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EduSCOT
Engineering & Technology

How to Become a Data Scientist in Scotland

Extract insight from large datasets to guide business decisions, public policy and research.

Higher Maths essential

Edinburgh/Glasgow offer Data Science at MSc only

Graduate Apprenticeship at Heriot-Watt

One of the fastest-growing career paths

Highers You Need

Typical entry: ABBB–AAAB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Maths— Applications of Maths not accepted for most data science degrees

Recommended (not required)

  • Computing Science— recommended

Route to Qualification

Degree: BSc Data Sciences / Statistical Data Science (4 years at university).

1

BSc Data Sciences — Heriot-Watt (4 years)

4 years

2

Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship (Heriot-Watt and partners, SCQF Level 10)

4 years

Employer-funded

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • Heriot-Watt University (BSc Data Sciences; BSc Statistical Data Science)
  • Edinburgh Napier University (BSc Data Science)
  • University of the West of Scotland (BSc Data Science and AI — lower entry tariff)
  • University of Edinburgh (MSc Data Science — postgraduate only)
  • University of Glasgow (MSc Data Science — postgraduate only)

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£28,000–£38,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£45,000–£60,000

5–10 years experience

Scottish data science graduate starting salary. Indeed data shows Scottish average across all experience levels approximately £50,880.

EduSCOT note

Note: Edinburgh and Glasgow offer Data Science only at postgraduate (MSc) level. Heriot-Watt is the main Scottish undergraduate provider. The Graduate Apprenticeship at Heriot-Watt is employer-funded and highly regarded.

Subject choice guide

Planning your S3 or S5 Highers with Data Scientist in mind? Read the detailed guide.

Subject choices for Data Scientist

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Data Scientist in Scotland?▾
To become a Data Scientist in Scotland, you typically need Higher Maths. The typical grade offer is ABBB–AAAB. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BSc Data Sciences / Statistical Data Science?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Data Scientist careers: Heriot-Watt University (BSc Data Sciences; BSc Statistical Data Science), Edinburgh Napier University (BSc Data Science), University of the West of Scotland (BSc Data Science and AI — lower entry tariff), University of Edinburgh (MSc Data Science — postgraduate only), University of Glasgow (MSc Data Science — postgraduate only). Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Data Scientist in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship (Heriot-Watt and partners, SCQF Level 10) (4 years).
What is the salary for a Data Scientist in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Data Scientist in Scotland is typically £28,000–£38,000. Mid-career salary is typically £45,000–£60,000. Scottish data science graduate starting salary. Indeed data shows Scottish average across all experience levels approximately £50,880.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Data Scientist in Scotland?▾
Yes — Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship (Heriot-Watt and partners, SCQF Level 10) (4 years). Graduate Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland and employers — tuition fees are covered.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Data Scientist degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BSc Data Sciences / Statistical Data Science at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.