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Study Data Science, why & how to study

Study Data Science, and you’ll be flexing your mathematical muscles and commanding a lucrative salary.

Data Science is the process of analysing data to give useful insights to inform decision making and strategic planning. It’s a multidisciplinary approach that combines mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence and computer engineering.  

Undergraduate Data Science degrees on offer in the UK include: 

Options may include an integrated foundation year, professional placement year or year abroad.  

Must have  

Entry requirements for a Data Science degree at a university range from 88–170 UCAS points. This could include:   

  • A Levels: A*A*A*–CCD (including a pass in the practical element of science if taken at A Level)  

  • BTECs: D*D*D*–MMM  

  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA–CCCC (Advanced Highers: AAA–AAB)  

  • International Baccalaureate: 43–28  

  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied maths at A Level (or equivalent)  

Good to have  

  • Studied further maths, economics, computing, ICT, or science at A Level (or equivalent)  

  • Shadowed someone in a relevant role  

  • Furthered your knowledge through books, TED talks, podcasts, or insights from the websites of professional bodies  

  • STEM summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust 

Typical modules for courses in this subject include: 

  • Macroeconomics  

  • Microeconomics  

  • Programming  

  • Managing and visualizing data  

  • Finance  

  • Mathematical models and methods  

  • Elementary statical theory  

  • Applied statistics  

  • Probability and distribution theory  

  • Algorithms  

  • Data structure 

  • Machine learning  

  • Artificial intelligence  

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through: 

  • Coursework 

  • Placement assessments  

  • Exams 

  • In-class tests 

  • Group work 

  • Oral presentations   

  • Project or portfolio work 

  • A dissertation is usually a final year option

Career-specific skills: 

  • Skills in calculating and manipulating data, like machine learning, big data analytics, data mining, modelling and knowledge of database structures 

  • Ability to use statistical software to analyse and interpret data accurately, and data visualisation to present your findings 

  • Knowledge of various programming languages, such as Python, Perl, C/C++, SQL, and Java 

  • Knowledge of how to understand unstructured data sets  

Transferable skills: 

  • Strong business judgement 

  • Excellent communication skills  

  • Critical and analytical thinking 

  • Organisation 

  • Presentation 

  • Problem solving 

  • Report writing 

  • Strong numeracy and IT skills

Professional accreditations: 

  • Some data science degrees may be accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS)  

Some universities offer Data Science students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so it’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

As a graduate you’d expect to earn between £25,000 and £30,000 in a junior role. This could rise to £40,000 once you have gained some experience.  

A senior data scientist could earn between £40,000 and £60,000 with chief or lead data scientist earning as much as £100,000. Salaries vary depending on location and sector you work in.  

A degree in Data Science could lead to roles in various sectors and include:

  • Business analyst 

  • Data analyst 

  • Data architect 

  • Data engineer 

  • Data science operational officer 

  • Data scientist 

  • Database administrator 

  • Information analyst 

  • Management consultant  

  • Systems analyst 

  • Systems developer

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK: 

  • MSc in Social Data Science  

  • Data Driven Design MSc 

  • Data Science and Machine Learning MSc 

  • MSc Financial Technology with Data Science  

  • Urban Data Science and Analytics MSc 

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include: 

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.

We’ll be happy to hear from you! 

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