In 2006, a British mathematician – Clive Humby – declared that data is the new oil, highlighting its value in the modern world. In today’s data-driven economy, data science is an essential area of study as it teaches you to interpret vast amounts of data to help make critical decisions in an organisation—a skill that is valuable in almost every role and industry.
A data science degree combines mathematics, statistics, and computer science to teach you how to analyse and manage extensive data sets, to equip you with technical skills that can be applied in real world situations, and to make data-driven decisions. The skills and knowledge you obtain in a data science degree make you an ideal candidate to handle complex challenges in various data-centric industries.
In this blog, we will look at the types of data science degrees in the UK, how you can get into a top data science course, and scholarships for data science students. Let’s get started!
Benefits of studying data science in the UK
Data is a key resource that is highly valued by almost every industry, from e-commerce to mobile technology to government agencies. However, ‘big data’ serves minimal purpose without insightful interpretation to convert this information into strategic decisions – a skill you can develop during your data science degree in the UK. UK universities offer many advantages to data science students, including the opportunity to:
- Gain industry certifications during your degree – Data science industry certifications help in developing your career as they highlight your skills and give you credibility as a professional. Many UK universities offer a variety of certifications with your data science degree, including the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), and SAS Certified Data Science.
- Get practical experience in several data analytics tools – Data science degrees in the UK develop your knowledge of key tools such as Hadoop, Tableau, and Spark, alongside programming languages and machine learning libraries. Through practical modules and exams, you can become specialised in using these tools during your degree.
- Gain exposure to the data science industry – UK universities have strong links to industry, and these, along with their committed career development activities such as networking events, can give you valuable insights into the industry.
The UK also offers degrees for students at any level of study. Different types of data science degrees are available for students from various backgrounds – from school leavers to experienced professionals with years of experience in the data science industry. Let’s take a look at these next.
Types of data science degrees in the UK
A data science degree prepares you for the complex challenges in today’s fast-paced, data-centric world by developing your analytical skills and introducing you to advanced theory. If you’re considering the UK for your data science degree, it’s best to first understand which study level – undergraduate or postgraduate – you can apply for. This can help you determine which type of degree to pursue in the UK.
- Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree – A bachelor’s degree involves studying one, or sometimes two, subjects in detail at the undergraduate level; after you have completed high school. Data science students can obtain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at this level.
- Master’s degree – A master’s degree is studied at the postgraduate level, following your undergraduate studies. In the UK, you can either study a taught master’s programme or a research master’s programme for either one or two years. Postgraduate data science students can generally obtain an MSc in data science at this level.
- PhD – A PhD or doctorate is the top postgraduate qualification you can earn. It’s a predominantly research-focused degree where you’ll complete an independent thesis based on an original research proposal.
Depending on your previous education qualifications, you can decide which study level you’re most suitable for. In addition to that, you must also think about the various data science specialisations in the UK – these will allow you to tailor your degree according to your specific interests.
Data science specialisations in the UK
When you picture big data and analysis, you may imagine that its application is only limited to technology-focused fields. However, data science has changed almost every industry from e-commerce to medicine to even transport! Recognising this application of data science across diverse industries, UK universities allow students to specialise for the needs of a particular industry by allowing you to combine your data science degree with a focus area, such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) – Specialise in AI during your data science degree to understand the mathematical foundations of AI, construct AI models and systems, and develop your AI skills
- Business – Learn about applying data science techniques in a business context, including finance, organisation culture, and business strategy
- Economics – Explore economic challenges using advanced data analytics techniques so you acquire the skills to work in finance, industry, and the public sector
- Politics – Learn about harnessing data to make institutional and policy decisions, manage complex networks, and collect material from a range of sources
- Physics – Learn how to extract data for the advanced study of the laws of the universe
In any data science degree, you will be introduced to the foundational methods of data curation, cleaning, and analysing. If you choose to specialise in a particular focus area, you can develop specific knowledge that employers from a particular industry are seeking. Identifying what you’re passionate about will help you understand which data science specialisation is right for you.
