Studying data science degree guide

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As a data scientist, you’ll analyse data to spot patterns, provide insights and assist with planning and strategic operations. It’s multidisciplinary, and combines maths, statistics, computer science and artificial intelligence.

Find data science courses.

What do you need to get on a data science degree?

The entry requirements for data science will depend on the university you’re interested in. Typically, entry requirements vary from 88 UCAS points to 170 UCAS points. This could be:

A*A*A* – CCD in A-levels
D*D*D* – MMM in BTECs
AAAAA – CCCC in Scottish Highers
AAA – AAB in Advanced Highers
43 – 28 in IB

Unis will probably want you to have studied maths at A-level, and you may need to achieve a certain grade in your maths A-level to get a place.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

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What data science degrees can you study?

Data science courses on offer in the UK include:

Your course may offer the opportunity to study abroad or complete a work placement. Some courses may also offer a foundation year.

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does a data science degree cover?

Some typical modules on a data science degree include:

Algorithms
Applied statistics
Artificial intelligence
Data structure
Elementary statical theory
Finance
Machine learning
Macroeconomics
Managing and visualizing data
Mathematical models and methods
Microeconomics
Probability and distribution theory
Programming

What do you learn studying a data science degree?

Studying a data science degree, you’ll learn a lot of subject-specific skills, as well as transferable skills. Subject-specific skills you’ll pick up include:

Calculating and manipulating data
Using software to analyse and interpret data correctly
Knowledge of programming languages
Understanding of unstructured data sets

Some of the transferable skills you’ll learn include:

Business judgement
Communication skills
Critical thinking
Organisation
Presentation skills
Problem solving
Report writing
Numeracy and IT skills

What professional accreditations can you get with a data science degree?

Some data science degrees might be accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

What can you do with a data science degree?

As a data science graduate, you’ll have a lot of job roles open to you. Here’s a sample of some of the more popular career paths:

Business analyst
Data analyst
Data architect
Data engineer
Data science operational officer
Data scientist
Database administrator
Information analyst
IT business analyst
Management consultant
Systems analyst
Systems developer

Check out our careers guides here.

How long is a data science degree?

Typically, courses are three years long. If you have a foundation year, year abroad or work placement year as part of your degree, you’ll likely be studying for four years.

How will you be assessed?

How you’re assessed depends on the module as well as the exact course you’re taking. Usually, data science degrees are assessed through a combination of:

Exams
Coursework
In-class tests
Group projects
Portfolios
Workplace assessment
Dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you want to go on to study at the postgraduate level, there are several options for further study in the UK. Postgraduate courses available at UK unis include:

Find postgraduate courses for Data Science.