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HomeStudent homeWork, volunteering and career planningExplore your optionsJob sectorsData science and analytics

Data science and analytics

Data scientists and analysts typically gather and transform raw data into more meaningful information that can be used by organisations to improve and develop business.

Although the roles of data scientists and data analysts may overlap, there are some distinctions between the two. Data scientists develop tools and methods to gather data, creating algorithms and systems to mine data, make predictions and solve complex problems. Data analysts generally analyse existing data, interpreting and communicating the data to facilitate strategic decision making. Both are likely to use programming and database querying languages, such as R, Python and SQL. Data scientists need a higher level of proficiency in programming, together with knowledge of machine learning, AI, data engineering and the ability to tackle more complex problems; they are more likely than data analysts to have a postgraduate qualification. For more on the different roles, see the profiles in Key resources below.

With more businesses relying on data to make decisions, data scientists and analysts are key in helping companies grow and develop. While the sector attracts graduates mainly from STEM subjects including mathematics, computer science, and engineering, there are also openings for those from a non-tech background who have the passion and aptitude to acquire the relevant skills. This career path offers competitive salaries and exciting opportunities for growth, with roles available across a range of industries and organisations. 

Find out about data science and analytics

Government digital and data profession capability framework

The framework includes job profiles giving a good indication of the range of roles, both in and outside of government eg 

Prospects job profiles

Industry insights

Skills and courses to get into data science and analytics

Skills

Key skills for a career in data analytics include:

  • Technical Skills: understanding of programming languages and analytic software, such as Python, R, and SQL, Excel and Tableau.
  • Mathematical and Statistical Knowledge: Understanding of statistics, probability, and algebra.
  • Machine Learning: Familiarity with machine learning techniques and algorithms.
  • Data Manipulation: Changing or organising data to make it easier to understand and use
  • Communication Skills to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, as well as team working and collaboration
  • Data visualisation, visual representation
  • Problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking and attention to detail.

Data scientists are likely to need similar skills as well as:

  • Technical skills; programming languages at a more advanced level. Share your coding skills and projects on GitHub.
  • Advanced Mathematics and statistics
  • Machine learning techniques, data modelling, data engineering

Make sure you read job descriptions carefully to check the level of qualification and skills required. 

Short courses, tutorials and bootcamps

  • DataCamp: blogs, tutorials, podcasts, resources for learning data science skills (not UK-specific; you may need to create an account to access some of the resources).
  • Prospects: Where can I study an online data science course?
  • Some organisations offer free training followed by a guaranteed 2 year job - check the terms and conditions carefully, there may be a substantial financial penalty if you leave for another job before completing the two years’ employment.
  • S2DS bootcamps offer five week, intensive project-based training in data science and AI for graduates with an MSc or PhD in an analytical science subject. The full-time, online programme costs £950 (Jan 2025) and has a competitive application process.

Investigate any bootcamps and training carefully so you have a clear idea of costs and likely outcomes. See also the section below: What can I do at York?

Where could I work as a data scientist or data analyst?

There is demand for data scientists and analysts across a range of sectors, including finance, research, health, retail, academia and government. All kinds of organisations need to use data for effective decision making and to drive improvement. Here are some examples to give you an idea of the range of roles available:

Work experience for data science and analytics
  • Internships: You can find internships in data science and analytics with tech companies and other organisations, generally available to penultimate year students.
  • Projects: Work on personal or academic projects to apply data science techniques.
  • Competitions: Participate in competitions like Kaggle to test your skills against others. DrivenData offers data science competitions with social impact and Data Camp helps you to sharpen your skills on real-world experience with competitions (US based).
  • Networking: Tech Show London is an annual event in March, with five technology shows including Data Centre World, and Big Data and AI (free registration). 
Finding jobs in data science and analytics

You may find work in this sector through a graduate scheme or by applying for direct entry roles (see the Graduate jobs page for an explanation of different graduate jobs and application timelines).

Graduate schemes in data science / data analytics are offered by organisations across a range of different sectors, including (2025 entry):

  • Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC
  • Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, Moodys Insurance
  • Severn Trent, Sky, Morrisons, Asda
  • South Wales Police, Transport for London, Ryanair
  • AstraZeneca, GSK, NHS Graduate Management Trainee Scheme

Note these are examples to give an idea of opportunities available, and some schemes have closed for applications. Explore organisations you are interested in, and read job descriptions carefully for the skills and level of qualification required. Graduate schemes are most likely to recruit from a Bachelors degree; some also welcome Masters applicants. Some more specialist vacancies require a Masters or PhD. 

Health data science black internship programme summer internships for Black heritage current students or recent graduates

Job sites include:

What can I do at York?

Societies

Courses and events

Connect with York graduates working in data science and analytics

Connect with York graduates

Join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about LinkedIn on our Networking page (how to build your network).

Here are some LinkedIn profiles of York graduates working in data science or analytics:

Podcasts and blogs