BSc Mathematics and Data Science

Through this program, and with Exeter’s strong research culture and close industry connections, you’ll constantly be putting your learning into practice. It’s not just theory — you’ll work with real data, use professional tools, collaborate in teams, and take on projects under the guidance of expert academics, often in partnership with industry. Along the way, you’ll develop core skills such as statistical modelling, programming, handling large and complex datasets, thinking critically about bias and uncertainty, and communicating results clearly — all in environments that feel like real professional settings.

As you progress through each year, you’ll use specialist software, tools, laboratories, and workshops, and have opportunities for placements that immerse you in the real world. Here’s how that experiential learning takes shape:

What You’ll Actually Do

• Project work every year: From the start, you’ll be doing research or applied projects with real-world datasets, guided by academic staff. These aren’t just one-off end-of-year tasks but built into your learning throughout Years 1–3.

• Year in Industry option: There’s a 4-year pathway where you spend your third year working in a company or organisation connected to mathematics and data science. Past placements have been with Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, the Met Office, and PwC.

• Employability preparation from Day 1: In your first year, you’ll take modules that help you prepare for placements and future work. You’ll also get dedicated workshops on CVs, interviews, and how to get the most out of your time in industry.

• Team projects: In your second year, for instance, you’ll take on a group project where you and your peers design and deliver a software or data science solution — mirroring how professionals work in teams.

• Software, computational tools, and programming: You’ll start with modules in programming, object-oriented programming, and the fundamentals of machine learning. As you advance, you’ll work with specialist software and environments in modules like Data Science at Scale, Statistical Computing, and Probabilistic Machine Learning.

• Independent final-year project: In your last year, you’ll take on a major 45-credit project where you choose a topic that excites you and apply what you’ve learned to tackle a real-world or research-based challenge.

• Optional modules to tailor your degree: From Year 2 onwards, you can choose electives to specialise in areas such as Computational Intelligence, Statistical Inference, Graphs, Networks & Algorithms, Weather & Climate Modelling, or Mathematical Biology.

• Employer interaction and networks: Throughout your degree, you’ll meet employers through guest lectures, workshops, and mock interviews. Exeter’s Careers Service also runs employer events, giving you direct insights into what industries look for and how to stand out.

• Research-led teaching and labs: You’ll be learning from staff who are active in research across pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and data science. This research focus filters into your modules and especially your independent project.

• Facilities and environment: While there isn’t a dedicated “data science lab,” you’ll be working extensively with computing tools, software, and resources linked to algorithms, AI, and machine learning. You’ll also benefit from the expertise and community at Exeter’s Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Graduate Outcomes Summary
Graduates from this programme step into exciting careers such as Data Science Developer, Business Analyst, Software Engineer or Statistician. Because the degree combines strong quantitative knowledge with programming and analytical skills, it’s highly valued by employers in finance, technology, healthcare, government and consulting. You’ll graduate with both a solid theoretical foundation and plenty of hands-on experience, giving you the confidence to enter a wide range of in-demand professions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

University Services that Support Employability
Exeter’s Careers Service gives you direct access to the world of work through employer fairs, mock interviews, CV workshops and networking events. You’ll also benefit from specific placement support: the programme offers a Year in Industry pathway. From your very first year, you’ll take a module that helps you prepare for applications, and in your third year you can step into a full industrial placement (as part of the four-year degree).

Throughout the course, academic supervision and project work help you apply your learning in a real-world context. Each year includes project work, and in your final year you’ll complete an individual literature review and project that can showcase your skills to employers.

Employment Statistics & Salary Figures
Exeter graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes: 84% of UK-based, full-time first degree graduates from this subject area are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.

While salaries vary, mathematics and data science graduates typically command competitive starting pay. Many roles in data science and analytics begin in the range of £25,000–£35,000+, with rapid progression as you gain experience.

University–Industry Partnerships
This programme has been designed with input from leading organisations, including IBM, the Met Office, South West Water, Black Swan, and Oxygen House. You’ll work with real datasets, tackle problems that reflect industry practice, and gain experience that mirrors what employers expect in the workplace.

Long-Term Accreditation Value
The degree also meets the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician designation from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA). With the right experience and training after graduation, this professional recognition can give you an edge and long-term credibility in mathematical, statistical and data science careers.

Graduation Outcomes (Typical Job Roles)
Recent Exeter graduates have gone on to roles such as:

• Data Science Developer

• Business Analyst

• Software Engineer

• Statistician

• Actuary

• Analyst Programmer

• Credit Risk Analyst

• Investment Analyst

• Accountant

Further Academic Progression
If you’d like to continue your studies, this degree provides an excellent platform. Many graduates choose to pursue:

• Master’s degrees in Data Science, Statistics, Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning, at Exeter or elsewhere, to gain deeper specialisation.

• Research-based master’s or PhD programmes, especially if you enjoy theory or project work and want to contribute to new advances in statistics, modelling or AI.

• Professional qualifications, such as actuarial training, which combine with this degree to achieve chartered status.

• Short, focused training in areas like big-data tools, cloud computing or ethical AI, ensuring you stay at the cutting edge of industry trends.