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Data Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A data scientist is a professional who analyses large sets of data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that can help organisations make better decisions. In the UK, data scientists are employed across many sectors, including finance, healthcare, retail, and technology. Their work involves using programming languages like Python or R, applying statistical methods, developing machine learning models, and visualising data to communicate findings to stakeholders. Most data scientists have strong backgrounds in maths, statistics, or computer science, and often hold postgraduate degrees. The role requires critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to explain complex ideas in a clear way.

Data Scientist

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Data scientists in the UK earn on average between £40,000 and £70,000 per year, with experienced professionals in leading firms earning over £90,000.

Job Vacancies

There were over 8,000 data science job postings in the UK in 2023 according to Tech Nation.

Growth Rate

The demand for data scientists in the UK has grown by more than 35 percent in the past five years, making it one of the fastest-growing tech careers.

🚀 Careers in this path

Machine Learning Engineer

Specialises in designing and developing algorithms that allow computers to learn from data, often working on projects such as image recognition or speech analysis.

Natural Language Processing Specialist

Focuses on enabling computers to understand and process human language, such as developing chatbots or tools that analyse written text.

Data Visualisation Analyst

Creates interactive charts, graphs, and other visual representations to help organisations understand complex data and make better decisions.

Build a Strong Foundation in Maths and Computing

Study Mathematics and Statistics

Focus on subjects like maths and statistics at GCSE and A-level to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

Understanding concepts in probability, algebra, and calculus is essential for data science. If possible, take Further Maths at A-level as well. These subjects will help you grasp the statistical methods often used in analysing data sets.

Learn Basic Programming

Start learning programming languages such as Python or R, which are widely used in data science.

You can use free online resources like Codecademy, Coursera, or YouTube tutorials to start learning how to code. Python is particularly popular due to its simplicity and the wide range of libraries available for data science.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Pursue a University Degree

Apply for a relevant degree such as Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics.

Most employers look for candidates with at least a 2:1 degree in a related subject. Some universities now offer specialised data science degrees. You can also consider studying subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Economics, or Engineering if they offer modules in data analysis.

Take Part in Data Science Projects

Gain practical experience by joining university clubs, online competitions, or internships.

Websites like Kaggle offer competitions where you can practise solving real-world data problems. Look for placements or summer internships in companies that use data analytics to give you a taste of working as a data scientist.

Develop Advanced Skills and Specialise

Learn Advanced Data Science Techniques

Study machine learning, data visualisation, and big data technologies.

You can take online courses or modules at university that cover machine learning algorithms, data mining, and visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Understanding how to work with large datasets using tools like SQL, Hadoop, or Spark is also highly beneficial.

Build a Portfolio

Create a portfolio showcasing your data science projects and skills.

Having a portfolio on platforms like GitHub can demonstrate your coding ability and your approach to solving problems. Include clear explanations, visualisations, and results from your projects to show future employers what you can do.

Apply for Graduate Roles or Entry-Level Positions

Look for graduate schemes, junior data scientist, or analyst positions to start your career.

Many technology and finance companies offer graduate schemes specifically aimed at data analytics or data science. Tailor your CV to highlight your technical and analytical skills, and be prepared to discuss your projects and experience in interviews.

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The most closely matching career title is 'Data scientist' itself, as it shares the same profession and core skills such as data analysis, statistical modelling, and programming. The other options focus on specialised domains or different scientific fields, whereas 'Data scientist' primarily involves working with data across various industries.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • a Civil Service training programme

University

You can begin your career in data science by studying for a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, such as:

  • maths
  • statistics
  • data science
  • computer science
  • operational research

Subjects that include a lot of statistics, like physics, engineering or psychology may also be useful.

Graduates of other subjects can do a postgraduate master's conversion course to get into AI and data science.

Funding is also available to encourage people from under-represented groups to come into the profession.

Doing an internship or industry work placement as part of your course can give you an advantage when looking for jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship, for example:

  • Data Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Level 7 Professional Apprenticeship

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to companies and organisations if you have the right skills and experience from working with data. You may be able to find roles with:

  • the NHS
  • financial and professional services firms
  • IT companies
  • retail and sales organisations
  • government departments

Other Routes

You could register for a place on the Civil Service Fast Stream scheme to work in data. You'll need a degree, postgraduate award or have completed a degree apprenticeship to apply.

More Information

Career tips

Look out for intensive training courses in computing and data science.

It could also be useful to build up your knowledge of coding, analysis and data manipulation software, like:

  • R
  • SQL
  • Python
  • Power BI
  • Excel

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Institute of Analytics (IoA) or The Royal Statistical Society for training and development opportunities, and to make contacts in the industry.

Further information

You can find out more about a career as a data scientist from The Royal Statistical Society and The Chartered Institute for IT.

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