Course details

Summary

Organizations increasingly need to process large volumes of digital data, from personal medical histories, to socio-economic statistics, to internet trends. Data scientists are one of the newest professions to come from this demand for effective storage, maintenance and use of 'big data'. Graduates with modern technical knowledge of computing systems and statistical simulation are needed to process information in a range of industries.

Data Science combines mathematics with technology innovation and practical results. You will study at the forefront of modern practices and issues in the digital world, including ethics and security of data, strategy development and statistical programming.

With such a wide range of industry applications and career opportunities, Data Science has been identified as one of the most essential and employable skills of the twenty-first century.

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) will extend your knowledge in multiple interest areas, satisfying many questions you may have about the world and encouraging you to investigate even further.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• a minimum of 255 points of Science courses
• the remaining 105 points can be from either Science courses or courses from other degrees.
• At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

Many students combine the study of a BSc with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Laws. If you are considering a double degree you should get advice from the College of Science Student Advisor or the Liaison Office.

Recent graduates have found work all over New Zealand and the world, from Auckland to Melbourne, California to Antarctica. Many have found careers in the public service, the tourism industry, private companies dealing with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the police, local authorities, and in education.

Recommended preparation

Year 13 studies in math’s, statistics or computing will give you a good background for your first-year courses, however these are not essential to major in Data Science.

Career opportunities

Graduates of Data Science will find their knowledge is in high demand, as there is a global shortage of expertise to support the steady growth in data collection and digitization.

Graduates will find employment in business and technology sectors as data scientists, data advisors, data/analytics consultants, and insight analysts.

Data Science graduates will also have a background in project implementation, research, critical analysis and problem solving, and communication skills discussing and explaining data findings, all of which are useful skills in a number of careers.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.