Data Science & Analytics
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. Our BSc in Data Science & Analytics degree at UCC provides education in data storage, manipulation and interpretation using mathematical sciences and computational methods which assists us in solving complex real-world problems.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H3 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths H3
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
UCC awards the following points to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules:
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
While Link Modules are counted for point scoring purposes they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry requirements.
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
As a data science graduate, you will have studied computer science, statistics, mathematics and applied mathematics, which qualifies you to progress to numerous taught and research-led Masters or PhD programmes in Mathematical Sciences or Computer Science. Programmes to consider in UCC include:
MSc Computing Science
MSc Actuarial Science
MSc Financial & Computational Mathematics
MSc Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
MSc Mathematical Modelling & Machine Learning
MSc Statistics (by research)
Career Opportunities
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 World Economic Forum predicts that by 2022, data scientists and analysts will become the number one emerging role in the world. Data science experts are needed in virtually every job sector, not just technology. In the US, the average data scientist salary is US$113,000, according to Glassdoor. (World Economic Forum 2020)
Practically all sectors of the economy employ Data Scientists. The following list provides some insight into sectors and 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
Further information
Approximate Available Places 3
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 35
Entry 2025
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2025 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2025 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2025 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2025 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2025 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2025 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2025. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2025, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2025 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2025 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2025 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Course Outline
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.
Our BSc in Data Science & Analytics degree at UCC provides education in data storage, manipulation and interpretation using mathematical sciences and computational methods which assists us in solving 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 the Spring of third year, you undertake a six-month work placement (which is paid in most cases), providing an opportunity to apply the knowledge you have learned in a workplace 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.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Work Placement
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. Usually you will complete your third-year examinations in December, return to campus for an 8 week semester in January, and then go on work placement from March to August (inclusive).
The placement helps you put academic theories into practice, improves your confidence, allowing you to travel and gain experience, and certainly increases your employability. 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.
Year 1 Modules
CS1106 Introduction to Relational Databases (5 credits)
CS1112 Foundations of Computer Science I (5 credits)
CS1113 Foundations of Computer Science II (5 credits)
CS1117 Introduction to Programming (15 credits)
AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)
MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
ST1050 Statistical Programming in R (5 credits)
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Plus 5 credits from the following:
AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
ST1401 Introduction to Operations Research (5 credits)
Professor Gregory Provan
bsc_dsacoordinator@cs.ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 420 5892
http://www.ucc.ie/en/compsci
Luke Kelly
LKelly@ucc.ie