Data scientist
Data scientists use software, artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and interpret large amounts of data.
Also known as: Data engineer, machine learning engineer, artificial intelligence (AI) data scientist
- Starter salary£32,000 a year
- Experienced£83,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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
Working environment
You could work in an office or remotely.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of maths and statistics
- analytical thinking skills
- 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
- an understanding of how businesses are managed and operated
- concentration skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a data scientist
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
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
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.
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
- analyse satellite and telescope data for the space industry
- work as a freelance data consultant
Career tips
Look out for intensive training courses in computing and data science.
It could also be useful to build up your knowledge of coding, analysis and data manipulation software, 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.
Guides for this industry
Related roles
- Job roleData analyst-statistician
- Job roleActuary
- Job roleBusiness analyst
- Job roleSystems analyst
- Job roleEconomist
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0