BSc Data Science (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Year 1

You will be introduced to basic principles of programming and computation.

You will learn how information can be represented and processed in computer systems, as well as fundamental techniques to manage data and solve problems using computer programs.

The year also includes courses in mathematics necessary for all areas of data science. Together these form the foundations of more in-depth study of data science in future years.

After completing Year 1, your summer will be spent working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) with time to reflect on applying your learning to the workplace.

Year 2

You will cover more advanced mathematics, programming and data structures.

You will develop greater understanding of algorithms, learning from data, and mathematics.

Option courses include a variety of subjects from different schools across the University.

After completing Year 2, your summer will be spent working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) with time to reflect on applying your learning to the workplace and continue your professional development.

Year 3

You will spend Semester 1 on campus and your studies will become more focused.

You will choose specialised courses, according to your own interests, from a range of options in mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence.

Coursework assignments typically provide you with experience in practical work, independent problem solving, and group work. Your exact curriculum depends on your selected courses. Options offered include courses in the mathematics and statistics of data science, machine learning, algorithms, databases, and AI.

After Semester 1 you will work from January to August at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) before starting Year 4. During this work period you will be jointly assessed by PWC and the University. This will contribute to your final transcript.

Year 4

In Semester 1 you will choose from a number of advanced course options in mathematics, artificial intelligence and computer science to build a portfolio according to your interests.

Year 4 includes an individual industry-based honours project during Semester 2, where you will learn to develop a viable project starting from a given topic. You will have PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) guidance in selecting your project and a supervisor to guide you.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2019/20)

Our facilities

In Years 1 and 2 you will study at the University full-time during the academic year and work at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) during the summer.

In Years 3 and 4, you will spend one semester each year at the University and work at PwC the rest of the time.

Placements

During your periods of work-based learning, you will be productively employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and will play an active, and valued, part on project teams and make meaningful contributions to fee-earning client projects.

You will be equipped with the opportunity to apply your learning in a challenging but fully supported environment.

PwC has a client base ranging from local to multinational and global companies, across all sectors and industries.

How will I learn?

This programme combines traditional university study with working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) (incorporating work-based learning).

In Years 1 and 2 you will study at the University full-time during the academic year and work at PwC during the summer.

There will be a number of workshops and contact sessions throughout the programme to keep you in touch with both the University and PwC and to help you progress both professionally and academically.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by coursework assignments, larger projects and exams. Some project work will be undertaken individually and some together with other students.

You will complete a large individual project in your final year.

You will also complete two periods of assessed work-based learning, totalling 12 months, at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

If you successfully complete the programme and achieve a 2:1 (second class, upper division), you will have the opportunity to progress your career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA - AAAB (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - AAB.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A. National 5s: English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A. GCSEs: English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 6. SL: English at 5.

Additional requirements

Applicants who meet the academic entry requirements for this degree will then have to complete the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) selection process which includes a series of online assessments, a video interview and a final assessment event which will be held at the PwC offices in London.

Please note PwC will cover 'reasonable expenses' for those attending the London assessment event.

This programme is only available to applicants who don't require a visa to study in the UK.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• SQA Standard Grade at 3
• SQA Intermediate 1 at A
• SQA Intermediate 2 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic module overall 6.5 with 5.5 in each component
• TOEFL-iBT 92 or above with 20 in each section. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• Cambridge English: Advanced or Proficiency overall 176 with 162 in each component
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BSc Data Science (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Additional costs

Throughout the programme you will have a paid contract of apprenticeship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), as well as being a fully matriculated University student. You will not be liable for tuition fees.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Informatics Teaching Organisation
• Email: ito@inf.ed.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5194
• Web: Computer Science (Informatics) website
• International enquiries