Metadata
Title
Data science and analytics
Category
international
UUID
847f4d2f67a34103bbdf5691a4a9d30b
Source URL
https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/options/sectors/data-s...
Parent URL
https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/options/sectors/
Crawl Time
2026-03-20T07:26:01+00:00
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Data science and analytics

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/options/sectors/data-science/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/work-volunteering-careers/options/sectors/

Data scientists and analysts typically gather and transform raw data into more meaningful information that can be used by organisations to improve and develop business.

Although the roles of data scientists and data analysts may overlap, there are some distinctions between the two. Data scientists develop tools and methods to gather data, creating algorithms and systems to mine data, make predictions and solve complex problems. Data analysts generally analyse existing data, interpreting and communicating the data to facilitate strategic decision making. Both are likely to use programming and database querying languages, such as R, Python and SQL. Data scientists need a higher level of proficiency in programming, together with knowledge of machine learning, AI, data engineering and the ability to tackle more complex problems; they are more likely than data analysts to have a postgraduate qualification. For more on the different roles, see the profiles in Key resources below.

With more businesses relying on data to make decisions, data scientists and analysts are key in helping companies grow and develop. While the sector attracts graduates mainly from STEM subjects including mathematics, computer science, and engineering, there are also openings for those from a non-tech background who have the passion and aptitude to acquire the relevant skills. This career path offers competitive salaries and exciting opportunities for growth, with roles available across a range of industries and organisations.

Find out about data science and analytics

Key resources

Government digital and data profession capability framework

The framework includes job profiles giving a good indication of the range of roles, both in and outside of government eg

Prospects job profiles

Industry insights

Impact of AI

AI has significantly impacted data analysis, automating some repetitive tasks, analysing vast datasets, data cleaning and reporting. Roles are likely to ask for critical thinking, strategic interpretation and decision-making, and “data storytelling” alongside technical skills.

Skills and courses

Skills

Key skills for a career in data analytics include:

Data scientists are likely to need similar skills as well as:

Make sure you read job descriptions carefully to check the level of qualification and skills required.

For more information about professional skills and how to develop them, see the York Strengths Professional Skills page.

Short courses, tutorials and bootcamps

Investigate any bootcamps and training carefully so you have a clear idea of costs and likely outcomes. See also the section below: What can I do at York?

Where could I work as a data scientist or data analyst?

There is demand for data scientists and analysts across a range of sectors, including finance, research, health, retail, academia and government. All kinds of organisations need to use data for effective decision making and to drive improvement. Here are some examples to give you an idea of the range of roles available:

Work experience

Find jobs

You may find work in this sector through a graduate scheme or by applying for direct entry roles (see the Graduate jobs page for an explanation of different graduate jobs and application timelines).

Graduate schemes in data science / data analytics are offered by organisations across a range of different sectors, including (2025 entry):

Note these are examples to give an idea of opportunities available, and some schemes have closed for applications. Explore organisations you are interested in, and read job descriptions carefully for the skills and level of qualification required. Graduate schemes are most likely to recruit from a Bachelors degree; some also welcome Masters applicants. Some more specialist vacancies require a Masters or PhD.

Health data science black internship programme summer internships for Black heritage current students or recent graduates

Job sites include:

Practice interviews on Shortlist.Me

What can I do at York?

Societies

Courses and events

More resources: people to follow, podcasts, blogs

Connect with York graduates

Join York for Life to connect with our global network of alumni. Start building your own network - find people from your course, look at different careers, ask questions and request a mentor.

Use LinkedIn to make connections, follow organisations of interest, and find out what York graduates are doing. Find out more about using LinkedIn and networking.

Here are some LinkedIn profiles of York graduates working in data science or analytics:

Podcasts and blogs