How to Become a Data Scientist in the UK (2024)

The United Kingdom is a prime destination for data scientists, offering a wealth of exciting opportunities.

Some of the world's leading AI companies call the UK home, including DeepMind, Benevolent AI, Oxbotica, Graphcore, and the Alan Turing Institute. These renowned organizations are at the forefront of AI innovation, making the UK an ideal place to build a career in data science.

This article explores how to become a data scientist in the UK.

We draw from our years of research, combining insights from our 2020 study of UK data scientist profiles on LinkedIn with 2024 job market updates from our research and other reputable sources. We cover the following topics:

What education and experience you need to land a job
What cities and industries are hiring data scientists in the UK
Top tools used by data scientists in the UK

Data Scientist Job Outlook in the UK: 2024

How to Apply for a Data Scientist Job in the UK?

What Is the Data Scientist Salary in the UK?

Which Universities Offer the Best Data Science Education in the UK?

How Many Years of Data Science Experience Is Required in the UK?

What Are the Best Cities and Industries for Data Science in the UK?

What Are the Best Programming Languages for Data Science in the UK?

What Are the Top Tools for Data Scientists in the UK?

How to Become a Data Scientist in the UK

FAQs

Data Scientist Job Outlook in the UK: 2024

In 2020, there were an estimated 1,000,000 data science and analytics professionals in the UK, and this field continues to remain relevant in 2024.

But, as you might expect, AI is significantly transforming the job landscape.

According to a UK government white paper, the AI industry employed over 50,000 people in 2023 and contributed £3.7 billion to the economy.

The US International Trade Administration has also estimated that the UK AI market is worth more than £16.8 billion and is expected to grow to £801.6 billion by 2035.

Data and AI clearly offer viable career paths with significant growth potential. But how can you secure such a role?

How to Apply for a Data Scientist Job in the UK?

Recruiters play a significant part in job placement in the UK. If you're new to the field or a junior candidate, however, you may need to focus on applying directly through company websites and job boards.

For those unsure where to begin, start by exploring some of the UK's most popular job board websites: reed.co.uk, monster.uk, totaljobs, Indeed, and Adzuna.

If you're not a British citizen, you'll need to research your options for relocating to the UK. Head over to the gov.uk website to get familiar with the post-Brexit requirements and the types of work visas you'll need to work in the UK.

Now that you know how to apply for data scientist jobs in the UK, let’s take a look at remuneration.

What Is the Data Scientist Salary in the UK?

If you're curious about how to become a data scientist in the UK, one compelling reason might be the field’s attractive salaries.

According to Glassdoor, the typical data scientist salary in the UK is approximately £50,000, based on a sample of 6,543 salaries. This figure doesn't include the average £4,800 of additional pay, which usually comes in the form of bonuses.

It's worth noting, however, that the reported average salary range is quite wide—between £38,000 and £62,000 per year.

A closer look reveals that salaries are significantly influenced by the employer. Large companies like Meta offer highly competitive packages, with average annual wages of £121,000.

Which Universities Offer the Best Data Science Education in the UK?

The United Kingdom stands out as a premier destination for those seeking data science and analytics degrees. Forbes columnist and 365 Data Science instructor, Bernard Marr, ranks two UK institutions among the world's top 10 for master's in Data Science programs: Imperial College London's Master's in Business Analytics and the University of Bath's Master's in Data Science.

Here’s a shortlist of some other highly reputed universities offering UK data science courses and degrees:

It's important to note that these master’s programs come with significant costs. Tuition fees range from £22,000 to £34,000 for international students. Even for UK citizens, master's programs aren't cheap, making them less accessible for many prospective students.

Moreover, international students must prove their English proficiency as part of the admission criteria—typically through TOEFL or IELTS exams.

It’s also important to keep in mind that becoming a data scientist in the UK may require advanced education. While it's possible to work as a data scientist with a bachelor's degree, our data shows this is less common.

Our 2020 research revealed that only 9% of UK data science professionals held a bachelor's degree, compared to 52% with a master's and 34% with a PhD.

But the 2024 US job market—which may reflect UK trends—suggests this landscape is evolving. We found that 20% of the 1,000 analyzed job postings only required a bachelor's degree, and over a quarter didn't specify any degree requirements at all.

This shift implies that while advanced degrees still significantly boost your prospects in this field, it's increasingly possible to become a data scientist in the UK with just a bachelor's degree.

One effective way to increase your chances of securing a position without returning to formal education is certifications from private institutions. You don’t necessarily need to complete your data science training in the UK—there are many reputable online platforms available.

For instance, 365 Data Science offers data analyst and data scientist career tracks. These carefully curated programs provide a series of courses and projects designed to ensure you develop a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills.

Once you complete the program, you’ll receive a career track certificate which you can include on your resume to complement your formal education, whatever your degree.

How Many Years of Data Science Experience Is Required in the UK?

When considering how to become a data scientist in the UK, a common concern is the level of experience required. Is it necessary to have years of industry experience to secure a position?

The answer is encouraging. Our 2020 research on LinkedIn data scientists revealed:

11% had 0-12 months of work experience
20% had less than 2 years of experience
29% had 2-3 years of experience

This data suggests that many data scientists in the UK are relatively new to their roles.

