core computing skills. These will include programming, algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases and software engineering. This gives you a technical foundation to understand how data and intelligent systems work as part of wider computing systems.

As you progress, you'll learn how to analyse and visualise data. You will learn to work with the systems needed to manage it. You will also use machine learning to identify patterns and build intelligent systems.

You'll also have the opportunity to spend a year on industrial placement before your final year. You'll be responsible for securing a suitable placement. Careers support will be available to help you with your search and applications.

By the time you graduate, you'll have experience across computing, data analysis and machine learning. You will also have done substantial project work that shows your ability to apply these skills.

Build strong computing foundations

Data science and AI need more than knowing how to use the latest tools.

You'll develop skills in programming, mathematics, algorithms, databases and software development. This will give you an understanding of the computing principles behind modern data and AI systems.

You'll build applications and work with databases. You will learn how data is represented, processed and used by software before moving into more specialist areas.

Turn data into useful information

You'll learn how to take data from its raw form and turn it into evidence that can help answer questions and inform decisions.

You'll develop skills in analysing and visualising data. You will learn to identify patterns and communicate what you find. You'll also explore how data is collected, transformed, stored and managed. This will include the challenges that arise when datasets become larger and more complex.

This means understanding the whole journey from raw data to useful insight, rather than focusing on analysis alone.

Understand and develop AI

You'll explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning systems work. You will explore how they learn from data and how their performance can be evaluated.

As you progress, you'll apply machine learning techniques to increasingly complex problems. You will develop the skills needed to interpret their results critically.

You'll learn not simply how to use AI technologies. You will also learn how to understand what they are doing. This will allow you to recognise their limitations and make informed decisions about when they should be used.

Apply your data and computing skills in industry

An industrial placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in a professional environment. On placement, you will be able to apply the technical and analytical skills you've developed at Dundee.

You'll be responsible for finding and securing a suitable placement. You'll have access to careers support to help you search for opportunities and prepare your applications. However, placements are competitive and are not guaranteed.

If you secure a placement, you'll gain professional experience. This will let you see how data, software and technology are used to solve problems within an organisation.

After your placement, you'll return to Dundee to complete the final stage of your degree. You will bring back that experience into your studies and your individual project.