Bachelor of Data Science
BDataSc
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Science
- Master of Applied Data Science
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Science
- Master of Applied Data Science
Download Brochure
Overview
Data is used by organisations of all sizes to make better decisions. In this degree, you will learn how to analyse and interpret data to inform decision-making and forecast trends.
With big data comes big responsibility, and you will learn the importance of data security, ethics, and strategy. You will learn skills in programming, mathematics, and statistics from experts in biology, computing, geography, linguistics, and many other fields. As a result, you will be able to contribute your diverse skillset across many cross-disciplinary fields.
A number of our research centres utilise data science, including Toi Hangarau | Geospatial Research Institute; Hangarau Tangata, Tangata Hangarau | HIT Lab NZ; Wireless Research Centre; Te Kāhui Roro Reo | NZ Institute of Language, Brain and Behaviour; and Te Pokapū Aronui ā-Matihiko | UC Arts Digital Lab.
- You will be using world-class facilities throughout your degree, including a futuristic augmented reality lab, specially designed computer and software labs, human-computer interaction spaces and equipment, makerspace and design studios, and field stations in Waitaha Canterbury.
- Choose from a variety of majors to specialise in a particular interest and industry.
- Project work in your final year will give you real world experience in applying data science to create workplace solutions.
- UC hosts a wide variety of research centres that specialise in data science, with some projects ranging from climate change prediction models in Antarctica, geospatial mapping for urban planning in rural Aotearoa New Zealand, VR simulation training systems for firefighters, wireless sensor networking and Internet of Things (IoT) for unmanned vehicles, digitally archiving earthquake cultural history, and monitoring language acquisition in children with developmental difficulties.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on gaining admission to UC please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Recommended preparation
The Bachelor of Data Science is open to all students with entry to the University.
A background in secondary school subjects such as maths, statistics, computing, and IT will be especially useful. UC offers introductory courses for students with little or no background in these areas.
Bachelor of Data Science – example degree structure
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Compulsory courses
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Major courses
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Courses from Science or other degrees
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible.
The Bachelor of Data Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:
- 195 points of compulsory Data Science core courses
- 165 points of courses towards your major.
At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 105 points at 300-level.
Each major has specific course requirements, but all consist of a minimum 165 points, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above and at least 60 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science Student Advisor (advancing students).
The Bachelor of Data Science includes core introductory courses in programming, mathematics, statistics, and computer sciences, as well as hands-on lab work and group projects.
You will also complete courses towards a major subject, completing with a final capstone project in the third year with supervision from industry.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Major subjects
Compulsory courses
All students in the BDataSc complete the following courses in each year of the degree:
100-level
- DATA 101 Introduction to Data Science
- COSC 121 Introduction to Computer Programming
- COSC 122 Introduction to Computer Science
- MATH 102 Mathematics 1A
- SCIE 101 Science, Society and Me
200-level
- DATA 201 Data Wrangling
- DATA 203 Data Science Multivariable Methods
- COSC 262 Algorithms
- PHIL 240 Bioethics: Life, Death and Medicine
- STAT 201 Applied Statistics or STAT 202 Regression Modelling
300-level
UC offers postgraduate studies in Data Science:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Master of Science
There are also specialist applied studies available:
As data increases exponentially, there is a high demand for people who can store, organise, and analyse big data for many different uses.
Roles include data scientist, data analyst, data architect, solutions architect, business analyst, information technology consultant, statistician, marketing analyst, and other IT or software engineering related positions.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
Contact us
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).