BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science

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The course

UCAS code
G301
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time

Contact

Got questions about this programme?

Contact our enquiries team.

Overview

Statistical data science is at the core of modern data analytics that turn data into intelligence to inform decision-making and solve challenging problems. Applications range from economics and medicine, to social and environmental sciences. This degree covers theoretical and applied elements of modern statistics, and provides training and practical experience in modelling, analysing and interpreting real data required in the economy, industry and research. The early years of the degree cover basic mathematics, probability and statistics. The final years focus on advanced specialist topics in statistical modelling, data science, machine learning, probability and stochastic processes. 95% of our graduates reported in the National Student Survey that they were satisfied overall with their Statistical Data Science degree.

Global College pathway for this degree

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Royal Statistical Society.

Course content

Year 1

Descriptive Statistics; Introduction to University Mathematics; Calculus; Statistical Science, Professional Development Planning and options from a wide choice, including economics and finance subjects.

Year 2

Statistics; Probability; Multivariable Calculus; Linear Algebra; Real Analysis; Actuarial and Financial Mathematics and options including numerical analysis and financial reporting.

Year 3

Statistical Inference; Linear and Generalised Linear Models; Stochastic Processes; Analysis of Data; Bayesian Statistics; Survival Models; Statistical Methods for Social Sciences and options from a wide choice, including actuarial and mathematics subjects.

Year 4

Time Series; Simulation and Statistical Computing; Further Statistical Methods; Special Topics in Statistical Modelling (e.g. in Epidemiology, Ecology or Finance); Foundations of Machine Learning; dissertation and options from a wide choice, including actuarial, financial and mathematics subjects.

More in-depth information on the content of the courses listed above, how they are assessed and the learning outcomes can be accessed via our current student portal.

Discover Uni course data

Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BSc (Hons) Statistical Data Science students are doing 15 months after graduating:

  • 60% are working
  • 5% are studying
  • 25% are working and studying.

Salary

  • The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £28000
  • The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £29000

Potential career paths

  • Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
  • Finance Professionals
  • Business and public service associate professionals

Entry requirements

Year 1

Standard entry requirements

  • Highers AAAB including Mathematics at A
  • A-Levels AAB - AAA including Mathematics at A
  • Int. Baccalaureate 28 points with higher level Mathematics at 6
  • BTEC DDD including sufficient Mathematics

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers ABBC including Mathematics at A
  • A-Levels ABC including Mathematics at A

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

  • live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
  • are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements

Year 2

  • Advanced Highers AAB including Mathematics at A plus excellent Highers
  • A-Levels AAA including Mathematics
  • Int. Baccalaureate 30 points with higher level Mathematics at 7
  • BTEC DDD including sufficient Mathematics 
  • Global College Successful completion of our Science with Accelerator Programme

Additional information

  • You may have the opportunity to transfer to our Malaysia Campus for one semester or for one academic year, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Learn more about campus transfer and exchange opportunities.
  • If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
  • For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualificationsmature candidates and overseas students.
  • Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
  • To find out about the difference between the 3 and 4 year honours courses, please watch our video to help you decide which route is best for your qualifications and experience so far.

English language requirements

  • The minimum requirement for English language for all our undergraduate Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics courses is IELTS 6.5. Please see our English language requirements.

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Status* Scotland England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland International**
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £18,704

* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.

** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

Additional costs

You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.

Scholarships and bursaries

Featured scholarships

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

  • Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View details about the Heriot-Watt University Bursary

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.