Top 10 universities for data science in the UK
A degree in data science opens many doors for industries relying on data for strategic decision making. Universities offering data science courses in the UK allow you to:
- Gain in-demand digital skills and knowledge
- Specialise your degree according to your interests
- Gain access to valuable study resources and networking opportunities
Here are the top six universities for data science in the UK, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
| University | Suggested Bachelor’s Courses | Suggested Master’s Courses | Suggested PhD Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | N/A | MSc in Social Data Science | Healthcare Data Science (EPSRC CDT) | £33,000 |
| UCL | Data Science BSc | Data Science MSc | Statistical Science PhD | £35,000 |
| Imperial College London | Economics, Finance, and Data Science BSc | Statistics (Data Science) MSc | Accelerated Electrocatalyst Design Using AI | £35,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | N/A | Data Science MSc | Medical Informatics | £40,000 |
| King’s College London | Data Analytics for Business and Finance BSc | Data Science MSc | Statistics Research PhD | £30,000 |
In addition to those ranked by QS, there are many other top UK universities offering data science degrees. Let’s have a look at some of them below.
| University | Suggested Bachelor’s Courses | Suggested Master’s Courses | Suggested PhD Courses | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southampton | Economics with Data Science BSc | Data Science MSc | N/A | £33,000 |
| University of Westminster | BSc Honours Data Science and Analytics | Data Science and Analytics MSc | N/A | £20,000 |
| Royal Holloway, University of London | Economics and Data Science BSc | Applied Data Science MSc | Machine Learning for Studying Supernovae | £28,000 |
| University of Kent | BSc (Hons) Data Science | Data Science MSc | PhD in Data Science | £25,000 |
Now that we’ve explored some top data science courses in the UK, let’s look at the entry requirements for programmes in the UK. A thorough understanding of the entry requirements of the data science courses you’re applying for can increase your chances of securing admission at a top university.
Eligibility criteria to study data science in the UK
UK universities set their own entry requirements for each data science course to ensure you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete it. Before applying for your preferred course, you must carefully go through the university’s eligibility criteria to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications, including work experience and English language test scores.
We’ve compiled the general qualifications you need to gain admission into a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in data science in the UK below:
| Criteria | Bachelor of Data Science in the UK | Master in Data Science in the UK | PhD in Data Science in the UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Educational Qualifications | A* (in Mathematics), AA or A* (in Mathematics), BB for GCE Advanced Levels or its international equivalent | An upper second-class undergraduate degree in a quantitative field | An upper second-class undergraduate degree or a master’s degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline |
| Work Experience | N/A | Relevant professional experience demonstrating familiarity with programming languages, mathematical methods, and statistical programming | Work experience demonstrating relevant academic and research interests |
| English Language Test Scores | 7.0 overall score with a minimum score of 6.5 for each test component | 6.5 overall score with a minimum score of 6.0 for each test component | 6.5 overall score with a minimum score of 6.0 for each test component |
In addition to ensuring you meet the entry requirements of your preferred data science course in the UK, you must also ensure you submit all necessary documents with your application to increase your chances of admission. We’ve outlined the key documents you need for your data science applications to the UK next.
Documents required to study data science in the UK
When applying for a data science degree in the UK, documents play a crucial role in your application, acting as proof of your achievements and qualifications to your preferred university. The below table looks at the documents needed when applying for the different types of data science degrees in the UK.
| Level of Study | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Data Science in the UK |
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| Master in Data Science in the UK |
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| PhD in Data Science in the UK |
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Submitting all the necessary documents with your application is crucial as they help your university determine your:
- Previous knowledge of data science
- Passion and motivation for data science
- Attitude towards learning and personal development
- Communication and writing skills
Another important step in your application process to the UK is formulating a financial plan for your studies. We’ve explored the cost of studying data science in the UK next.
Funds required to study data science in the UK
The expenses associated with your data science degree in the UK are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses. Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in the UK and your lifestyle, while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally include the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge you have to pay before coming into the UK.
Pre-arrival expenses to the UK
Before arriving in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student visa which gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your course. This application requires you to make the following payments:
- £490 for your online visa application fee
- £1,552 healthcare surcharge for a two-year visa (the exact amount depends on the length of your visa)
Tuition fees
UK universities have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you. Typically, tuition fees will be between INR 22 lakhs and INR 44 lakhs per year for a data science course.
