Students working on laptop
DC123

Data Science

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC123
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Delivery Mode:
Full-time
Minimum Points
499
Duration:
4 yr
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5936

Fancy a career as a professional problem solver, investigator and storyteller? That’s exactly what a data scientist is. 

Overview

Overview Icon

From retail and sports science to journalism and fintech, data scientists are increasingly at the heart of business and government. Whether it’s enabling product recommendations or helping a sports team decide what player to buy next, data science can unlock the secrets of any sector.

If you like maths, creative problem solving and collaborative work, data science could really appeal to you. This course sits at the intersection of computer science, maths and business, enabling you to understand what is possible with cutting-edge technology such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

Become a skilled communicator
Not only will you learn programming skills and advanced maths so you can analyse and find trends in real world data, but you’ll also gain the communication skills to convey these insights to audiences who’ll appreciate the value of your analysis. You’ll study mathematics, statistics, programming, computational linguistics, computational modelling, cloud technologies, innovation and so much more. 

In third year, you’ll get to complete a nine-month INTRA work placement and also have the chance to study abroad. And after you graduate? Almost every industry is crying out for data scientists, data engineers and AI data scientists, so the career opportunities following this course are boundless.

DCU People

Brian Cafferty
Brian Cafferty
Student

Hi my name is Brian Cafferty and I am a 3rd year Data Science student here in DCU.


Read more about Brian Cafferty
Jane Adkins
Jane Adkins
Student

I have just completed my final year of studying data science at DCU, and it has been an exceptional journey.


Read more about Jane Adkins
Profile picture of George Dockrell
George Dockrell
Alumni

(Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile) 


Read more about George Dockrell
Profile picture of Caoimhe Duignan
Caoimhe Duignan
Student

I chose this course because I enjoyed maths in secondary school and I felt that I could handle a maths-heavy degree.


Read more about Caoimhe Duignan

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Icon

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of H3 in Mathematics.

 

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level B Mathematics 

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Applicants that have completed at least one year of study at NFQ Level 6, 7 or 8 at another institution may apply to continue their studies on a similar programme at DCU. There should be substantial overlap in content between the two programmes to be considered for a transfer. Results and other supporting documentation must be submitted to CAO by the closing date of 1st July. This is a competitive application process for a small quota of advanced entry places. Offers are made on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is advised. Please note: Applicants should also consider applying through the appropriate route for first year entry to the programme they are interested in. This application process is only for advanced entry.

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. Click here for further information on international applications.

Course Structure

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The DCU BSc in Data Science combines the three key skill sets of computing, mathematics and enterprise to provide the core knowledge needed to succeed in this growing area.  The course will introduce students to the major concepts in data analytics, management, processing, modelling, visualisation and enterprise.  Partnering with industry provides opportunities to engage with real-world problems and data sets. You will learn to program, to study mathematics and learn to apply these skills to data from the real world, communicating the results to different audiences.  

For more information on the programme content visit www.datascience.dcu.ie.

 

  • Computer Systems
  • Computer Programming I
  • Computer Programming II
  • Data Science and Databases
  • Introduction to R
  • Linear Mathematics I
  • Linear Mathematics II
  • Probability 1
  • Calculus and its Applications
  • Developing Internet Applications 
  • Computer Programming 3 (Data Structure & Algebra)
  • Computer Programming 4 (Object Oriented Prog)
  • Data Warehousing and OLAP
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Data Processing and Visualisation 
  • Programming for Data Analysis
  • Calculus of Several Variables 
  • Statistics I
  • Statistics II
  • INTRA (8 month paid work experience)

Optional Modules:

  • Data Exploration Using Graph Theory
  • Application Domains 1
  • Software Eng: Building Better Software
  • Professional & Research Practice for Data Sci
  • Search Technologies
  • SEMESTER ONE ABROAD
  • Advanced Machine Learning
  • Application Domains 2
  • Final Year Project 
  • Data at Speed and Scale
  • Natural Language Technologies 
  • Building Complex Computational Models
  • Applications Domains 3

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution.
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee.
€16,000 per annum

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

 

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 6th November to 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What is Data Science?

Data Science is the study of information - where it comes from and the patterns it forms. Data scientists turn this information into a resource for businesses and governments. Students on this programme learn the skills necessary to solve a wide range of problems.

In DCU you will learn theory in maths, statistics, programming, and cloud technologies. There is a huge demand for Data Science graduates.

 

I am interested in studying Data Science and was wondering if the course has a work placement module?

All of the courses in the School of Computing (Data Science, Computer Science and Computing) have a paid work placement. Data Science students go on work placements for  9 months in third year. 

Data Science students liaise with the DCU INTRA office to organise a suitable placement that is relevant to their programme of study. In the past, many students have been hired by their work placement companies post-graduation. It is a wonderful learning experience and gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice.  

 

Do I need to know how to programme before entering this course?

Students do not require any past programming experience, as all first-year modules are taught at an introductory level. During our courses, you’ll learn coding and programming, and get to grips with databases, operating systems and networks. HTML, CSS, CSS3, Python and Javascript are examples of programming languages taught throughout the course.