The Data Science Degree Apprenticeship equips you with the technical expertise and professional skills demanded by today’s global business environment. Developed in consultation with employers, this course combines advanced knowledge in statistics, computer science, and data analysis with practical experience, preparing you to turn complex data into actionable insights.

You will develop specialist, transferable skills in understanding data and models, knowing their scope and limitations, and being able to design, question and communicate these to a wide range of audiences. Learn mathematical and computational techniques for working with big data through databases, efficient algorithms, complex systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This course is supported by work-based projects and an End-Point Assessment, demonstrating your capability to operate as a professional data scientist.

Our online lectures are designed to facilitate discussion and help you to develop your critical thinking skills alongside other professional competencies. You will also learn through face to face workshops and participation in active and supportive forums. You will have 24/7 on demand access to learning resources, so you can work on them whenever is best for you.

You will study for the Degree Apprenticeship over 3.5 years alongside your work-based professional development. Completing this course means you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Data Science Degree Apprenticeship and will graduate at York Minster along with all York St John University graduates.

Year 1

In your first year, you will study 5 compulsory modules.

These modules establish the mathematical, statistical and computational core that supports further study, while introducing real-world data science practice.

Modules

• Programming and Exploratory Data Analysis
• Linear Algebra
• Fundamentals of Probability and Statistics
• Analysis and Optimisation 
• Data Science at Work 1

Year 2

In your second year, you will study 5 compulsory modules.

These topics cover how to build software using structured programming, store and manage data, analyse data to draw conclusions, enable systems to learn from data, and apply all these skills to real-world data science problems

Modules

• Object Oriented Programming 
• Databases
• Inferential Statistics
• Machine Learning
• Data Science at Work 2

Year 3

In your third year, you will study 7 compulsory modules.

Senior-level modules deepen expertise in AI, data governance and high-level analytical applications. Your work-based project and End-Point Assessment (EPA) demonstrate your capability to operate as a professional data scientist.

Modules

• Graphs, Networks and Systems
• Advanced Data Applications
• Data Strategy and Governance 
• Artificial Intelligence
• Work-based Project
• EPA Knowledge Test
• EPA Report and Professional Discussion

Learning and teaching begins with two days of introductory teaching and learning workshops at the start of the course during YSJU Welcome Week followed by online live sessions one day per week. The live sessions typically include a blend of lectures, practical demonstrations, collaborative problem-solving, and guided discussions.

Although we expect you and your employer to make every attempt for you to attend the weekly online sessions, we acknowledge that this might not always be possible due to unforeseen demand from your job. We will therefore record all the sessions and make them available to all apprentices.

Two extra days per semester are designed as online support sessions to help those who may need extra support to stay on track and progress.

Additional online support days are provided each semester so that learners who need further guidance can stay on track with their studies and portfolio development. Instead of traditional exams, the course is assessed through portfolio submissions, allowing you to demonstrate your applied skills, technical competence, and workplace-based learning in a structured and authentic way.

The learning and teaching sessions will also be delivered within YSJU approved term times and ensure the commitment to minimum 6 hours in their working week off the job studying time for the apprentices.

The weekly live sessions utilise a range of student-centred active learning techniques, from working towards solving a data science related problem to presenting it through interactive discussions. They have been designed to give you the intellectual freedom, stimulation, and concentration to work on the content materials gradually.

Apprenticeship applicants must hold an offer of employment prior to enrolling on the course.

New employees including school and non-school leavers:

• A Levels in Maths (PASS) and two other subjects (PASS).

Existing Employees: The candidate must be fully suited to undertake the substantial challenge of an apprenticeship combined with the rigorous academic study at degree level, with either:

• A levels in Maths (PASS) and two other subjects (PASS), or
• Where applicants do not hold a Maths A level qualification, they will be asked to take a Mathematics, Statistics and Computing test at application stage.
• Where applicants have significant experience in this area and have already completed higher level study in a similar subject (e.g. Maths degree), applicants will be asked to provide further details at application stage if they think they have covered any of the areas on the Modules & Outcomes check list (available on website). Please note Data Analyst Level 4, and similar qualifications are not at the same standard as A-level in Maths.

Additional Entry Requirements

• Completion of a skills scan to provide information on qualifications, skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to the apprenticeship.
• Proof that you live and work in England
• Evidence that your job role is relevant to the programme of study for the apprenticeship
• Support from your employer. Please note that you can only apply for the apprenticeship through your employer and not directly to the university.

Your future with a degree in Data Science

This course will help those already in employment to further their career. Learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by data science professionals will put you in a strong position for future development. Through your study you will be able to bring new tools, techniques and solutions to your organisation.

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.

Develop and upskill your workforce in a cost-effective way. Increase retention by offering your employees the chance to develop and progress. There is no age limit for apprentices and you can tailor their learning to meet the goals of your business. You can also recruit and train apprentices to fill skills gaps in your organisation.

Tuition fees are paid for by a combination of you and the government.

Levy payers

Employers with a payroll of over £3 million a year are required to pay a levy to HMRC through the PAYE process. This tax will be 0.5% of their annual payroll and these funds will be used to pay for degree apprenticeships. The government will top up an employer’s levy payment by 10%, meaning for every £1 you put in you get £1.10 to spend. These levy payments will be ring fenced and held in an online account for employers to reclaim and use to purchase apprenticeship training from approved providers called the Apprenticeship Service.

Non-Levy payers

Employers with a payroll of under £3m are not required to pay the Apprenticeship Levy but can still access apprenticeship funding. This can be done through a levy transfer from a levy paying employer or through co-investment.

You could be eligible for additional funding also, depending on both your and your apprentice’s circumstances:

• If you have apprentices aged 16 to 18
• If you have apprentices aged up to 24 with a health care plan
• If you have fewer than 50 staff
• If your apprentices require Level 2 Maths and English training and learning support