Data Science and Analytics

Data science and analytics has emerged as one of the defining fields of the early twenty-first century, as organisations across every sector recognise that the ability to extract meaningful insight from large and complex datasets is central to effective decision-making. The volume of data generated globally has grown at a rate that few predicted even a decade ago, and the skills needed to work with it effectively, combining statistical reasoning, programming, machine learning, and domain knowledge, are in high demand. At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year full-time degree develops those capabilities in a rigorous and applied way.

You will study the mathematical and statistical foundations of data analysis, including probability, regression, and inference, alongside programming in languages such as Python and R, database management, machine learning techniques, and data visualisation. The degree does not treat data science as a purely technical exercise but develops your ability to communicate findings to non-specialist audiences and to think critically about the limitations and ethical implications of algorithmic and statistical approaches. A sandwich year gives you an extended period in professional practice, and a year abroad is also built into the programme for those who wish to experience data science in an international context.

Work placements are integrated throughout. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Data science and analytics graduates are sought after across finance, healthcare, logistics, retail, government, the technology industry, and social research, among many other sectors. The combination of quantitative skills, programming ability, and the capacity to translate data into actionable insight makes this one of the most versatile and marketable graduate profiles available. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in data science, machine learning, statistics, or domain-specific applications, building specialist expertise on top of the broad foundations the degree provides.