Overview
Building on our rich history of training the digital skills workforce of the future, we are delighted to launch a new Data Engineering pathway of our longstanding BSc (Hons) Computer Science programme.
Shaping the future with data
Dive into the world of data engineering with this specialised degree pathway! This course will supercharge your knowledge, skills and experience in data science and data engineering, and prepare you to tackle real-world challenges in one of the most exciting fields today.
When you graduate, you'll be equipped with sought-after expertise in data engineering, which is in high demand across industries that rely on big data and analytics to drive innovation. Whether you aim to revolutionise tech, healthcare, finance, or beyond, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future with data.
Why Computer Science and Data Engineering at LSBU?
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- The programme is designed to align with The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS) and Chartered Engineers (CEng) accreditation requirements.
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- You will gain a wealth of experience in using industry-standard equipment, computer programming and simulation facilities. These include Oracle, SAS, Visual Paradigm and much more. You will have remote access to most software via AppsAnywhere.
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- Industry partners: Including Amazon Web Services, Taylor and Francis Group and EC Council who have enhanced the development of our undergraduate Computer Science programmes.
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- From AI machine learning boot camp to silent film processing, there is a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students to get involved in.
Explore life as a Computer Science and Informatics student
| ModeFull-time | Duration4 years | Start dateSeptember | Application codeG413 | Application method UCAS |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
- 112 UCAS points. Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.
- GCSE Maths grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
- If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant. You may also be interested in our Computer Science with Foundation Year (BSc Hons) programme.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Full-time | Duration 4 years | Start date September | Application code G413 | Application method UCAS |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Year 1
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
The history of computing, the role and the science of algorithms, abstraction, the binary numbering system and its representations, Boolean logic and gates, fundamentals of computer hardware, building computer circuits, the von Neumann model, introduction to hardware, data, and software, the nature of data and its operation. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Discrete Mathematics
This module will introduce you to the logical and discrete mathematical structures and models, which are commonly used in the field of Computer Science and which underpin any study of this discipline. The module will emphasise the formulation of problems into mathematical forms, the interpretation of solutions and the identification of problem characteristics to help suggest modelling approaches. Provisions will be made (typically one hour per week) to allow us to bring you, if necessary, to a level of confidence and expertise in those areas of essential basic mathematics that should have been covered at earlier levels. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Fundamentals of Software Development
This module teaches the fundamentals of computer programming covering variables, datatypes, arrays, algorithms, conditional and iterative code and the use of functions. Students will learn to write simple programs making use of a contemporary programming language and development environment. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Professional Practice
As a new entrant to the university, this module prepares you for developing an understanding of - and skills for - academic study and the world of work, and the professional and personal skills you will need. You will be introduced to all aspects of university study and being an IT professional, allowing your ideas to be explored and developed throughout your time at LSBU and beyond. The topics studied will be used to develop the skills that both a graduate and an IT professional will require and will give you ample opportunities to develop your intellectual skills as well as your practical ones. In addition to these topics on professionalism, the module will introduce you to a range of topics relating to computer-based information systems, e-business and how business organisations work. The module is largely based on some existing model syllabi (as devised by professional bodies such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) but this has been adapted for the particular needs of LSBU’s new entrants. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Introduction to Statistics
This is the first speciality module for the Data Engineering course. The module introduces Statistics for Data Engineering/Artificial Intelligence including key concepts and skills helping Data Scientists and Data Engineers to effectively identify opportunities to utilise statistics effectively and analyse data via appropriate models and tools/applications. These skills are in demand from employers across a wide range of industries, utilising Data Engineered/Artificial Intelligence applications. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Data Structures and Algorithms
This module teaches the definition of data structures, attributes, arrays, records, linked lists, binary trees and hash tables, using the fundamental elements of programming languages to construct them (for example using pointers). Also, the derivation of algorithms, problem solving techniques, sequences, selections, and repetitions, sorting and searching. The relationship between abstract data types and object-oriented classes is introduced and the ready-made implementation of common structures such as hash tables in software libraries is explored. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Year 2
- Ethics, Policy and Regulation
The Ethics, Policy and Regulation module explores the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks shaping the use and governance of technology in contemporary society. Students delve into critical issues such as privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and social responsibility within the context of emerging technologies. Through case studies and discussions, students examine the ethical implications of technological innovations and analyze the role of policy and regulation in addressing societal challenges. By engaging with current debates and exploring real-world examples, students develop a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations and regulatory complexities inherent in technology-driven environments. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Statistics and Modelling
This module develops practical skills in Statistics and Modelling used in Artificial Intelligence/Data Engineering. Having a fundamental understanding of statistics concepts this module builds on this knowledge to develop skills in Hypothesis testing. These skills are in demand from employers across a wide range of industries, where without hypothesis tests there is a strong risk of making bad decisions. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Exploratory Data Analysis
Module information missing. - Big Data and Database Systems
This module covers the concepts and practice of Database Systems Management as well as the fundamentals of Big Data processing. The subject of the database field is concerned with how to use computers to store and manage data, usually large quantities of data, that is accessible locally and remotely via the web, the cloud etc. Assessment method: 60% coursework, 40% exam. - Software Engineering
This module covers all aspects of Software Engineering, the application of systematic, disciplined approaches to the development, testing, maintenance and ongoing development of software. It covers the fundamental requirements and established concepts necessary for effective software development projects and investigates diverse methodologies we seek to attain them. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Visual Analytics
This module is a specialty module for BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Engineering) at level 5 (Year 2). The module provides you with a concrete knowledge of the main principles, approaches, tools, and skills in visual analytics for data-driven decision-making and creation of actionable insight in various business sectors. The focus of the practical aspect of this module is information dashboard design, development, and evaluation based on a real-world case study using Tableau Desktop Pro, Tableau Prep, and MS Power BI. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Sandwich year
- Optional placement year
The placement gives you the opportunity to spend a year in the work-place, honing your transferable skills and proving your academic learning in the development of real-world systems. The assessment of the placement is designed to support and accredit the experience by formalising personal development outcomes, and by contextualising prior learning. Regular on-line contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year.
