DEGREE GUIDE

Data Science

What do Data Science degrees involve?

Data Science degrees teach you how to extract insights from complex data using mathematical, statistical, and computational techniques. You will explore key areas such as machine learning, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, programming, and data visualisation. These courses help you develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills while working with real-world datasets to identify trends, make predictions, and drive decision-making. You will also learn how to use industry-standard tools and programming languages such as Python and R to manage and interpret large-scale data. With opportunities for hands-on projects, industry collaborations, and research, you’ll gain the practical expertise needed for careers in technology, finance, healthcare, and business intelligence.

Example
Modules

Foundations of Data Science: Learn the basics of working with data, from collecting and cleaning datasets to exploring patterns and trends using real-world examples.

Statistical Modelling and Analysis: Apply techniques like hypothesis testing and regression to make sense of data, support decision-making and uncover relationships.

Machine Learning and Data Mining: Use algorithms to find patterns in large datasets and build predictive models that help solve practical problems.

Common Degree Names

💼 Placement years are widely available in business, tech and research environments.
🌍 Study abroad is offered by some universities.

BSc (Hons) Data Science
BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
BSc (Hons) Data Science and Business Analytics
BSc (Hons) Data Science and Computer Science
MSci Data Science

MSci is a four-year integrated Master’s available at several universities which combines undergraduate and master's level study.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Data Science is about finding patterns and insights in large amounts of information. Because you'll use statistics, programming, and mathematical modelling, universities look for students who are comfortable with numbers.

You'll need:

Maths – essential for almost all Data Science degrees

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Further Maths or Statistics – highly recommended for quantitative courses if available at your school
Computer Science – useful for coding and algorithmic thinking if it is taught at your school
Physics or Economics – often accepted as supporting subjects

✨ Maths and Computer Science together keeps the widest range of options open. Some courses also welcome broader STEM backgrounds.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in IT or Applied Science—usually with an additional A-level in Maths
T-levels in Digital Production, Design and Development may be accepted—check each university’s policy

✨ Some courses are very technical (e.g. with a focus on machine learning or statistics), while others include business applications. Always check the course page for subject expectations.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent such as National 5s or MYP

📘 Many universities ask for a grade 6/B or higher in Maths, especially if you haven’t taken Further Maths at Level 3.

Computer Science or Statistics can also be helpful, though not required.

💬 Interviews
Most Data Science degrees don’t require interviews. However, a few competitive or specialised programmes may invite you to an informal conversation or problem-solving task.

📝 Admissions Tests

Some top universities (e.g. Cambridge or Imperial) may require the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) or a similar maths-focused assessment
The majority of UK universities do not require a test

🔍 Work Experience
Not required—but any personal coding projects, data competitions (like Kaggle), or involvement in STEM clubs or maths challenges can help show your motivation and interest in the subject.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Data Science, Computing, or Maths
If you don’t have the required subjects—especially A-level Maths—a foundation year can prepare you for the full degree. These are widely offered and often include coding, statistics, and academic skills.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science, Computing or Maths)
Some universities accept Access courses with strong units in Maths, Computing, or Statistics. You’ll usually need a high proportion of Distinctions in quantitative units, and GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade 6/B or higher.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships such as Data Technician, Junior Data Analyst, or Digital Support Technician can lead to further study or help support an application, especially if paired with academic qualifications or a foundation year.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

Start Your Journey → £3 a month

Full access to all self-discovery tools and guides. Cancel anytime.

Skills you would develop in a Data Science degree

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Data Science degree a good match for you

Careers a Data Science degree could lead you to