Two Arden students working at a desktop computer

Undergraduate · Computing

BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI

Co-developed with Google Cloud.

Future-proof your career with a degree in data science and AI.

Register your interestSee what you'll study

Subject to validation

  • AI-assisted Python in an innovation lab
  • Machine learning and large language models
  • Eligible Google Cloud learning pathways
  • Skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications
Arden University and Google Cloud
Why choose this degree

Build the skills employers want

Learn AI and subject expertise together, so you have both the skills and the know-how to apply them.

  • A student typing on a laptop beside a cup of coffee
    01 · Practical AI skills

    Graduate with in-demand, practical AI skills

    Build digital fluency, automated scripts and practical problem-solving with modern AI tools, starting with scripts that clean and explore data.

  • Two Arden students working on laptops in a study space
    02 · AI in your subject

    AI applied in data science

    Work in a Python innovation lab to build automated data solutions and explore real cloud architecture challenges.

  • A student working at a desktop computer
    03 · Real experience

    Real experience and Google Cloud skills

    Work on real industry challenges in your final year and follow eligible Google Cloud learning pathways.

Register your interest
About the course

Course overview

Learn to manage, analyse and secure data, and build machine learning solutions. You’ll write AI-assisted Python in an innovation lab, automate routine data tasks and work on real cloud data challenges.

Organisations in almost every industry run on data, and they need people who can turn it into useful insight. The BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI gives you the technical and analytical skills to do that, and to support better decisions.

You’ll build practical knowledge across programming, databases and SQL, data pipelines, data platforms, cloud technologies, analytics and machine learning, alongside data security, governance and the responsible use of AI.

You’ll apply these skills in agentic AI simulations and real-world projects co-developed with Google Cloud. Agentic AI means AI tools that can carry out tasks by themselves. You’ll work with the same kinds of cloud, database and analytics tools you’ll use at work.

Data science skills you’ll build

  • Programming, analytics and machine learning.
  • Databases, SQL and data management.
  • Data pipelines, platforms and cloud technologies.
  • Clear charts and visual reports that explain your findings.
  • Data security, governance and responsible AI.
  • A portfolio of practical projects.
How your skills grow

How you’ll build data and AI skills, level by level

First, you’ll learn Python with AI to help you. Next, you’ll build automated agents that run tasks for you. In your final year, you’ll take on real industry challenges and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.

  1. Level 4 · first year

    Simulations and a Python innovation lab

    Learn programming, networking and data foundations, then use AI-assisted Python in an innovation lab to clean, explore and visualise datasets.

  2. Level 5 · second year

    Google Cloud skills and simple agents

    Learn advanced programming and how to automate a series of tasks. You’ll also learn to set up simple no-code and low-code agents: automated helpers that run routine data tasks for you. You’ll also work through case studies from Google Cloud experts.

  3. Level 6 · final year

    Machine learning, real industry challenges and certification skills

    Apply machine learning, deep learning and large language models (the technology behind AI chat tools) to real industry challenges. You’ll also gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.

What Google Cloud adds

Learn the subject with Arden. Prove the skill with Google Cloud.

Your degree is co-developed with Google Cloud and taught and awarded by Arden University. It brings Google Cloud’s expertise together with Arden’s academic experience, so you learn data and AI skills in the way they’re used today. Alongside your degree, you can follow eligible Google Cloud learning pathways.

  • Agentic AI simulations and projects

    Apply your skills in cloud, database and analytics simulations and projects co-developed with Google Cloud.

  • Eligible Google Cloud learning pathways

    Follow structured Google Cloud learning alongside your degree.

  • Skills for Google Cloud certification

    Gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications in your final year.

Key information

Course details

Organisations across many industries are using AI and data to improve how they work. You’ll build knowledge across programming, analytics, cloud platforms and data governance, and apply it through practical projects.

Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.

Qualification
BSc (Hons)
Awarded by
Arden University
Partnership
Co-developed with Google Cloud
Level
Undergraduate
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry route
Start at Level 4. A foundation year is available if you need it.
Start date
February 2027
Study modes
Blended or online
Attendance
Weekdays
Campus locations
London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
Online availability
Available internationally
Learning platform
Arden’s digital learning platform
Course materials
Included, with no textbook purchase required
Validation
Subject to validation

Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.

Modules

What you'll study

Modules are grouped by year. Level 4 is your first year, Level 5 your second and Level 6 your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.

Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.

  1. Level 4

    4 modules
    First year

    Core modules

    • Programming for Digital Professionals30 credits
    • Networking30 credits
    • Data Foundations30 credits
    • Professional Digital Practice30 credits

  2. Level 5

    7 modules
    Second year

    Core modules

    • Applied Professional Skills (Automated Workflows)30 credits
    • Advanced Programming30 credits

    Optional modules

    • Information Security (InfoSec/GRAC)30 credits
    • UX/UI Design (HCI)30 credits
    • Database Systems and SQL30 credits
    • Cloud Infrastructure and Services30 credits
    • Applied Data Intelligence30 credits

  3. Level 6

    7 modules
    Final year

    Core modules

    • AI / LLMs30 credits
    • Machine Learning / Deep Learning30 credits
    • Capstone Project30 credits

    Optional modules

    • Secure System Design30 credits
    • Tech Entrepreneurship for Sustainability30 credits
    • App Development30 credits
    • Big Data Computing30 credits

Modules are subject to validation and may change.

Register your interestWe'll send you the confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published.
Careers

Careers after this course

Data, analytics and AI are now used across almost every industry, creating demand for people who can build, manage, analyse and secure the data behind them. You’ll graduate with a portfolio of practical work and the confidence to apply it in a fast-changing digital workplace.

Examples of roles this course could lead to

  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • Data Scientist
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Governance Specialist
  • Cloud Data Engineer
  • AI Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Information Security Analyst
  • AI Governance Specialist
  • AI Risk Analyst
  • Data Security Analyst
  • Technology Consultant
Study options

How you can study

Study through blended learning at one of seven Arden UK campuses, or online from anywhere, with the same high standards of teaching. Full-time, the degree takes three years, or four if you start with a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

Blended learning

Where
London Ealing, London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham
Platform
Arden’s digital learning platform

Blended learning means eight hours of timetabled classes each week, over two days at your chosen Arden campus. You’ll also do around 25 hours of independent study a week through Arden’s digital learning platform. You’ll have the Library Portal, journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases to hand. Essential course materials are provided, so there are no textbooks to buy.

It suits students who value regular face-to-face teaching with tutors and classmates and who live within commuting distance of an Arden campus.

Funding. Eligible students may be able to access tuition-fee and maintenance support. Funding arrangements vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Online learning

Where
Online, from anywhere in the world
Platform
Arden’s digital learning platform

Online learning is available for this degree without a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

Studying online means you can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the UK or the world and study from home, without attending classes in a physical location. You’ll study through Arden’s digital learning platform, with your virtual classroom, lecture theatre and the Library Portal’s journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases. All your course materials are provided free of charge.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. You’ll get regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, and you can meet other students through the community and the discussion boards built into each module.

Applying

Entry requirements

Academic requirements
  • A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification.
  • We may also consider you if you have at least two years of professional work experience, shown in a CV and a reference.
  • We look at every application individually.
  • A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
  • IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
  • TOEFL iBT 80.
  • Or an accepted equivalent.

Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.

Foundation year (optional)

Start with a foundation year

A foundation year is an optional extra year at the start of your degree. It helps you build the study skills and confidence to succeed before your first year (Level 4) begins.

  • Who it’s for

    It suits you if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements, you’re coming back to study after a break, or you’re changing career and would like to build your confidence first.

  • How long it takes

    With a foundation year, your degree takes four years instead of three. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.

  • Where it leads

    When you complete the foundation year, you move on to Level 4, the first year of your degree, and study the same modules as everyone else.

See your course with a foundation year

You’ll learn the basics of software development and key technology concepts, and build the study skills you need for university.

Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.

See the foundation year modules

Not sure where to start?

We’ll help you find the right starting point. Register your interest, and our admissions team can talk you through your options, including the foundation year.

Register your interest

The world is moving fast. Learn to move with it.Co-developed with Google Cloud.

Whether you’re changing career, coming back to study or building on the career you have, register your interest in the BSc (Hons) Data Science and AI and we’ll tell you as soon as applications open.

Be first to know when applications open

  • An email the moment applications open
  • The confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published
  • Invitations to online sessions about your course, as they become available
  • No obligation to apply, and you can unsubscribe at any time
Do you want to start with a foundation year?

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Course details and modules are subject to validation and may change.

Arden University and Google Cloud

Arden University awards every qualification shown.

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