Year 3/4
- Data Scraping and Text Mining
The Data Scraping and Text Mining module for BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Engineering) level 6 provides a comprehensive introduction to extracting, processing, and analysing data from various online sources. Through practical exercises, students master techniques using Python libraries like BeautifulSoup and Scrapy for web scraping, and NLTK for text mining. Emphasizing real-world applications, learners delve into sentiment analysis, topic modelling, and information retrieval methods. By course completion, students adeptly harness Python tools to gather and analyse unstructured data, empowering them to uncover valuable insights from text-rich sources, crucial for informed decision-making in diverse fields. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Data Mining and Big Data Analytics
This module provides a broad introduction to the basic theory, concepts, and techniques of data mining, and its role in business and scientific research. It will cover the main topics in the area. The focus of the practical aspect of this module is to develop hands-on experience and skills in solving real-world data mining problems. SAS® Enterprise Miner and SAS® Enterprise Guide will be taught and used throughout module for practical data mining projects. Simple Python scripts for data manipulation will be discussed and used. Assessment method: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
- Big Data Platforms and Applications
This module is a specialty module for BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Data Engineering) at level 6 (Year 3/Final Year). The module provides you with a solid and practical knowledge of the main platforms and the associated algorithmic logics and computational paradigms for handling big and complex data to support various analytical techniques in a business/enterprise context. Apache Hadoop and/or MS Azure will be examined, implemented, and deployed for a real-world case study. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Artificial Intelligence
This module covers the history and contemporary development of artificial intelligence systems and looks forward to likely near-future developments. It will cover all the major techniques of problem description, knowledge representation and data searching that represent the current toolkit for developing intelligent applications. Assessment method: 60% coursework, 40% exam.
- Project
The project contributes significantly towards the final degree. In the final year you spend about 2 days a week on your project. Future employers will probably ask you about your project and use performance in the project as one of the most reliable guides to your potential. Requests for references often ask about the project. As a final year level 6, 40 credit module for the Honours degree, the project allows you to demonstrate, through a practical application, the extent of theoretical knowledge gained in the first two years of study, practical skills acquired in the subsequent year of industrial or commercial training and further theoretical and practical skills acquired during the final year of study. The project is therefore a very important piece of work. The project is intended to demonstrate to the examiners your ability to undertake and complete, to a satisfactory standard, all the parts of a professional piece of work. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Facilities
The Division of Computer Science and Informatics has eleven dedicated computer laboratories conveniently located in a single building. We are also developing a specialised networking laboratory to allow practical experiments in network infrastructure and cyber-security. These laboratories are all in addition to the University’s general computing provision for students.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Careers
Worldwide, Data Engineering specialists are in increasingly high demand. In the UK alone, there were potentially at least 178,000 data specialist roles in 2021.
The course modules have a strong focus on real-world scenarios and applications. During the course, you can also join various technical clubs or a research project under supervision of academics.
Placements
For those students who choose to take the four year sandwich course, the third year is spent on an industrial placement in the UK and guided by our dedicated team. This four-year Sandwich option is a great opportunity to understand the way that the industry functions and to gain an appreciation of the commercial environment. You’ll spend a year in the workplace, honing your skills and enacting what you've learnt in real-world systems. Regular online contact with tutors, peer-contact and placement support will be maintained throughout the year.
Access to industry-standard tools and software
You will get experience using industry-standard tools and software as part of your studies which will be invaluable on your CV. These include:
- Python - Jupyter Notebook
- R
- Tableau Desktop
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft Excel
- Google Collab
- Microsoft SQL Server
- NetBeans with JDK
- Oracle
- SAS
- Visual Paradigm.
You will have remote access to most software via AppsAnywhere. We also have a cyber security lab, which is used for specialised modules and several printers, including large format printers.
Professional links
We have worked with a number of commercial organisations on a consultative basis, and this has enhanced the development of this undergraduate programme. Examples include:
- Amazon Web Services (IS software development and IT infrastructure). We have consulted with AWS on Data Engineering and Cloud/Security Technologies and on various aspects of IS software development and IT infrastructure. We have a number of new modules that can benefit directly from the support of a state-of-the-art virtualised environment. Our team have spent a considerable amount of time discussing our new course plans with experts from the AWS team to ensure our proposed curriculum aligns with expected industry standards and best practice.
- Taylor and Francis Group (IT Publishing Industry). We have collaborated in projects in the area of web development and security, including various aspects of software development and IT infrastructure. They have supplied guest speakers providing contemporary/specialist advice in the area of software project management for IT based projects. For this course we’ve shared our course plans with them and discussed ways to potentially enhance the content and delivery.
Teaching and Assessment
- Academic expertise: The majority of our teaching body have a standing with a professional body such as The Chartered Institute of IT (BCS), and either a research background or industry experience in their teaching area. The teaching of some modules may also be supported by postgraduate students.
- Teaching methods: There will be a combination of lectures, tutorials, and computer laboratory activities. In addition to giving you a AI knowledge and experience, we will support the development of your communication, self-management and teamwork skills.
- Assessment methods: Many modules are coursework assessed, although some are a combination of coursework and a two-hour closed book examination. Please see the course content tab for more information.
- Subject-related resources: See the careers tab.
- Learning support: Personal tutoring, academic skills support sessions, peer-led support sessions, practical skills workshops, online learning materials, opportunities for work placements and projects with employers, tailored field trips and much more.
People profiles
