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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Data Science
Data play a vital role in every enterprise, and understanding how to use data to inform decision-making has never been more critical. This degree equips you with the skills to explore and analyse complex data sets, and to solve practical problems using applied mathematics, statistics and computing. You’ll gain a good grounding in mathematical and statistical methods that provide the foundation for data analysis. You’ll learn relevant computing skills, including machine learning and artificial intelligence elements, and gain experience using statistical software. In a world increasingly turning to data for decision-making, there’s high demand for data scientists in many sectors.
This course is accredited by:
AfDSP Accredited University logo
Royal Statistical Society logo
Institute of Mathematics & Its Applications logo
Stages 1 and 2 of this degree are the same as our Diploma of Higher Education in Data Analysis (W77). Stage 1 is the same as our Certificate of Higher Education in Data Analysis (T42).
This data science degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.
Stage 1 teaches basic statistical tools and quantitative methods alongside essential mathematical ideas and techniques, plus introduces key computing and information technology concepts.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Apr | Oct
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Apr | Oct

In Stage 2, you’ll explore fundamental statistical techniques, broaden your knowledge of modern applied statistics, and learn computational and mathematical problem-solving methods.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Analysing data (M248)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)30Oct
Practical modern statistics (M249)30Oct

In this final stage, you’ll learn how to apply statistical modelling techniques and about AI and deep neural learning. You’ll also choose from a variety of applied mathematics, statistics and computing option modules.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)30Oct
You'll choose two from:
Applications of probability (M343)30Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)30Oct

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.
Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what’s right for you.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study the following:
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Apr | Oct
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Apr | Oct
Stage 2 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Analysing data (M248)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Mathematical methods (MST224)30Oct
Practical modern statistics (M249)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)30Oct
You'll choose two from:
Applications of probability (M343)30Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct
Mathematical statistics (M347)30Oct

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

ModulesCreditsStart month
Stage 1 | Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Introducing statistics (M140)30Oct | Feb
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)30Apr | Oct
Stage 1 | Year 2
You'll study the following:
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124)30Oct | Feb
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)30Apr | Oct
Stage 2 | Year 3
You'll study the following:
Analysing data (M248)30Oct
Algorithms, data structures and computability (M269)30Oct
Stage 2 | Year 4
You'll study the following:
Mathematical methods (MST224)30Oct
Practical modern statistics (M249)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 5
You'll study the following:
Applied statistical modelling (M348)30Oct
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (TM358)30Oct
Stage 3 | Year 6
You’ll complete your degree with two from the following:
Applications of probability (M343)30Oct
Computational applied mathematics (MST374)30Oct
Data management and analysis (TM351)30Oct
Graphs, games and designs (MST368)30Oct
Interaction design and the user experience (TM356)30Oct

By studying this degree, you’ll:
You’ll be supported throughout by personal tutors, multimedia study materials, online tutorials, and regular feedback.
You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Data Science upon successful completion.
Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.
You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.
You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification; however, you must have the required mathematical skills to study the compulsory module Essential mathematics 1 (MST124), including:
Check you’re ready for MST124 and see the topics it covers.
If you don’t feel you have the required mathematical skills, you can study an additional module, Discovering mathematics (MU123), to give you the knowledge and skills you need.
Ideally, you’ll also have some basic knowledge of computing.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

6 years
£3,892*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£23,352*
That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.
Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£28,605
£28,605
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£23,352
£23,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,070
£19,070
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£15,568
£15,568
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,535
£9,535
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£7,784
£7,784
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
Qualification
Qualification
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree
Honours Degree
£28,605
£28,605
£23,352
£23,352
£5,253 (18%)
£5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,070
£19,070
£15,568
£15,568
£3,502 (18%)
£3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,535
£9,535
£7,784
£7,784
£1,751 (18%)
£1,751 (18%)
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, you'll need:
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's Fee Rules.
Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.
Learn more about this and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.
If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.
You may be eligible for:
The ability to analyse complex data sets is a much sought after skill in the modern workplace. The degree will equip you with knowledge of data analysis and modelling from statistics, applied mathematics and computer science. In addition, you'll develop important transferable skills such as communication, time management and problem solving.
Data scientists are highly sought after in virtually all work places. The use of data science in social media, online commerce and government has revolutionised the digital economy, with employers across both the public and private sectors now recruiting data scientists to identify and solve complex business problems. Data scientists are at the heart of supporting strategic and operational decision making. They are needed in all areas of employment including business intelligence, management, biology, economics, education, engineering, environment studies, finance, government, logistics, medicine, meteorology, market research, sport and multinational businesses.
This course is accredited by the Alliance for Data Science Professionals. All graduates will be eligible to claim the professional title of Data Science Professional and use the designatory letters (DSP) after their name.
AfDSP Accredited University logo
Graduates achieving a 2.2 or better for this qualification are eligible for the professional award of Graduate Statistician conferred by The Royal Statistical Society (RSS). Typically, following graduation, five years of professional statistical training and experience would qualify you for the top professional grade of Chartered Statistician.
Royal Statistical Society logo
This qualification will contribute to you gaining all grades of membership of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), from Student Membership to Chartered Mathematician.
Institute of Mathematics & Its Applications logo
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026
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Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.
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Credit transfer: apply by 12/02/2026
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