Data professional pictured in front of a group of computer monitors
BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

Data Science

Developing the data scientists of the future.

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge
Award
BSc (Hons) Data Science
Duration
3 years 9 months, inclusive of EPA
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The Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship develops the expertise to interrogate data, systems and methodologies.

It prepares those with a passion for computing and data for an exciting career as a data scientist or data engineer. This work-based programme means apprentices earn and learn, gaining a BSc (Hons) degree with no tuition fees.

For employers, it's a cost-effective solution to build and retain your data and digital talent. Attract new recruits with fresh ideas or invest in your current employees.

Why apprenticeships at ARU?

We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.

  • Upskill staff or bring in fresh talent

  • Taught by industry professionals and expert academics

  • Instil your organisation's culture and processes from an early stage

  • Apprentices take part in a hands-on data bootcamp

  • Build connections in a dynamic learning community

  • Designed to minimise disruption to your business

99%

of apprentices learnt new skills to contribute to their workplace in a practical way.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report

We'll help you progress your career to become a confident data scientist.

  • Study for a degree, with no tuition fees

  • Learn from industry pros and expert academics

  • Get real-world insight through a hands-on bootcamp

  • Join a vibrant, collaborative learning environment

  • Flexible study that fits around your work

  • Work-based approach delivers impact as you learn

85%

received a pay rise since starting their apprenticeship.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report

Talent development

Nick Raikes

We depend on data science, whether training an algorithm to learners, or helping warehouse staff plan for peak demand. I’m excited to give our apprentices the best possible start to their careers.

Nick Raikes, Assistant Director of Research, Cambridge University Press and Assessment

Recruitment support for employers

Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:

  • crafting job advertisements
  • promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
  • adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
  • sharing opportunities across our social media channels.

Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.

Group of apprentices

Creating a world-class apprenticeship

See how we helped Cambridge University Press recruit for their brand new degree apprenticeship.

Degree apprentice Izabela

The apprenticeship allows me to see how business works in real life. I get a lot of knowledge from the course that I can apply in practice at work.

Izabela, Digital Marketer

Programme content

Degree apprenticeships offer the perfect blend of academic study and practical learning in the workplace.

Degree apprenticeships offer the perfect blend of academic study and practical learning that fits around your work.

Entry requirements

Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course.

  • A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion.
  • A secondary education qualification equivalent to 96 UCAS points plus A level; Grade B (or equivalent) in at least one STEM subject (Maths desirable).
  • Level 2 qualifications in five subjects including English and Maths or equivalent qualifications and meet age-related English and Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE.*

*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected]

**We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications if you have a significant amount of relevant experience, are well-supported by your employer, and demonstrate the ability to manage university-level study.

Fees and funding

Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship or receive funding support from the Government.

If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3m, you pay a levy of 0.5% of your payroll into a levy account.

Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.

Take the next step

We’d love to hear from you

Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.

We publish regular updates on our social media channels:

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Starting an apprenticeship with your employer

Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.

Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.

We publish regular updates on our social media channels:

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Finding an apprenticeship role

To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.