BSc Finance: Data Science

When you join this programme, you won’t just sit back and listen—you’ll be actively doing, analyzing, and applying what you learn. You’ll gain hands-on technical and quantitative skills using real financial data, develop your programming and statistical methods, and bring it all together through projects, group work, and industry exposure. Exeter also gives you strong academic support, access to optional cutting-edge modules, and plenty of opportunities to connect your studies with the real world.

Placement / Industrial Experience

If you’re looking for professional experience, you can choose the four-year “With Industrial Experience (WIE)” pathway. In your third year, you’ll work on a year-long placement in a relevant industry. Past students have secured placements with top employers such as Apple, Deloitte, and Goldman Sachs. What’s great is that the placement isn’t just extra—it actually counts toward your degree classification. Exeter’s Business School will guide you every step of the way, from applications and preparation through to ongoing support while you’re on placement.

Year Abroad or Study/Work Abroad

You also have the option to spend a year abroad, with opportunities to study at one of around 60 partner universities across 26 countries, or combine study with work abroad. This international exposure is a brilliant way to build cross-cultural awareness and global employability skills.

Project-Based Assessments and Optional Modules

In your final year, you’ll complete an Applied Finance Project (worth 30 credits), which gives you the chance to work in depth on a substantial, real-world-focused project. On top of that, you can tailor your degree with optional modules in areas like Financial Modelling, Machine Learning for Economics, Bitcoin and Digital Currencies, Business Analytics, FinTech in Investment Management, and even Media, AI and the Metaverse. These modules help you stay ahead of current technologies and trends in the industry.

Group Work, Coursework, Projects, and Exams

Assessment is varied across the programme. Alongside exams, you’ll take part in group projects, presentations, coursework, and data-driven assignments. This mix ensures that you develop not only individual technical skills but also teamwork, communication, and presentation abilities that employers really value.

Software, Tools, and Quantitative Methods

You’ll be introduced to a range of quantitative and analytical methods through modules like Econometrics, Statistical Methods for Accounting and Finance, and Introduction to Data Science in Economics. While specific software tools vary by module, the focus on data science, machine learning, and digital finance ensures you’ll gain hands-on experience with the kinds of programming and analysis tools used in the industry.

Business School Facilities

You’ll be based at Exeter Business School on the Streatham Campus, which offers modern teaching spaces, lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You’ll also benefit from the dedicated Business School Careers Team, who are there to support you with internships, placements, and career planning throughout your degree.

Professional Accreditations & Industry Connections

The programme is partnered with the CQF Institute, giving you free membership, access to exclusive resources and events, and discounted fees for CQF programmes. This connection links you directly with industry standards in quantitative finance and helps you build valuable professional networks.

Graduates from this programme often go on to careers in finance, technology, consulting, and industry. The real strength is that you’ll graduate with both solid financial expertise and strong data/quantitative skills — a combination that’s highly sought after.

Typical roles you could aim for include:

• Investment Analyst / Quantitative Analyst

• Risk Management or Financial Modelling Specialist

• Business Analyst (particularly in FinTech or consulting)

• Corporate Finance or Treasury functions

Progression & Future Opportunities

Why this degree gives you an edge – and how Exeter supports you:

University services to help you into employment:

• The Business School Careers Team works closely with you to prepare for placements, practice interviews, and build applications, especially if you take the With Industrial Experience pathway.

• The Career Zone provides tailored employability support, internships, work placements, alumni mentoring, and plenty of employer networking events.

• Through Study Abroad and international partnerships, you can add a global perspective to your experience.

Employment outcomes and salaries:

• For students who take the Industrial Experience (placement) option, 97% were in graduate-level employment or postgraduate study within six months of graduating.

• During the placement year, salaries typically range between £19,000–£23,000, though depending on the employer and role, they can be lower (around £15,000) or much higher (up to £52,000).

University–industry connections (real examples):

• Past placement employers include Adidas, Apple, ASOS, Bank of England, Deloitte, Disney, EY, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs, PwC, and many more.

• The programme is also accredited by and partnered with the CQF Institute. This gives you free membership, access to professional resources, and even a discount if you later pursue the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF).

Accreditation and long-term value:

• The CQF is a globally recognised qualification in finance and quantitative fields, which adds real credibility to your CV.

• Many modules are designed so that you can gain exemptions or credits towards professional qualifications, depending on your choices.

Where graduates go

Graduates are well prepared for careers in finance, investment banking, accounting and auditing, consultancy, government and public sector roles, as well as research.

The degree structure balances finance, data science, ethics, and sustainability, and you can choose optional modules in areas like AI, bitcoin, or machine learning — so you’ll develop both breadth and technical depth.

Further study options

If you’d like to continue your studies, there are several routes you could take after graduating:

• Specialist Master’s programmes in Quantitative Finance, Financial Technology (FinTech), Data Science, Machine Learning, or Applied Statistics.

• Professional or career-oriented Master’s degrees such as Corporate Finance or Investment Management, or even an MBA.

• A PhD, if you’re drawn towards research areas like financial econometrics, risk modelling, or data analytics in finance.

• Professional qualifications such as the CFA, CQF, ACCA, or Chartered Institute certifications, which can either complement or run alongside your academic studies.