Data Science (Graduate Apprenticeship) BSc (Hons)



WORK, EARN and LEARN. Study towards a degree in Data Science while in paid, full-time employment

Overview

The purpose of this Graduate Apprenticeship is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to make a valuable contribution in the field of Data Science.

Graduates will receive a grounding in fundamental software development before specialising in the emerging field of Data Science. Topics will include: statistics, data analytics, data engineering, visualisation, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Throughout, graduates will obtain the requisite underpinning of technical knowledge, combined with key capabilities in data governance and the application of ethics, with a focus on well-rounded professional skills and behaviours.

Student looking through interactive glasses

Mode of Study:

Part-time

Duration:

4 years

Course details

Graduates will develop abilities across the core and emerging areas of data science including: statistical techniques, data analytics, data engineering, as well as machine learning and artificial intelligence. They will gain the requisite underpinning technical knowledge combined with key capabilities in data governance and the application of ethics, and well-rounded professional skills and behaviours.

A key part of the Data Science GA is that each of the eight key content areas are combined to deliver a holistic learning experience. These are:

  • Data Management
  • Data Analytics
  • Statistical Techniques
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Engineering
  • Business Insights Through Data Science
  • Data Protection and Ethics
  • Data Science Professional Skills and Behaviours

As a Graduate Apprentice you will study for your honours degree alongside your work-based apprenticeship position and have the support of both Edinburgh Napier staff and your workplace. This unique combination offers an integrated experience, where practical skills and knowledge gained during the university days can be embedded in your working practices from an early stage; while the skills learned directly in the workplace are aligned with and can be applied to coursework and assessment.  
  

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     The programme is delivered over a full calendar year on a day release basis – weekly in years 1 and 2, monthly in years 3 and 4.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

     Mixture of practical assignments, exams, group projects and work-based learning.
  • briefcase

    Work placement

     You will be a full-time employee for the duration of the programme.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Information Systems in Organisations
  • Software Development 1
  • Mathematics for Software Engineering
  • Introduction to Human Computer Interaction
  • Computer Systems
  • Professional Practice 1: Work-Based Project

Year 2 

  • Object Oriented Software Development
  • Database Systems
  • Software Engineering Methods
  • Scripting for Data Science
  • Professional Practice 2: Work –Based Project

Year 3

  • Data Analytics
  • Algorithms and Data Structures 
  • Interactive Data Visualisation
  • Professional Practice 3: Work-Based Project

Year 4

  • Data Wrangling
  • Information Security and Society
  • Data Management and Processing
  • Honours Project: Work-Based Project

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.


SQA Higher

Standard Entry Requirements

BBBB including Computing or maths plus Nat 5 English at C. Nat 5 Maths at C is also required if not taken at Higher.

You may be given an Offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. For further information see our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

BBC including Computing or Maths plus GCSE English at C/4.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & Funding

Graduate Apprenticeships are fully funded through Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), and supported by Skills Development Scotland. Once you have been offered a Graduate Apprenticeship place, you should apply to SAAS for funding, who will pay your tuition fees directly to the university. There are no associated learning costs to the Graduate Apprenticeship employer.

All Graduate Apprenticeship applicants must meet SAAS eligibility and residence conditions to apply. Visit the SAAS website for more information.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.