My course was really good at offering an introduction at my level, and has helped build my confidence

Student Megan Swanson smiling next to a river.
Megan Swanson
Current student
BSc Data Science
2027
Data Science student Megan is currently on her placement year at GE Aerospace. She's using the skills she's developed so far on her degree in the workplace.
Student Megan Swanson smiling next to a river.

Why I chose Data Science at the University of Sheffield

I wanted to study Data Science as it seemed like a really interesting way to combine both technical skills and a broader understanding of social context and what different organisations value. Data is an extremely valuable currency in the modern world, and it's fascinating to discover how it is utilised to extract valuable insights.
 
I chose Sheffield as I liked the feel of the city on the open day - there's always lots going on, but also loads of lovely green spaces where you can take a break for a while. It helped that Sheffield is well-regarded too, and one of the only universities when I applied offering a bespoke Data Science course.
 

Developing a new skillset

 
One skill that's been really important to me is programming. I came to uni with no background in this, and it was definitely intimidating to come into a subject area so fundamentally linked to programming without any knowledge of how this worked. My course was really good at offering an introduction at my level, and has helped build my confidence in trying things out myself and building on my knowledge. I've also developed my presentation skills and ability to synthesise information and learnings into a format that delivers what really matters to an audience, as well as my critical thinking and ability to evaluate the impacts of a project before beginning to work through it. 
 

A year on placement
 

My favourite thing about my course so far has been my placement year! I am currently on placement as a Data Science Intern at GE Aerospace. It's really rewarding to get to develop skills I've learned so far in my degree and apply them to real world problems and make a difference. I am treated very much as one of the team in my office, and as such I have been given the chance to work directly with customers to create deliverables that make an impact. I have also been given access to a wealth of learning experiences within the company and externally, through things like conferences and dedicated time for learning about new and exciting topics, one notably being the chance to attend the Big Data London conference and hear from a huge range of speakers on different data products and applications.

So far the experience has been really beneficial in helping me develop my technical skills and learn how to actually use these in relation to business problems, as well as my communication skills and ability to present and articulate my work. 
 

Support with my placement

 

Before my placement year, I was given access to a range of resources to support my applications, both in-person through Cornerstone and online. This support has continued into my placement year, with regular touch points to ensure everything's going well and conversations with a member of staff dedicated to discussing my placement.
 

Life outside study

 

I've really enjoyed the societies on offer at Sheffield. I'd never tried acting before coming to the city, but once here I joined USLES, which gave me the chance to give it a go (and discover it was something I really enjoyed) without a huge amount of pressure. There's such a range of societies that there will always be something you want to give a go - the only problem is that there's not enough time to try them all out!
 

What's next?
 

I'm still not completely decided on what I want to do in the future, but I am really enjoying my placement currently - so maybe a Data Scientist at GE Aerospace! I think I definitely want to do something that involves problem solving, as I find it really satisfying to break down a problem, make a roadmap, and come to a working solution. I think this degree will help me by continuing to develop my knowledge of current practices and equipping me with the skills needed to carry these out, both technical and soft.

 
Undergraduate

Data Science BSc

2026-27
/ September start
A Levels AAB
UCAS code I2L9
3 years
/ Full-time

On this degree you'll develop ethical data-driven solutions which have a positive impact on organisations and society. Taught by active researchers and developed with industry experts, you'll learn the technical and analytical competencies necessary to become a responsible data scientist.
a group of students talking in Firth Court

International undergraduate scholarships

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