Data science degree apprenticeship UK
Earn a salary and a funded BSc in Data Science at Experian, Capital One, the NHS, Civil Service, and more. Learn Python and SQL on the job — no tuition fees.
Level 6
Qualification level
BSc Data Science or equivalent honours degree
£20k–£29k
Typical starting salary
Rises significantly on completion — data roles command premium pay
Maths required
Key entry criterion
Maths A-level at grade B+ required by almost all programmes
What is a data science degree apprenticeship?
A data science degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines full-time paid employment with a funded BSc in Data Science or a closely related discipline. You work in a real data role — cleaning datasets, building statistical models, creating dashboards, and communicating insights to business stakeholders — while studying one day a week (or in blocks) at a partner university.
Python and SQL are the core tools across most programmes. R is common in research-heavy settings such as the NHS and Civil Service. Machine learning, statistical inference, data visualisation, and database design are typically covered through both the academic and work-based elements of the programme.
Top employers offering data science degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experian | Data Science DA | £22k–£28k | Data & analytics |
| Capital One | Technology DA | £23k–£29k | Financial services |
| NHS | Data Science DA | £20k–£27k | Healthcare |
| Civil Service / HMRC | Data Science DA | £21k–£28k | Government |
| Sky | Technology & Data DA | £22k–£28k | Media & telecoms |
| BT Group | Data & AI DA | £20k–£27k | Telecoms |
| Barclays | Data Science DA | £22k–£28k | Banking |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
Maths A-level at grade B or above (most employers)
Some employers require grade A; Further Maths is advantageous
2 further A-levels at grade BC or above
Sciences, computing, economics, or statistics are all relevant
GCSE Maths at grade 7 (A) or above
Strong numeracy is essential for data science roles
GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or above
Required for written communication and university study
Right to work in the UK
Most employers do not sponsor visas for apprenticeship programmes
No prior coding experience needed: Most data science degree apprenticeship programmes teach Python and SQL from the ground up. Demonstrating logical thinking, problem-solving ability, and a genuine interest in working with data is more important at application stage than existing programming skills.
Live data science degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a data science degree apprenticeship?▾
A data science degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme that combines paid employment in a data role with a funded BSc in Data Science. You learn Python, SQL, statistics, and machine learning on the job and through university study, graduating debt-free after 3–4 years.
Is Maths A-level required for a data science degree apprenticeship?▾
Yes — almost universally. Maths A-level at grade B or above is required by virtually all data science degree apprenticeship programmes. Some employers (Capital One, Experian) ask for grade A. Further Maths is advantageous but not typically required.
Do I need coding experience to apply?▾
No prior coding experience is usually required. Employers teach Python and SQL from the ground up. However, demonstrating curiosity about data, logical thinking, and an ability to explain numerical concepts clearly will strengthen your application significantly.
What can I do after a data science degree apprenticeship?▾
Graduates typically progress into mid-level data scientist, data analyst, or data engineer roles within their employer, often at a significant salary increase. Data science skills are in high demand across every sector — finance, healthcare, government, media, and technology — giving you broad career options.
When do data science degree apprenticeship applications open?▾
Most programmes open applications in autumn (September–November) for a following summer or September start. NHS and Civil Service roles can open at various points throughout the year. Set up job alerts on Apprentice Wizard to be notified as soon as listings go live.
