According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the number of students enrolled in data science and artificial intelligence courses in the UK has been increasing steadily over the years.
Moreover, a report by the Royal Society revealed that the demand for data science skills in the UK is growing at a rate of 56% per year. The report also highlighted that there is a significant skills shortage in the field of data science, with a shortage of around 173,000 workers with deep analytical skills. This presents a great opportunity for those studying data science and those willing to study data science in the UK to secure well-paid and rewarding careers.
In addition to traditional universities, there are also a number of bootcamps and training programs that offer data science courses in the UK. These programs are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience with the latest data science tools and techniques, and often include opportunities for internships and industry partnerships.
Also, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data scientist in the UK is around £47,000 per year, with more experienced professionals earning upwards of £70,000 per year. Exciting, right? And for more exciting stuff just keep reading for this blog will cover all about the top data science degrees in the UK & a lot more!
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Table Of Contents |
Top 10 Data Science Universities in UK
The UK has become a hub for data science education and research, with several prestigious universities offering top-notch programs in this field. These universities are globally recognized for their expertise in data science and their commitment to producing highly skilled graduates in the field.
University |
QS Ranking 2023 |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
University of Oxford |
1 |
£26,770-£35,525 |
Imperial College London |
2 |
£32,750-£38,600 |
University of Cambridge |
3 |
£22,227-£33,825 |
University of Edinburgh |
4 |
£23,100-£36,500 |
University of Manchester |
5 |
£25,000-£30,000 |
University College London |
6 |
£19,840-£31,540 |
University of Warwick |
7 |
£24,860-£31,750 |
King’s College London |
8 |
£19,200-£31,500 |
London School of Economics and Politics |
9 |
£22,608-£27,432 |
University of Bristol |
10 |
£24,700-£28,300 |
Why Study Data Science in UK?
There are several reasons why studying data science in the UK can be a great choice. And we have listed the best ones for you:
- High-quality education: UK universities are known for their academic excellence and research-based approach to education. The UK has a long history of innovation and leadership in the field of data science.
- Wide range of programs: The UK offers a wide range of data science programs, from undergraduate degrees to postgraduate courses and doctoral programs.
- Career prospects: With the increasing demand for data scientists across industries, studying data science in the UK can provide excellent career prospects. Many UK universities have strong industry connections and offer opportunities for internships and placements.
- International exposure: The UK is a hub for international students, with a diverse student population from around the world. Studying data science in the UK can provide opportunities for cross-cultural learning and exposure to different perspectives.
- Cultural experience: Studying in the UK can provide an enriching cultural experience, with opportunities to explore the country's history, art, music, and more.
Best Data Science Programs in the UK
The curriculum usually covers a wide range of topics such as machine learning, statistical modeling, data visualization, and big data analytics, preparing students for successful careers in various industries that require expertise in data science. Let us now share the best data science degrees in the UK with you:
Degree Name |
University |
International Tuition Fees |
BSc Data Science, MSc Data Science |
University of Edinburgh |
£23,100 |
MSc Data Science and Analytics |
University of Sheffield |
£23,750 |
MSc Data Science |
University of Glasgow |
£22,750 |
MSc Data Science |
University of Southampton |
£23,750 |
MSc Data Science and Analytics |
University of Leeds |
£22,500 |
MSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Statistics, MSc Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning |
Imperial College London |
£37,000 |
MSc Data Science |
University of Bristol |
£25,100 |
BSc Data Science, MSc Data Science |
University of Warwick |
£24,240 |
MSc Data Science |
University of St. Andrews |
£22,850 |
MSc Data Science |
University of Sussex |
£19,300 |
Admission Requirements to Study Data Science in UK
To study data science in the UK, the admission requirements may vary depending on the institution you choose to apply to. However, here are some general admission requirements that are commonly required by universities in the UK:
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject area. Relevant subjects may include mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or physics.
- English Language Requirements: International students whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of their English proficiency. The minimum English language requirements may vary between institutions, but most require an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no individual component below 6.0.
- Work Experience: Some universities may require relevant work experience in the field of data science or a related field.
- Personal Statement: Applicants may be required to submit a personal statement outlining their interest in the program and their career goals.
- References: Applicants may be required to provide academic or professional references.
- Additional Tests: Some institutions may require applicants to take additional tests such as the GRE or GMAT.
- Work Experience: Some universities may require students to have work experience in the field of Data Science or a related area. This is particularly true for students applying for a master's degree or higher.
- Portfolio or Personal Projects: Some universities may also ask students to submit a portfolio or personal projects to demonstrate their skills and experience in Data Science.
Scholarships Offered at Data Analytics Universities in the UK
Financial aid offered in Data Science universities in the UK may include scholarships, grants, bursaries, loans, and work-study programs. Given below are some of the most popular scholarships offered for data science courses in UK:
University |
Scholarship Name |
Amount Offered |
Eligibility Criteria |
University of Edinburgh |
Data Driven Innovation Scholarship |
£10,000 |
Open to UK, EU, and International students pursuing a full-time MSc in Data Science, AI, or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
University of Glasgow |
Data Lab Scholarships |
Up to £8,500 |
Open to UK and EU students pursuing an MSc in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
University of Warwick |
WMG Excellence Scholarship |
Up to 50% of tuition fees |
Open to self-funded international students pursuing a full-time MSc in Data Analytics or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
Imperial College London |
Imperial College Business School Scholarships |
Up to £40,000 |
Open to UK, EU, and international students pursuing a full-time MSc in Business Analytics, Data Analytics, or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
University of Southampton |
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships |
Up to £10,000 |
Open to UK and EU students pursuing an MSc in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
University of Bath |
Global Leaders Scholarship |
Up to £5,000 |
Open to international students pursuing a full-time MSc in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or related programs. Must have a minimum of a 2:1 degree or international equivalent. |
Career Prospects Post Pursuing Data Science Courses in UK
Data Science is a rapidly growing field with increasing demand for skilled professionals in a wide range of industries. Pursuing Data Science degrees in the UK can lead to a variety of career prospects, including:
Job Profile |
Description |
Average Salary (per annum) |
Data Scientist |
Analyze and interpret complex data using statistical and machine learning techniques to identify patterns and make predictions. Develop algorithms and models to solve business problems. |
£45,000 - £70,000 |
Data Analyst |
Collect and analyze large data sets to identify patterns and trends, and provide insights to help inform business decisions. Use tools like SQL, Excel, and Tableau to analyze data. |
£25,000 - £45,000 |
Business Intelligence Analyst |
Develop and implement business intelligence strategies to support decision-making processes. Collect and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Use tools like Power BI and Tableau to create data visualizations. |
£35,000 - £60,000 |
Machine Learning Engineer |
Develop and implement machine learning algorithms and models to improve business processes and outcomes. Use programming languages like Python and R to build and test models. |
£50,000 - £85,000 |
Data Engineer |
Build and maintain data infrastructure and architecture, including data warehouses and pipelines. Develop and implement data management processes and systems. |
£40,000 - £75,000 |
Big Data Engineer |
Design, build, and maintain big data solutions using tools like Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka. Implement data processing and storage systems to support big data analysis. |
£55,000 - £100,000 |
The scope of Data Science in the UK is very promising, with increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Many industries in the UK, including healthcare, finance, and retail, are adopting AI and machine learning technologies to gain insights and improve business operations, creating a need for skilled Data Scientists. Also, the UK government has been investing heavily in technology, including initiatives to promote the development of AI and Data Science. This investment is driving growth in the field and creating opportunities for professionals. And so, if you are also paving your way to study in the UK, it’s definitely time to reach out to our Yocket Experts!