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Data scientist

Data scientists use software, artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and interpret large amounts of data.

Annual Salary

£32,000 to £82,500

Working hours

37 to 39 week

You could work: between 8am and 6pm; flexibly

4.3%
Future employment

There will be 4.3% more Data scientist jobs in 2029.
In your local area

What's it all about?

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a data scientist, you could:

  • gather data from different sources to create models and test ideas
  • analyse data patterns to form insights and make policy recommendations
  • set up automated data systems to transform business processes
  • make sure information management meets data security and quality standards
  • explain to different audiences how AI and data science can benefit their organisation

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a data scientist to be a green job, you could:

  • develop systems to cut down on waste and help businesses operate more sustainably
  • identify and store only relevant data to reduce the energy consumption of servers
  • use AI and machine learning to process huge amounts of real-time data more efficiently, for example in climate modelling

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in an office or remotely.

Entry requirements

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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
  • university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
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
For more information
  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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.

You can also find free computer science and coding courses through The Skills Toolkit.

It will be useful to build up your knowledge of coding, analysis and data manipulation software packages 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.

Employment by region

Career path and progression

With experience, you could specialise in:artificial intelligence; machine learning; database management

You might also:move up to senior or principal data scientist; become a departmental strategy manager; go into academic research and university teaching; work as a freelance data consultant

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • maths knowledge
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • business management skills
  • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
My top 5 skills from the skills bank
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