But our 2024 research into the US market suggests this trend may also be shifting. As the field matures, so do its workforce requirements. The most frequently mentioned experience level in our data was 2-4 years, followed by 4-6 years, and then 0-2 years.

It's important to note, though, that only about a quarter of these job postings specified years of experience, which may limit the representativeness of this data for the broader job market.

Now, let’s explore the UK cities and industries with the best career opportunities.

What Are the Best Cities and Industries for Data Science in the UK?

A simple comparison on Indeed reveals what you might expect: London offers by far the most data scientist job opportunities in the UK.

Our 2024 search found over 500 job openings for data science in London, but only 44 in Manchester, 14 in Birmingham, 12 in Leeds, and 11 in Glasgow. Keep this in mind if you're searching for a job—the number of opportunities in London is substantially higher than in other UK cities.

As a prospective data scientist in the UK, you might assume that London's financial sector would be your primary job market. But our research reveals a different picture. Most data science jobs in the UK are actually in the technology and IT sectors.

In our search of over 500 data science jobs in London, we found only 16 in finance, compared to about 100 in IT. You'll find opportunities in various other fields too, including education, retail, HR, healthcare, and management.

This distribution suggests that the finance industry may not have fully tapped into data science's potential yet. In the future, you might see more data science roles opening up in finance.

These numbers mirror those found in our US research in 2024, where IT comprised 30% of job postings, followed by HR (19%), healthcare (13%), and finance (10%).

The key takeaway, however, is that while IT currently dominates the field, data science isn't confined to one industry. If you’re thinking about how to become a data scientist in the UK, you have the flexibility to pursue roles that align with your personal interests and career goals, whether that's in tech, finance, healthcare, or beyond.

Having examined the current data scientist job market and the qualifications needed to enter it, let's explore the specific skills required for data scientists in the UK.

What Are the Best Programming Languages for Data Science in the UK?

Python stands out as the clear leader among programming languages favored by UK data scientists in our 2020 research. R secures the second spot, with SQL following closely in third.

Our 2024 US job market research corroborates these findings. Python was mentioned in 57% of job postings, while R and SQL were required in 33% and 30% of listings, respectively.

What Are the Top Tools for Data Scientists in the UK?

As a data scientist in the UK, you'll need more than just programming skills. Let's explore the tools that will make you stand out in the job market.

Visualization is key. You'll need to present your findings clearly. Tools like Tableau and PowerBI are in high demand, appearing in 12% and 10% of 2024 US job postings respectively. These skills will help you communicate complex data to stakeholders effectively.

If you’re wondering how to become a data scientist in the UK, you need to be aware that AI and machine learning are transforming the industry.

Nearly 70% of job listings mention machine learning, while about 20% reference AI and natural language processing (NLP). Familiarize yourself with popular tools like PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn to stay competitive.

Versatility is valued. Especially in smaller companies, employers are looking for data all-rounders. You'll be more attractive if you can handle various aspects of the data lifecycle.

Big data and cloud technologies are also increasingly important; Azure, AWS, and Apache Spark appeared in 29%, 19%, and 12% of listings respectively.

While these figures come from US research, they're likely to reflect UK trends. By mastering these tools, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the diverse challenges of data science in the UK job market.

How to Become a Data Scientist in the UK

Remember, even the most accomplished data scientists were once beginners. Don't hesitate to take that first step towards your future in data science.

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FAQs

How long does it take to become a data scientist in the UK?

The timeline to become a data scientist in the UK can vary based on your educational background and professional experience. Typically, achieving a master's degree, common among data scientists in the UK, can take 1-2 years. Adding the time for obtaining relevant work experience, a reasonable estimate would be 3-5 years to establish yourself in the field. For those looking to expedite their journey, online courses like those offered by 365 Data Science can help fill knowledge gaps and enhance practical skills more quickly.

What qualifications do you need to be a data scientist in the UK?

In terms of data scientist education in the UK, professionals generally hold advanced degrees. 52% have a master's and 34% hold a PhD, according to our 2020 research. Recent trends, however, show an increasing acceptance of candidates with bachelor's degrees, especially if supplemented with industry certifications and practical experience. Certifications from reputable online platforms like 365 Data Science can significantly boost your employability by providing specialized training in key areas of data science.

Are data scientists in demand in the UK?

Yes, data scientists continue to be in high demand in the UK job market. The AI industry alone employed over 50,000 people in 2023 and is expected to grow significantly. With the UK's strategic focus on becoming a global leader in AI and technology, the demand for skilled data scientists is projected to rise, offering numerous career opportunities across various industries.

Is studying data science in the UK worth it?

Studying data science in the UK is highly valuable, given the presence of world-class universities and the country's commitment to leading in AI and technology sectors. Universities like Imperial College London and the University of Bath offer top-tier programs that rank among the best globally. While the cost of education can be high, the investment is generally worth it due to the substantial career opportunities and potential earnings in the field. For those concerned about the cost, online educational platforms like 365 Data Science provide affordable and flexible learning options that can also lead to successful data science careers. If you’re wondering how to become a data scientist in the UK, now’s the time to take the leap!