Mathematics and data · Computing and technology
Data science
BSc
Overview
Data science combines statistics, programming and a domain so that data can be used carefully. Undergraduate courses are newer and uneven. A mathematics, statistics or computer science degree can be an equally serious route, especially if it includes probability and a programming project. The degree does not make you a senior data scientist at graduation. Students who enjoy it like messy real datasets and are willing to learn the mathematics underneath the tools.
You want statistics and programming together, aimed at data.
Computer science is broader. Statistics is more mathematical. Business analytics may be less technical.
People who like mathematics, code and interpreting results without overclaiming.
What you will study
Universities do not teach the same modules. The lists below are a general shape, not a syllabus.
Year 1
- Statistics
- Programming
- Linear algebra or calculus
Later years
- Machine learning
- Data projects
- Ethics of data
Skills
Useful before you start
- Mathematics
- Logical thinking
- Clear writing
Developed during the degree
- Statistical reasoning
- Programming
- Communicating uncertainty
Teaching and assessment
Teaching often includes Lectures, Computer labs, Projects.
Assessment often includes Exams, Projects, Reports.
Typical weekly commitment
Estimate.
Entry requirements
Indicative patterns from published UK admissions information. Not an offer. Actual requirements vary by course, university and year. Pearson Edexcel International A Level and Cambridge International A Level are not treated as the same qualification as GCE A level.
Indicative requirements by qualification
The A-level band is the catalogue reference. IB and American lines come from the named university guides under the table. They are not a conversion every university uses, and they are not an offer.
| Qualification | Indicative requirements |
|---|---|
| A Levels | ABB–AAB. Mathematics is widely required or strongly preferred. |
| IB Diploma | UCL publishes 34 points for ABB and 36 for AAB, including 16 or 17 across three Higher Level subjects. A required A-level subject must be Higher Level in UCL's rule. Each Higher Level subject in that table is at least 5. UCL equates A* to 7, A to 6 and B to 5. This is one university's table. |
| American curriculum | That Manchester guide gives AP 5, 4, 4 for ABB and AP 5, 5, 4 for AAB, with GPA 3.0/4.0. Bristol publishes a GPA of 3.2, or 3.4 for competitive courses, and does not use one AP pattern for every degree. Where a course asks for mathematics, Bristol requires AP Calculus BC at 5. |
- University College London: Undergraduate entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, School of Social Sciences: Americas country guide. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Manchester, Civil Engineering: USA country entry requirements. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
- University of Bristol: USA international qualifications. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Not a universal rule.
A-level subjects
Mathematics is widely required or strongly preferred.
Often recommended: Computer Science, Further Mathematics.
Useful preparation: Physics, Economics.
GCSE and IGCSE
Mathematics and often a science at GCSE or IGCSE are commonly requested for engineering and computing. Grades vary. International qualifications are not automatically accepted as the UK version.
Indicative UK pattern only. Not an offer. Selective engineering and mathematics courses can ask for higher grades and sometimes an admissions test.
Other ways in
- A postgraduate data science course after mathematics or computer science is a common alternative.
Admissions tests and extra requirements
TMUA
Used by some courses only. A mathematics reasoning test.
Selected mathematics, economics, computer science and related courses. The list changes by year.
Checked 2026-10-14.
Official test site
Course costs
For many standard full-time courses in England, the home-fee maximum in 2026 to 2027 is Up to £9,790. This is the maximum standard full-time fee published for approved English providers with a TEF award and an access and participation plan. It is not the fee a named university charges, and it does not decide whether you pay home or international fees.
Clinical, laboratory and studio courses are not given a different home-fee figure here, because the regulated maximum is not the same thing as an international or clinical fee.
International tuition is set by each university and is not stored here. Clinical courses are often much higher than classroom-based courses. A school in Qatar does not decide home-fee status.
Source: Changes to tuition fees: 2026 to 2027 academic year. Retrieved 2026-10-14. Living costs, field trips and professional fees are not included.
Where you could study
UK degrees in this subject are numerous. This page does not list every university, because a list without a checked entry requirement would look more certain than it is.
No individual UK course page is stored yet for this subject. Use the university site.
No overseas course has been checked for this subject yet.
Where could this degree take you?
Data scientist
Common route
One direct academic route. Mathematics, statistics and computer science are also common.
Data analyst-statistician
Common route
Closer to the analyst title. The statistician title often expects a stronger mathematics or statistics degree.
Business analyst
Alternative route
Useful technical background. Business analysis also recruits from business and other degrees.
Explore your pathway
A course sits between school subjects and a career. It does not guarantee either admission or a job.