The Best Data Science Universities in the UK

Data Science is a cutting-edge field of study focused on the systematic collection, cleaning, and analysis of large datasets for the purpose of deriving insights and patterns.

It can be used in healthcare, communications, politics, the IT sector, and many other areas.

Thus, students all around the world see data science as an esteemed discipline and hope to major in it one day.

Because of its excellent collection of universities offering programs in data science, the United Kingdom is often chosen as a destination country for overseas students interested in pursuing a career in the field.

Many different academic disciplines are represented in the UK's data science curriculum.

  • Tech Solutions for Big Data

  • Machine Learning

  • Using Machine Learning to Analyze Health Data

  • An Application of Data Science

  • Machine-Learning Algorithms Motivated by Nature.

  • Recognition of Patterns, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning

Top universities in the UK for Data Science

These are the top UK institutions for studying data science, as ranked by QS in 2021–22.

  • University of Manchester

  • University of Warwick

  • University of Bristol

  • University of Sheffield

  • University of Leeds

Best UK universities for bachelor's studies in data science-

  • University of Bristol

  • University of Essex

  • University of Exeter

  • University of Portsmouth

  • Coventry University

  • University of East London

  • University of Westminster

  • University of Strathclyde

Best UK universities for Master’s studies in data science: 

  • University of East London

  • Middlesex University 

  • University of Edinburgh

  • University of Birmingham

  • Cardiff University

  • University of Greenwich

  • University of Manchester

  • University of Southampton

  • University of Strathclyde 

Documents for a Data Science Degree 

For a bachelor's degree

  • Course records

  • Character references

  • Temporary diplomas from grades 9 through 12.

  • Scores that are legally acceptable on English proficiency exams

  • If required, a Statement of Goals and Letters of Recommendation.

  • Scholarship or other financial evidence (tuition fees payment receipt, financial documents-property evaluation, annual income-sponsor letters etc).

For a master’s degree

  • Submission of transcripts

  • Character certificates

  • Provisional diplomas from classes 10+2

  • Any relevant bachelor's degree coursework

  • Scores that are legally acceptable on English proficiency exams

  • The application packet should include the following: A cover letter detailing relevant experience; a statement of purpose; a resume; and, if requested, a

  • Scholarship or other financial evidence (tuition fees payment receipt, financial documents-property evaluation, annual income-sponsor letters etc).

These universities offer some of the best education and research in data science in the UK. As graduates from these universities go on to populate data science workplaces, it is likely that companies will increasingly need to turn towards these schools when hiring their next round of data scientists, who they hope will generate innovative insights that lead to competitive advantage in their chosen industry.

Career opportunities for data science in the UK

The job market for data scientists is booming. This is because data scientists can be of great assistance in virtually any field, and data plays an increasingly important role in modern society.

Students who major in Data Science will be better equipped to take on roles requiring them to conduct exploratory data analysis, apply a variety of techniques, statistical methodologies, and algorithms to that data, identify patterns within that data, and use those patterns and insights to make decisions and solve problems.

Large artificial intelligence and big data companies like DeepMind, FiveAI, Benevolent AI, etc., are headquartered in the United Kingdom.

Look at the data scientist salary range and job descriptions in the UK in the table below.

Final words

The one thing you don't want to do when deciding on a university is pick based on the prestige of the institution rather than the quality of instruction and courses it offers. 

The main takeaway here is that data science degrees are still fairly new, so there aren't a ton of universities offering them. But in the coming years, we'll no doubt see many more pop up all over the country. And if you're willing to travel, then there's no reason why you can't find a data science degree program in the UK or elsewhere as well.


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