Study Data Science, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Data Science?

2. What Data Science degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Data Science degree?

4. What topics does a Data Science degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Data Science?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Data Science degree?

8. What do Data Science graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as a Data Science graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Data Science

12. Have any questions?

What’s Data Science?

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.  

What Data Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Data Science degrees on offer in the UK include: 

• Data Science BSc 
• Mathematics with Data Science BSc 
• Economics, Finance and Data Science BSc 
• Crime and Data Science BSc 
• Data Science and Statistics BSc

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

What do you need to get onto a Data Science degree?

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 

What topics does a Data Science degree cover?

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  

How will you be assessed?

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

Why study Data Science?

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)  

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Data Science degree?

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.

What do Data Science graduates earn?

As a graduate, you’d expect to earn up to £32,000 in a junior role. This could rise to £40,000 once you've gained more experience.  

A senior data scientist could earn an average of £67,000–85,000, with chief or lead data scientists earning more than £100,000. Salaries vary depending on location and the specific field you work in.

Read more on what graduates do and earn.  

What jobs can you get as a Data Science graduate?

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

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

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 

Find postgraduate courses for Data Science 
Types of postgraduate degrees  

Similar subjects to Data Science

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include: 

• Artificial Intelligence  
• Computer Science  
• Economics 
• Information Technology and Systems  
• Mathematics  
• Statistics  

Have any questions?

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

We’ll be happy to hear from you!