Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Sol Plaatje University

This degree program prepares students to work in a variety of fields, as data science is required throughout the world to help make the flow of knowledge and information easier to learn from, access, and use.

For graduates, these skills can translate to a career as a data scientist.

Period of study: 3 Years

Data science is a multi-disciplinary field that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.

It focuses on finding solutions to solving big data problems.

This degree has been designed to address a critical skills shortage in modern applications requiring large-scale data analysis. 

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree has strong mathematics, statistics, and computers science core. The degree is designed to develop highly skilled graduates in areas in which there are considerable shortages across the country. 

Data scientists are a new breed of analytical data experts with technical skills to solve complex problems and the curiosity to explore what problems need to be solved.

Graduates in possession of this degree are highly employable and eligible for postgraduate studies whether it be in the Honours, Masters, or Ph.D. programs.

Data Science is a field in high demand in various industry sectors. Big global companies such as Amazon, Netflix, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Uber, and local corporations such as FNB, ABSA, Vodacom, MTN, Accenture, Telkom, and Tracker require skilled data scientists to drive insightful business decisions.  

These are the benefits of studying and becoming a Data Scientist:

Data Science is an in-demand and fastest-growing occupation that is required by many industry companies. It is thus a highly employable job sector.

There are very few people who have the required skillset to become Data Scientists which makes it less saturated compared to other IT sectors.

It is one of the most highly paid jobs.

It is a versatile field and therefore provides you with the opportunity to work in various fields.

Students will complete the following subjects:

Year 1

Basic Computer Organisation and Architecture, Introduction to Statistics, Calculus, Introduction to Algorithms and Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Algebra, Data Science I, Introduction to Numerical methods and mathematical modeling, Probability Theory

Year 2

Operating Systems and Computer Networks, Data Science 2A: Data Analysis and Visualisation, Advanced calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Statistical Inference, Data Science 2B: Large scale data analysis and visualization, Applications and Analysis of Algorithms, Database Systems, Linear Algebra, Linear Programming 

Year 3

Data Security, Signal and Image processing, Multivariate Statistics, Formal language and automata, Machine Learning, Advanced algorithm analysis, Data Science III: Simulation and Modelling, Capstone Project

Maximum Requirement

English Home Language: NSC Level 4 OR English First Additional Language: NSC Level 5

Mathematics: NSC Level 5

APS: 30 Points

Can you get a Bachelor’s in data science?

Earning a bachelor’s degree or higher in data science may help you land a job in this fast-growing field.

Bachelor’s degree in data science programs begins with core courses that introduce students to tools and theories in data science, including working with big datasets and data visualization techniques.

Can I become a data scientist with an IT degree?

Once you have an undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g. information technology, mathematics, econometrics), undertake a postgraduate course in data science.

This may be a Graduate Diploma of Data Science or a Master of Data Science.

What jobs can you get with Data Science?

Data Scientist.

Machine Learning Engineer.

Machine Learning Scientist.

Applications Architect.

Enterprise Architect.

Data Architect.

Infrastructure Architect.

Data Engineer.

Average Data Scientist Salary in South Africa

The average salary for a Data Scientist in South Africa is R405,250.