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Data Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A data scientist is a technology professional who uses analytical, statistical, and programming skills to collect, analyse, and interpret large data sets. Their work helps organisations make informed decisions by uncovering patterns and trends from complex data. Data scientists typically use tools such as Python, R, SQL, and machine learning techniques to build predictive models or automate processes. They often work in sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and technology, collaborating with business teams to solve real-world problems. To become a data scientist, you usually need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, or computer science, often supported by a relevant degree. Data scientists need to be skilled communicators, as they must explain technical findings to non-technical audiences. The role is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, and continuous learning, as the field evolves rapidly with new technologies.

Data Scientist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Data scientists in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £70,000 per year, with experienced professionals and those in senior roles earning over £90,000.

Job Market

There were over 11,000 data scientist positions advertised in the UK in 2023, with demand growing especially in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Growth Rate

The data science sector is expected to grow by around 30 percent by 2030, making it one of the fastest growing career areas in the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Machine Learning Engineer

Works on designing and building computer systems that learn from data, developing algorithms and models used in applications such as image recognition or language processing.

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Data Analyst

Focuses on examining and interpreting data sets to help companies make informed business decisions, often creating reports and data visualisations.

Natural Language Processing Specialist

Specialises in designing systems that allow computers to understand and process human language, often used in chatbots, translation tools, and voice assistants.

Build Strong Foundations

Study Mathematics and Statistics

Gain a solid understanding of maths and statistics, as they are essential for analysing data.

Focus on topics such as probability, algebra, calculus, and statistical methods during your GCSEs and A-levels. Taking Further Maths or Statistics at A-level is highly recommended. These subjects will help you understand the core concepts required for data analysis.

Learn Computer Science Basics

Develop basic programming skills and understand how computers process data.

Choose Computer Science at GCSE or A-level if available. Learn programming languages like Python or R, as they are commonly used in data science. Free online resources and coding clubs can also help you get started.

Pursue Higher Education

Obtain a Relevant Degree

Enroll in a university course related to data science, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics.

Many universities offer specialised degrees in Data Science or related courses like Artificial Intelligence or Data Analytics. Entry requirements often include strong A-levels in Maths and/or Computer Science. Consider universities with good industry connections and placement opportunities.

Complete Data Science Projects

Work on data science projects during your studies to gain practical experience.

Participate in university projects, hackathons, or online competitions such as those on Kaggle. These activities allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world problems and build a portfolio to show future employers.

Develop Professional Skills

Gain Work Experience

Secure internships, placements, or entry-level roles in data-related fields.

Look for internships in companies that use data to drive decisions, such as technology firms, banks, or retailers. Experience with real data and business problems is highly valued by employers. Volunteering for data-focused roles in clubs or societies can also help.

Continue Learning and Networking

Stay updated with the latest data science tools and techniques, and network with professionals in the field.

Attend workshops, conferences, and seminars related to data science. Join professional bodies such as the Royal Statistical Society or the British Computer Society. Continuous learning through online courses or postgraduate study can further enhance your career.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Data Scientist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

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 career title 'Data Scientist' directly matches the first option, as it is essentially the same role. Both involve analysing complex data sets to extract insights, develop models, and support decision-making using statistical and computational techniques.

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

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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.

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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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