University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash
University degree

Data Science

University of Chester
Qualification
Degree
Length
4 yrs
UK fees / yr
£9,535
Study
full-time
Robin · your guide
Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.
About this course

Data science is one of the most in-demand fields in the contemporary economy, and for good reason: the ability to collect, analyse, visualise, and draw conclusions from large datasets is transforming how organisations make decisions across every sector. Data scientists combine statistical thinking with computational skill and the domain knowledge needed to ask the right questions and communicate findings clearly. It is a discipline that rewards both mathematical rigour and practical curiosity.

At the University of Chester, this four-year full-time degree includes a foundation year for those who would benefit from additional preparation before the main programme begins, ensuring that students who are capable but may not yet have all the necessary mathematical or computing background can access the degree and succeed in it. The programme equips you with skills in R, Python, SQL, and data visualisation tools such as Power BI, covering both the technical and the ethical dimensions of working with data. You will study statistics, machine learning, data engineering, database management, and the interpretation of results in real-world contexts.

The programme also includes a year abroad, offering the opportunity to engage with data science in an international academic environment. A typical entry tariff of 120 points applies.

You will develop strong quantitative and computational skills alongside the ability to communicate findings clearly to non-specialist audiences, which is a combination that is consistently valued by employers. The programme's emphasis on cutting-edge tools and ethical practice reflects the contemporary realities of working with data.

Graduates go on to careers as data analysts, data scientists, business intelligence analysts, machine learning engineers, data engineers, and in a wide range of roles across finance, healthcare, retail, technology, government, and consultancy. Postgraduate study in data science, statistics, or artificial intelligence is another natural route for those seeking to specialise further.

Could you get in?
The grades students arrived with
48-63 pts1%
64-79 pts8%
80-95 pts5%
96-111 pts11%
112-127 pts16%
128-143 pts8%
144-159 pts12%
160-175 pts9%
192-207 pts2%
208-223 pts1%
How they qualified
83% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:
A-levels83%
other higher education10%
Other7%
Could I get in? Try your grades
120 UCAS pts
Pay & prospects
85%
In work or further study after
83%
Continue past first year
85%
Student satisfaction
What graduates earn over time
£23,000
3 years on
£27,500
5 years on
What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers
Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled45%
Sales occupations10%
Customer service occupations10%
Engineering professionalsHighly skilled10%
Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled10%
What students say National Student Survey
85%
of students are satisfied with the course overall
Teaching78%
Assessment & feedback83%
Academic support84%
Well organised84%
Learning resources83%
Student community90%
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Where this degree can lead
Like the look of it?
When you're ready, the full entry requirements and application are on University of Chester's own site.
Apply on uni site
Careermash · real course data from HESA / Discover Uni, in plain English.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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