University of York

What you'll study

This programme builds core skills in mathematics, statistics and software development, then applies them to real-world data problems. Early years focus on programming (typically Python and SQL), probability and statistical inference, linear algebra and computational thinking. You will study modules in data management, exploratory data analysis, visualisation and software engineering for data pipelines.

The course progresses to machine learning, predictive modelling, optimisation and scalable data-processing techniques (including working with larger datasets and parallel/distributed approaches). You will cover practical topics such as feature engineering, model evaluation, time-series analysis and basic natural language processing, together with modules on data ethics, governance and reproducibility.

A key feature is the integrated industry placement year: you spend time working in a commercial, public sector or research environment between your second and final years. The final year includes advanced elective modules and an individual honours project that typically involves an applied data science challenge agreed with an academic supervisor or an industrial partner.

• Typical modules: Programming for Data Science; Probability and Statistics; Linear Algebra; Databases and SQL; Data Visualisation; Machine Learning; Big Data Technologies; Data Ethics and Governance; Individual Project.
• Skills developed: statistical modelling, software engineering for data, data cleaning and wrangling, machine learning implementation, communication and teamwork on applied projects.
• Structure: three-year honours degree with an integrated industrial placement between years two and three (placement length is usually one academic year).

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong numeracy and some programming experience. Typical entry is via A-levels including Mathematics; many offers specify high grades in relevant subjects (for example, strong grades at A-level such as AAB, although exact offers vary). Equivalent UK qualifications (e.g. BTEC) or international qualifications (such as the IB) are accepted where they show comparable achievement and relevant subject background.

Other useful qualifications or experience include further mathematics, computing, statistics or an introductory programming course. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the University's English language requirements. The admissions process also considers personal statements and references, and for some applicants the department may invite interviews or assessment tasks.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of data-focused roles: data scientist, data analyst, data engineer, machine learning engineer, business intelligence developer, quantitative analyst, and roles in analytics consultancy. The placement year is designed to give practical experience and industry contacts, which many students leverage into graduate jobs or internships.

Graduates are employed across sectors including technology, finance, healthcare, retail, government and research. Some continue to postgraduate study in areas such as machine learning, statistics, artificial intelligence or specialised data science masters programmes.

Why study at University of York

Studying at York gives access to both the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, enabling an interdisciplinary curriculum that balances theory and practice. The University provides modern computing facilities, specialised labs and support for student projects, alongside opportunities to collaborate with academic research groups working on machine learning and data analysis.

The programme’s emphasis on an industry placement differentiates it from a straight academic route by building employability, professional experience and sector contacts. York also offers student support services, career development help and links with regional and national employers to support placements and graduate recruitment.

Overall, the BSc Data Science (Industry) is suited to students seeking a technically rigorous degree that leads directly into data-driven careers while offering a substantial period of hands-on industry experience.