About Data Science And Analytics (bsc (hons)) in University College Cork

Data Science & Analytics focuses on new ways to capture and understand data from the world around us.  It helps us make better decisions for people, communities and industry. The BSc in Data Science & Analytics at UCC provides an education in data storage, manipulation and interpretation using mathematical sciences and computational methods which assists us solve complex real-world problems. In the first and second year, you will study the mathematical and computational foundations of data science and analytics. During the third year, you begin applying the fundamentals of data science and analytics to real life problems and data. In Spring of third year, you undertake a six-month work placement (paid in most cases) providing an opportunity to apply the knowledge you have learnt in a work-place environment. In the fourth year, you choose specialised modules and undertake an independent project, which enables you to investigate more applied elements of the discipline. Firms specialising in analytics, financial services and consulting, and governmental agencies to name but a few are currently seeking graduates with data analytics skills to fill a range of positions.

The BSc DSA at UCC is one of two such programmes being offered in Ireland and amongst a dozen offered worldwide. 

This programme will suit you if have an aptitude for mathematics, logic and computational thinking, an enquiring mind and a willingness to adapt.

The degree is jointly offered by the School of Computer Science and Information Technology and the Department of Statistics, UCC and is closely associated with Insight – the Centre for Data Analytics, which is a national SFI centre. UCC has expertise in both statistics and computer science that is second to none.

Graduates of the UCC BSc in Data Science and Analytics have vast opportunities in a wide variety of industries as there is a high global demand for graduates with data science expertise. Almost all sectors of the economy and community need to understand the enormous data sets available.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The BSc Data Science & Analytics aims to ensure that you are work-ready. Work placement is a core module undertaken from Spring until August in Year 3.

To find a placement organisation, you will work with the Careers Service; they will help you with interviews and keep in contact with you during placement. Working in a company setting provides you with additional skills that cannot be taught through lectures or in the laboratory. During placement, you will work as part of a team to solve real problems. Your placement is jointly monitored by a UCC academic staff member and an employee of the company.

Skills and Careers Information

Job prospects are buoyant:

Gradates of Data Scientist are the most highly recruited degree according to InfoWorld, 2017.

• Top in salary

• Top in job satisfaction

• Demand will only increase

IBM Predicts Demand for Data Scientists Will Soar 28% By 2020 (Forbes, May 2017)

Practically all sectors of the economy employ Data Scientists.  The following list provides some insight into sectors/companies that use such skills.

Banking e.g. AIB, BoI, Central Bank, Citi

Energy e.g. Bord Gas, Electric Ireland

Financial Services e.g. Elavon, Pramerica

Food & Agriculture e.g. Kerry, Glanbia

Gaming e.g. Paddy Power, Xanadu, Betbright

Government e.g. CSO, Revenue, HSE

Health e.g. HSE, HIQA, Optum

Insurance e.g. Allianz, Aviva, Aon

Management Consultancy e.g. EY, PWC, FTI Consulting, Deloitte, Accenture, Clarion, KPMG

Marketing, Media & Communication e.g. Core Media, Vodafone, Eir, 3

Pharmaceutical e.g. Abbott, Novartis, Regeneron, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer

Research e.g. ESRI, Universities, Insight

Retail e.g. Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Super Valu, Amazon, Wayfair

Software e.g. SAS, SPSS

Sport e.g. Munster Rugby, GAA, RTE, Sky Sports

Technology e.g. IBM, EMC, HP, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Dell, Facebook, Intel, Version 1

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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