Artificial Intelligence and Data Science with Foundation Year

Dealing with data is one of the biggest challenges that society faces – but it also offers huge opportunities. From autonomous vehicles to medical systems, data science and AI is penetrating nearly every industry. And with the demand for AI skills and data science continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to study this area and set yourself up for a successful career. 
 
On this degree, you’ll study the mathematical foundations of data analysis combined with the practical elements of performing that analysis and extracting useful meaning from the data. You’ll also learn the mathematical foundations of AI and how to construct AI systems and models.

Foundation year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Benefit from flexibility

In your second year, you’ll go on to study more specialist modules with further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest in your final year. 

Industry connections

The University has strong connections with industry. We collaborate with local and international companies on a wide range of projects, having previously worked with Rolls-Royce, JCB, Bentley Motors, Alstom, CERN, Toyota and Bloc Digital.  
 
You have the option to take a placement year between years two and three. This will give you substantial experience in industry as well as insight into the careers available to you once you graduate. You’ll also gain confidence and improve your success and progression in jobs. 

Facilities

Our industry-standard computer labs contain cutting-edge software development tools. You’ll get to work in:  

• Computer Lab - home to a full suite of specialist hardware facilities and software access
• XR (cross-reality) Lab - a flexible space for visualisation and other projects, also used for mixed-course games development 
• CAVE Lab provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set up allowing multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll learn in different ways, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and team working. On the Individual Project module, you’ll be encouraged to use and apply research and innovation tools and approaches in a practical context. 

How you are assessed

Instead of exams, a variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of: 

• Coursework
• Portfolios
• Assignments
• Case studies
• Oral and graphic presentations
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects
• Computer testing and examinations 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Data Science jobs are increasingly in demand across all sectors including engineering, technology, society, commerce and healthcare. You could move into roles such as: 

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Data Architect
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Business Intelligence Engineer 

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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