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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Applied Data Science) (Top Up) (Online)

Boost your career options with this data science top up degree. Study online for flexibility and convenience, and gain a full bachelor’s degree in computer science.

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Flexible and convenient online learning

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Top up your qualification to a full bachelor's degree

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93% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22)

Course overview

This data science top up degree allows you to top up a good HND or foundation degree in computer studies or software engineering (or an equivalent qualification) to a full bachelor's degree.

Based on the BSc Computer Science (top up) course that runs on campus, this online course shares the academic standards and processes, and is recognised worldwide. You will not need to attend timetabled teaching sessions; instead, the course is designed to fit around your schedule, so you have flexibility in when and where you study.

You will learn about accessibility and usability issues and study in a team to complete a data science project. Modules also cover artificial intelligence, software development, databases, algorithms and data structures, operating systems and networks.

You will study cybersecurity and contemporary issues in the social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of computing. You'll also start specialising in applied data science, learning about data mining and visualisation, principles of data science, machine learning and neural networks. Finally you will complete an individual project; this is your opportunity to apply what you've learnt on a topic of interest to you. You'll be guided by an academic supervisor throughout the project.

Why choose this course?

This online data science top up degree is ideal if you’re looking to study flexibly and top up your HND or foundation degree level qualification to a full Bachelor of Science (BSc).

You will have flexibility in your studies: This course is taught solely online, with most presentations recorded, giving you the convenience to study around your other commitments.

Co-curricular opportunities will boost your employability: You can take part in activities such as the AWS Academy Cloud Foundations, for which you'll receive a course completion certificate, but also be able to go for the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification, an industry recognised accreditation. Workshops introducing programming languages such as JavaScript and Python and client-side web technologies including HTML5 and CSS are also available to you.

Excellent employment prospects: Computer science graduates are in high demand. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2021/22).

Your future career

Computer science graduates are highly sought after around the world. Our graduates have an excellent employment record, with 93% employed or in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).

Typical roles for computer science graduates include:

  • software developer or engineer
  • business analyst
  • database administrator
  • network designer
  • technical consultant
  • programmer
  • web developer
  • project manager

What you'll study

This data science top up degree is taught 100% online, giving you flexibility to study when and where you want.

You will be provided with a suite of learning materials, supporting you to produce your best work: You’ll have access to a comprehensive digital library, including research papers and e-books, as well as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with features to support your learning such as discussion forums, quizzes and practice assignments. This is also a central place where you can find the learning materials for your modules, and interact with tutors and other students on the course.

Most modules have a minimum of four hours of online sessions, and presentations are usually recorded.

You will have the support of your tutors via online discussions or optional live sessions. You will also be part of our online learning community, and our students tend to use this to support each other.

What if I need support?

You’ll have a personal tutor to guide you through your course, all the way to graduation.

If you need additional support during your time with us, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. For help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both of our Learning Resource Centres run drop-in study skills sessions.

Where you'll study

This course is taught 100% online.

With online study, you use the internet for learning: to access course information, to communicate with others, and to transmit completed assignments for marking. We take advantage of online technologies to provide faster and more effective communication and to deliver much richer learning materials than is normally possible with other forms of distance learning.

This means that wherever you are in the world, provided you have access to a suitable PC and internet connection, you can study for a University of Hertfordshire award without attending the University in person.

Who you'll learn from

You will be taught by highly qualified staff, many of whom are PhD or other advanced degree qualified, in addition to their significant research, teaching or professional experience.

Our large team of experienced academics and educational technologists will ensure your online learning is positive and productive.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)(enter tariff range)
Typical A Level offer(enter range)
Typical IB offer(enter range)
Typical BTEC offer(enter range)
Typical T Level offer(enter range)
GCSEEG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics
Access coursesEG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

240 credits from BTE, HND or foundation degree in computer studies or software engineering, or equivalent qualification.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
January 2025 Part time Apply with Herts
May 2025Part timeApply with Herts
September 2025 Full time Apply with Herts 
Part time Apply with Herts
January 2026Part timeApply with Herts
May 2026Part timeApply with Herts

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£7,335 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£7,335 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£7,335 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£915 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Applied Data Science) (Top Up) (Online) Download PDF
Programme specifications
Modular BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Online) Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Online - Full Time, 3 YearsOnline - Part Time, 6 Years

Not ready to apply?