BENG DATA SCIENCE AND BIG DATA TECHNOLOGY WITH CONTEMPORARY ENTREPRENEURIALISM

The BEng Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism programme at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) offers a dynamic and forward-looking educational experience designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Delivered through the innovative Syntegrative Educational Model, this programme represents a unique partnership between XJTLU and industry giant Sugon. It is based in the School of AI and Advanced Computing at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang). This collaboration ensures that students receive a solid academic foundation and hands-on, practical insights from industry leaders, creating a seamless bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

The programme integrates key principles from AI, data science, computer science, and entrepreneurialism in response to the growing interdependence of developments such as smart cities, smart health, bioinformatics, smart manufacturing, e-commerce, finance, and urban data systems. This multidisciplinary approach prepares students to understand and navigate the complex intersections of these fields, equipping them with the tools to analyse, interpret, and leverage large-scale data across diverse industries.

The curriculum offers a blend of foundational knowledge and advanced techniques from AI, mathematics, statistics, data science, and computer science, enabling students to tackle the entire lifecycle of data. Students will gain in-depth expertise in big data systems and AI-driven solutions, from data storage and management to sophisticated analytical techniques. The programme also emphasises the importance of scientific integration, where students explore the convergence of statistical methods, system computing, and interdisciplinary approaches. This holistic framework ensures that graduates thoroughly understand how to manage and process data, from raw input to actionable insights, while also grasping its broader applications across various sectors.

What sets this programme apart is its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. XJTLU’s Syntegrative Educational model encourages students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, allowing them to think critically and creatively and identify and seize opportunities in emerging markets. Integrating entrepreneurial principles into the curriculum fosters leadership skills and empowers graduates to lead the development of new industries. Whether students aim to become innovators within established companies or to launch their own ventures, they will graduate with the business acumen and technological expertise needed to succeed in a competitive global environment.

Through the programme’s strong industry connections with leading technology companies, students will engage in real-world projects and internships, gaining valuable experience in applying AI and big data technologies. These collaborations enhance employability and provide students with direct access to cutting-edge industry practices and trends, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future workforce.

Upon graduation, students will be equipped with a unique blend of technical proficiency, entrepreneurial thinking, and industry experience, making them highly sought-after by employers across various sectors. Career opportunities for graduates span multiple industries, including internet, bioinformatics, smart healthcare, finance, e-commerce, smart manufacturing, and urban data systems, where big data and AI drive innovation. Graduates will be ready to step into roles such as data scientists, AI specialists, business analysts, and technology consultants or to forge their own path as entrepreneurs leading the development of new technologies and business models.

Why study BEng Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)?

• Be part of a unique educational experience that will prepare you to work in fast-paced, rapidly changing, smart, technology-driven industries;
• Benefit from XJTLU’s strategic location in Taicang’s High-Tech Industrial Development Zone with rapidly expanding technology-driven industries;
• Learn through practical application, using your knowledge and skills to solve real problems in research and industry settings;
• Benefit from mentoring and training from industry experts as part of the unique industry-themed schools’ partnerships with leading businesses;
• Gain valuable entrepreneurial and leadership skills through studying the unique Contemporary Entrepreneurialism modules that are part of the degrees, giving you a competitive edge in whatever career path you choose;
• The Professional Development Programme is part of the degree programme;
• Study in purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities; and
• Graduate with world-class qualifications, including two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the China’s Ministry of Education and a globally recognised degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the UK’s Russell Group of universities.

By the time you graduate from the BEng Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism programme, you will have developed a robust skill set and deep knowledge base, empowering you to excel in the data-driven technology landscape. Specifically, you will have:

• a solid foundation in AI, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, equipping you with the analytical and technical skills necessary to understand and apply advanced data science methods;
• the ability to process and analyse big data across multiple computing platforms and statistical software, enabling you to manage, analyse, and extract valuable insights from large datasets for use in diverse industries. This includes gaining expertise in data collection, storage, management, and mining techniques;
• comprehensive knowledge of entrepreneurship, leadership, project management, and innovation, and the ability to apply these concepts in real-world business environments. You will be prepared to lead projects, drive innovation, and manage teams effectively with the mindset of an entrepreneur; and
• high-level communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are highly transferable across various sectors. Whether in technology, finance, healthcare, or manufacturing, your ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve complex problems will make you a valuable asset to any organisation.

Graduates of this programme are poised to pursue a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Thanks to the programme’s strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry-relevant skills, graduates are well-prepared to launch their own ventures, turning their business ideas into reality. The entrepreneurial foundation provided through XJTLU’s Syntegrative Education (SE) model equips students with the vision, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities required to start and grow successful companies in the rapidly expanding fields of artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technologies.

For those seeking roles in established organisations, graduates are highly qualified for both technical and managerial positions across various sectors. The programme’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that students acquire advanced technical expertise in big data analytics, AI, and computer science, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, making them ideal candidates for key positions in companies that rely on data-driven decision-making. Graduates may find themselves in roles such as data scientists, AI specialists, machine learning engineers, business intelligence analysts, or technology consultants in industries such as:

• finance and insurance: Leveraging large datasets to optimise risk assessments, improve financial models, or drive the development of personalised financial products;
• manufacturing and smart industry: Applying AI and big data to streamline production processes, enhance supply chain efficiency, or design smart manufacturing systems;
• healthcare: Using data analytics to improve patient care, support biomedical research, or develop AI-driven diagnostics tools in hospitals and medical institutions;
• urban planning and smart cities: Working with city planners and public institutions to analyse urban data, optimise transportation systems, manage resources, and improve infrastructure through smart technologies; and
• e-commerce and retail: Harnessing big data and AI to enhance customer experiences, personalise marketing strategies, and optimise supply chains in the digital marketplace.

In addition to thriving in these industries, the programme’s graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles within public institutions and governmental agencies where AI and data science are increasingly used to inform policy, improve public services, and drive digital transformation.

For those interested in further academic pursuits, the programme provides a robust foundation for advanced studies in data science, artificial intelligence, and related fields. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue master’s or doctoral programmes at leading universities worldwide, opening doors to academic careers and research positions at prestigious institutions.