BSc Data Science and Analytics

When you study this degree, you're not just learning theory—you’re getting right into the tools and techniques that data professionals use. From programming and AI to databases and ethical systems, practical skill-building is at the heart of the course. You’ll work on real datasets, apply statistical and computer science methods, and tackle issues using both structured and unstructured data. Alongside theoretical foundations, the university supports your learning with excellent facilities, research centers, and career-focused experiences.

That means you’ll benefit from trusted research institutes, access to real-world data, career support, and pathways like placement years or studying abroad, all delivered in a vibrant and supportive academic environment:

Here’s how experiential learning takes shape on this course:

• Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS): A centre of excellence that brings together researchers, industry, and students to work on social, health, environmental, and policy challenges using data. Your learning will be closely tied to their cutting-edge, trustworthy research methods. 

• Specialist research facilities and data resources: You’ll have access to the UK Data Archive and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), both located on campus—vital for working with real-world data and building strong analytical skills. 

• Placement Year & Year Abroad options: The course structure allows flexibility—including a placement year or an international year abroad—so you can gain practical experience or global exposure as part of your degree. 

• Interdisciplinary teaching across departments: You’ll be taught jointly by the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering—ensuring exposure to both statistical theory and computing practice. 

• Career modules & employability support: The degree offers dedicated careers and employability modules, and access to events and support tools from the Careers and Student Development teams—helping bridge learning with future work opportunities.

Graduates from Mathematical Sciences (which includes Data Science and Analytics) at Essex report typical earnings of around £30,000 fifteen months after graduation, rising to about £36,500 five years post-graduation.  AND Essex undergraduates (UK, full-time) see 87% in employment or further study fifteen months after finishing their degrees.

This degree opens doors to career paths such as:

• Data Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Business Intelligence Developer

• Data Engineer 

Here’s why this course sets you up so strongly:

• University services boosting your employability
  Essex offers robust Careers modules tailored to prepare you for the job market, along with extra events and programmes from their Careers Team and Student Development Department 

• Employment stats & salary figures

  • Typical starting salary: about £30,000 fifteen months after graduation

  • Five-year average: around £36,500
    Additionally, the overall UG employment/continued study rate is 87%, fifteen months post-graduation 

• University–industry partnerships
  Through the Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS), students benefit from close collaboration with industry and access to powerful research facilities such as the UK Data Archive and the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) 

• Long-term accreditation value
  Essex holds a Silver rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), and performs strongly in knowledge exchange—ranking 11th overall in KEF4, and 2nd in its Cluster X group. This reflects high engagement with industry and third-sector partners

• Graduation outcomes

  • £30k average salary fifteen months out, and rising over time

  • 87% of UK full-time undergrads employed or in further study after 15 months

  • Supported by strong employability services and industry links.