Cost of living in the UK
Your living expenses in the UK will mainly account for accommodation, food, and travel costs. The average cost of living in the UK per year is around £15,000 (INR 16 lakhs) in London and approximately £12,000 (INR 13 lakhs) in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in the UK:
| Expense | London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly rent | INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 | INR 58,000 to INR 69,000 |
| Monthly public transport costs | INR 10,000 | INR 5,000 |
| Monthly grocery costs | INR 16,000 | INR 10,000 |
You can get funding support to manage some of these expenses with a scholarship to study data science in the UK. Let’s now look at some scholarships in the UK that you can apply for as a data science student.
Scholarships to study data science in the UK
Financing the costs of your data science degree may be one of your biggest considerations as you plan to study in the UK. The UK has a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to help cover a portion of or the total study costs. The following table shows scholarships for data science students that can significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK.
| Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|
| University of Sunderland – International Scholarship | £5,000 tuition fee reduction |
| University of St Andrews – St Leonards Digital Education Scholarship | £6,000 towards tuition fees |
| Swansea University – The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship | Tuition fees |
| University of East London – MSc AI & Data Science OfS Scholarship | £10,000 towards tuition fees |
| University of Warwick – Computer Science Centre for Doctoral Training and Research Scholarships | Tuition fees + Stipend |
To be eligible for a scholarship in the UK, you are generally required to demonstrate outstanding work experience, have an impressive academic record, and show proof of volunteering and/or community service activities. Once you obtain a scholarship, it can help you focus on your studies without worrying too much about the expenses involved and increase your employability by introducing you to valuable scholarship alumni networks.
Next, let’s have a look at the many lucrative career opportunities in the UK for data science graduates, so you can plan your studies according to your interests and career aspirations.
Careers you can pursue with a data science degree in the UK
Data scientists turn large, unorganised data sets into valuable information through skilled analysis and interpretation. Your work as a data scientist will require you to work closely with organisations to identify issues and propose viable solutions backed by data analytics.
When deciding on your career after your data science degree, a good starting point is to reflect on your areas of expertise, explore your personal interests, and think about your transferable skills that can add value to any role in the industry. Let’s have a look at some job roles you can apply for in the data science industry, along with prospective UK employers and average salaries for each.
| Job Role | Prospective Employer | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Data Scientist | Information Tech Consultants | £40,000 |
| Data Scientist | Dentons | £70,000 |
| Data Scientist, Marketing | Trainline | £70,000 |
| Data Scientist, Product Analytics | Meta | £90,000 |
| Geospatial Data Scientist | Ofcom | £47,000 |
Data scientists turn raw data into meaningful information in their efforts to optimise business operations and increase profitability. As a data scientist, you’ll extract, analyse and interpret large amounts of data from a range of sources, using algorithmic, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and statistical tools. This interpretation can serve a range of purposes, such as predicting what consumers buy for a clothes manufacturer or methods to tackle pollution for the government.
UK universities can prepare you to handle complex challenges in today’s data-driven world. We can help you with profile assessments and goal setting, test prep for IELTS, your college shortlists, your applications and interviews, your financial plan, and your visa application. Contact our experts at SI-UK today and get started on your journey to a top university in the UK.
FAQs
Which university is best for data science in the UK?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024 for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, the best university in the UK to study data science is the University of Oxford. Other top universities for data science degrees include King’s College London, UCL, and the University of Kent.
Why study data science in the UK?
Studying data science in the UK gives you a number of advantages, including the opportunity to get a professional industry certification, the ability to gain valuable practical exposure, and the chance to develop advanced knowledge in a variety of data science tools.
Is data science a skill that’s in shortage in the UK?
With the role of data science expanding across industries over the past decade, the demand for skilled data scientists and related specialists is increasing in the UK. Additionally, the UK has one of the most mature data science ecosystems in Europe so data science is a skill that UK employers are consistently seeking.
Is the UK good for data science?
Yes. Both academically and professionally, the UK is a great environment for data scientists. As a student, you can benefit from modern learning tools and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the data science industry. After graduating, you can enter high-paying roles in top companies across industries, earning between £40,000 to £90,000 annually.