Data Science (Placement Year)

BSc Hons

  • UCAS code G901
  • Entry year 2026 or 2025
  • A level requirements AAA
  • Duration Full time 4 years
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We welcome applications from the United States of America

We've put together information and resources to guide your application journey as a student from the United States of America.

Overview

There has never been a more exciting time to study data science. Digital data tracks every part of our lives and Data Scientists are essential to understanding that data and how it can be used to shape algorithms, artificial intelligence, statistical tools, and businesses. As a data science student, you will gain hands-on experience with a range of industry-standard software and tools used in both computing and data analysis. Prepare to tackle the systems that shape our world and take the next step towards an exciting career.

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Data Science (Placement Year) degree begins by introducing you to fundamental principles and concepts in computer science and statistics and how they are applied. You will gain skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and quantitative reasoning, alongside key mathematical methods. And, with this knowledge you will analyse data and draw on case studies to provide real-world solutions.

Going into Year 2, you will be able to delve deeper into what intrigues you most and specialise your studies towards a specific career path. This includes developing your understanding of linear algebra, probability, and statistics and building skills in programming and software design. You will gain insight into the challenges encountered by a range of industries by facing real-world scenarios and considering their solutions and wider impact through lectures and workshops. During this time, you will also enhance your research and employment skills through individual and group projects.

In Year 4, it is over to you! You will specialise your interests further by choosing from a range of optional topics in computer science and mathematics. Alongside this, you will undertake an individual data science project in collaboration with one of our academics, where you will further develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your future career.

Your placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a placement that will enable you to apply the knowledge and skills learnt so far and gain invaluable experience that will then inform your studies in Year 4 and your career beyond.

Although it’s up to you to find your placement, we will support you all the way. Our Careers Service will provide guidance on CVs, applications, interview techniques and creating a digital profile.

Personal development

Throughout your degree, you will develop valuable transferrable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which make you highly desirable to future employers. The practical skills you gain in data analysis, software design, and testing prepare you for applications in the real world, and your insight into statistics and AI will make you a unique candidate prepared to face the challenges of the future. You will also learn how to collaborate, research, and present your findings, developing solutions as part of a team and as a leader. With a year’s experience added to your CV, you will be a standout graduate.

3 things our students want you to know:

  • We have a thriving community that engages in a range of extra-curricular societies and groups. They’re a great opportunity to meet new people and build your professional and technical skills. Current groups include LU Hack, the Lancaster University Ethical Hacking Group who practice safe (and legal!) hacking; FemTech, a group aimed at empowering non-male-identifying students in a male-dominated discipline; and the Computer Science Society, who facilitate talks and guest lectures to help you learn from and engage with experts within and beyond our staff
  • We tackle the important considerations of ethics and sustainability as we learn. It’s challenging but inspiring to think about the future of data science and its impact on our lives and society, and how we can drive that change
  • Our campus is a fantastic place to learn! We each have our favourite place to study: in the SkyLounge with amazing views, in our brand new high-end computer labs or in the Science and Technology Building's collaborative and creative labs

Careers

The gathering, interpretation, and evaluation of data is fundamental to all aspects of modern life. As a result, data science can lead to a career in a wide range of industries. Data Science graduates are very versatile, and have in-depth, specialist knowledge and a wealth of skills.

Upon completion of this degree, you will graduate with a comprehensive skill set, including data analysis and manipulation, logical thinking, problem-solving and quantitative reasoning, as well as adept knowledge of the discipline. As a result, data scientists are sought after in a range of industries, such as business and finance, defence, education, infrastructure and power, and IT and communications.

Particular graduate destinations may include data analyst, data scientist, or machine learning engineer. Many of our students also elect to continue in higher education by studying for MSc or PhD qualifications. Lancaster is home to the Data Science Institute (DSI), which creates a world-class Data Science research capability, setting the global standard for a truly interdisciplinary approach to contemporary data-driven research challenges.

We provide careers advice and host a range of events throughout each academic year. These include our annual careers fair, attended by exhibitors who are interested in providing placements and vacancies to data science students and graduates. You can also speak face-to-face with employers such as Network Rail, Oracle, and Johnson and Johnson, in addition to a broad range of SMEs. Our graduates have gone on to work with major technology companies such as IBM, Google, BBC, and BAE, while others have chosen to take their software design, development, and management skills to SMEs, or have set up their own technology-centric businesses.

Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. You may need to have qualifications in relevant subjects. In some cases we may also ask you to attend an interview or submit a portfolio. You must also meet our English language requirements.

Find more about these qualifications and others not shown here

Learn about how we will assess your application

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Contact Admissions

If you are thinking of applying to Lancaster and you would like to ask us a question, please complete our enquiry form and one of our team will get back to you.

International foundation programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored foundation pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Contextual admissions

Contextual admissions could help you gain a place at university if you have faced additional challenges during your education which might have impacted your results. Visit our contextual admissions page to find out about how this works and whether you could be eligible.

Course structure

Enhancing our curriculum

We continually review and enhance our curriculum to ensure we are delivering the best possible learning experience, and to make sure that the subject knowledge and transferable skills you develop will prepare you for your future.

We will publish more detailed information about the structure of this degree course for 2026-entry in June 2025, ahead of our summer undergraduate open days. This will include overviews of the core modules you will take and examples of optional modules which may be available to you.

Fees and funding

We set our fees on an annual basis and the 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set.

As a guide, our fees in 2025/26 were:

Home International
£9,535 £29,820

Fees and funding information

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Scholarships and bursaries

Details of our scholarships and bursaries for students starting in 2026 are not yet available.

You can use our scholarships for 2025-entry applicants as guidance.

Important information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2026/2027 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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