BSc Data Science with a Year in Industry

Through this four-year programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience in coding, algorithms, statistical modelling, machine learning, and more. You’ll work closely with the Bristol Institute for Scientific Computing (BriSC), tackling real data science problems that span both academic and industrial settings. The course isn’t just about theory — it’s designed to develop your project management, teamwork, communication, and professional skills, especially during your paid industrial placement year.

Here’s what the experiential learning side of the programme looks like:

– Industry placement year: In your third year, you’ll spend 9 to 12 months on a full-time, paid placement with an organisation. You’ll be supported by both your host company and a University academic, as well as a dedicated placement coordinator from the Science Partnership Office.

– Connections with industry: The University has strong links with leading organisations such as LV= General Insurance, Tria, and IBM. These partnerships give you the chance to work on real-world projects that reflect the professional demands of data science.

– Cutting-edge computational training: You’ll build deep skills in programming, computational thinking, and large-scale algorithm design through your work with BriSC, preparing you to handle complex, real-world data challenges.

– Project-based learning: From the very start, you’ll be working on practical data science projects, applying advanced algorithms to real datasets. It’s all about learning by doing rather than just listening in lectures.

– Research opportunities: If you’re interested in research, you’ll have access to the COMPASS Centre for Doctoral Training, which provides a pathway into postgraduate study in computational and statistical science.

– Placement support: You won’t be navigating the placement year alone. The Science Partnership Office offers guidance on finding roles, preparing applications, and developing the career skills you’ll need to succeed.

– Professional recognition: The degree is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), which highlights its strong professional and practical focus.

– Extra internship opportunities: Beyond the placement year, you can also apply for funded internships in data science, such as the NIHR Undergraduate Data Science Internships in health research. These give you even more experience working with coding tools like Python and R in real research environments.

Graduates from this degree step confidently into roles like Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and Business Intelligence Analyst. What’s especially encouraging is the career momentum: within 15 months, Bristol Computer Science and related graduates are already averaging around £40,000, and by year five, that figure rises to about £62,500. It’s a clear sign of both immediate employability and long-term rewards.

Why this degree sets you up for success:

University services to help you secure employment:
You won’t be navigating the job market alone. The Science Partnership Office has a dedicated Placements Administrator who will help you polish your applications, sharpen your interview skills, and connect you to the right opportunities. On top of that, Bristol’s Careers Service gives you access to resources like the “My Skills” platform, alumni networks, and career development tools—so you can confidently highlight your strengths and build valuable connections.

Employment stats and salary growth:
For computer science–related graduates, 88% are in work or further study just 15 months after graduating. Starting salaries average around £40,000 (with a typical range between £35K–£50K). Just a few years later, graduates see this rise steadily to around £46,000, and by year five, earnings are reaching around £62,500. It’s a strong upward curve that shows both stability and excellent long-term potential.

University–industry partnerships:
The programme doesn’t just give you theory—it connects you to real-world practice. You’ll benefit from the University’s close ties with the Bristol Institute for Scientific Computing (BriSC), where students work on interdisciplinary challenges. There are also active collaborations with organisations like LV= GI, showing that industry partners are genuinely invested in Bristol’s graduates.

Long-term accreditation value:
This degree carries professional recognition through both the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) and the Royal Statistical Society (RSS). That accreditation signals quality and credibility—something employers immediately respect, and a credential that continues to add value throughout your career.

Graduation outcomes:
The headline is simple: 88% of graduates are working or continuing their studies within 15 months, with strong salary growth that quickly moves well above the national average. It’s a degree that gives you both confidence in your first step after university and momentum for years to come.