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.

A BSc Mathematics and Data Science from the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers that combine mathematical expertise, programming skills and data-driven problem-solving. The programme develops strong analytical abilities that are valued across sectors, helping graduates move into roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Software Engineer, and Quantitative Researcher. With industry-focused learning, practical project experience and dedicated employability support, graduates are prepared for opportunities in technology, finance, healthcare, research and other data-driven industries.

Key opportunities and career support include:

• The University of Exeter Careers Service supports students through career fairs, employer events, CV guidance, interview preparation, skills workshops and opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

• The optional Year in Industry allows students to gain valuable workplace experience by spending their third year in a relevant mathematics or data science role before completing their final year.

• Students benefit from industry connections with organisations such as Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, Met Office and PwC, helping them gain insights into professional environments and career opportunities.

• The programme has been developed with industry partners including IBM, the Met Office, South West Water, Black Swan and Oxygen House, ensuring students develop skills aligned with current industry needs.

• 92% of Mathematics graduates were in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation, according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2021/22.

• Graduates have progressed into roles such as Accountant, Actuary, Analyst Programmer, Business Analyst, Credit Risk Analyst, Data Science Developer, Investment Analyst, Software Engineer, Statistician and Tax Manager.

• Students develop highly valued skills in programming, statistical analysis, mathematical modelling, data interpretation, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

• The degree supports progression towards the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), subject to suitable professional training and experience.

• Students gain practical experience through individual and group projects using real-world datasets, allowing them to apply mathematical and data science techniques to industry-related challenges.

• The University of Exeter is ranked Top 20 in the UK for Mathematics, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2027.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc Mathematics and Data Science, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as MSc Data Science, MSc Mathematics, MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), or specialist postgraduate programmes in statistics and computational methods. Students can also pursue further professional development in areas such as machine learning, advanced analytics, quantitative finance and mathematical research to specialise in their chosen career field.