BSc (Hons) Data Scientist (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship)

Develop the technical and analytical skills required for a career in data science. Combine academic study with practical, work-based learning. Gain valuable real-world experience while earning a degree.

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Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1574

Duration3 years

Course summary

This apprenticeship builds the technical and analytical skills needed for a career in data science. By combining academic study with work-based projects, you’ll gain valuable real-world experience while contributing to your organisation.

You’ll study key topics such as AI, data analytics, programming, and statistical modelling, learning to apply the latest tools and techniques to solve complex problems. A blend of online learning and practical workplace projects means you’ll immediately put your new skills into practice. Dedicated academic tutors will support you throughout your journey.

You’ll also have access to specialist facilities, including the Cyber Zone, Game Development Zone, Data Visualisation and AI Suite, and the Immersive Virtual Reality Zone, all recently upgraded with significant investment. These spaces will help you explore how data powers innovation across industries.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to take on advanced roles in your organisation or move into other areas of the growing data science field. Whether you continue with your current employer or branch out, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive as a data professional in a data-driven world.

Why Sunderland for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

What you'll study

Many of our courses include a range of modules you can choose from. Some options may only be available if you’ve already studied specific modules. If you’re not sure what you need before picking a module, your course leader can help.

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

The apprenticeship uses a mix of learning methods and teaching styles. These include lectures, seminars, coaching, tutorials, project work, group tasks, and independent study.

Modules are mapped against the Data Scientist apprenticeship knowledge, skills, and behaviours framework. Assessment methods include:

Practical reports
Presentations
Coursework
Critical literature reviews
Critical reports
Project plans
Viva
Poster presentations.

You'll go through an End-Point Assessment (EPA) following the successful completion of all course modules.

This assessment method has three components:

Multiple-choice knowledge test
Report on a work-based project
Professional discussion based on a portfolio of evidence.

Entry requirements

This apprenticeship is work-based and is subject to you being employed by an organisation for the duration. The employer must confirm that you comply with the apprentice eligibility criteria, including funding requirements.

You'll usually have the equivalent of 112 UCAS tariff points in a relevant subject area or relevant work experience.

If you're aged 16-18 at the start of the course, you must hold GCSEs in maths and English language at a minimum of grade C or numerical grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), or be willing to work towards achieving this before the course end date. This will be reviewed and discussed as part of the initial assessment process.

If you're 19 or older when you start the course, you're no longer required to achieve English language and maths qualifications to complete the apprenticeship. Employers now have the discretion to determine whether these qualifications are necessary for their apprentices' roles. They may choose to include them as an entry requirement or integrate them into the training programme if considered relevant.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab)

Fees and finance support

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

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Start date/study mode:

UK students

Apprenticeship
Application deadline is 17 July 2026

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.