Undergraduate · UCL Data Science
UCL's Data Science BSc is taught by the Department of Statistical Science and trains students in the statistical basis of data science with a grounding in computing and algorithmic reasoning. It asks for A*AA with an A* in Mathematics, or 39 IB points, and assumes no previous exposure to probability, statistics or computer science. The choice against UCL Computer Science and LSE Data Science is therefore not a matter of grades alone, but of which discipline sits at the centre of the degree.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from UCL's Data Science BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes) and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
UCL says the course combines statistics with elements of computer science, with a project of about a quarter of the final year. It is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society for students first enrolling between September 2023 and September 2028.
The A-level requirement is A*AA and the contextual offer is A*BB. The IB requirement is 39 points, with 19 points in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics and no higher level score below 5.
An A* in Mathematics is required and Further Mathematics is preferred; if you take both the A* can be in either. At least two A levels should come from UCL's preferred list.
UCL says the first year gives all students a foundation in probability, statistics and computer science, whatever their previous exposure.
UCL says it wants to understand why you wish to study Data Science and what motivated your interest.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on UCL's Data Science BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes), which describes 2027 entry. UCL's preferred A level subjects list, the 'How we assess your application' page, fees, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The course
UCL says the first year provides a firm foundation in probability, statistics and computer science, covering Calculus and Linear Algebra, Calculus in Several Dimensions, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Further Probability and Statistics, Introduction to Practical Statistics, Database Systems and Programming Fundamentals. The second and third years add compulsory modules in probability theory, statistical inference and algorithms, including an introduction to data ethics, and specialist applications. In the final year there is flexibility to lean towards the more mathematical or applied side, with about a quarter of the work on a research project. UCL labels the page as a saved copy that may not show recent changes.
Which data degree?
Avandy has guides to UCL Computer Science and LSE Data Science, each with its own rules and centre of gravity.
statistics is your centre of gravity and you want computing as a tool, with a Royal Statistical Society accreditation.
systems, software and algorithms come first. Avandy's UCL Computer Science guide records that department's rules.
you want it in the LSE social-science setting. Avandy's guide records A*AA with an A* in Mathematics and IB 39 with 766 and 7 in Mathematics: analysis and approaches.
Entry rules
The A-level standard is A*AA with an A* in Mathematics and Further Mathematics preferred; the contextual offer is A*BB. Chemistry, Economics, Physics and Statistics are other preferred subjects, and GCSE English Language and Mathematics are needed at grade C or 4. The IB standard is 39 points with 19 in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics. At least two A levels should come from UCL's list of preferred subjects. The page lists no admissions test or interview.
A decision framework
This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.
The degree sits in Statistical Science, with computing in a supporting role.
An A* in Mathematics is required and Further Mathematics is preferred.
Check UCL's list before finalising subjects.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Secure Mathematics at A*, check the preferred-subjects list and read the first-year modules.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice and mathematics and statistics mentoring; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write submitted work. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A*AA at A level with an A* in Mathematics, or 39 IB points with 19 in three higher level subjects including 7 in Mathematics. This is UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
No. UCL says the course does not assume any previous exposure to probability, statistics or computer science.
It is preferred, not required. If you take both, the A* can be in either subject.
UCL says it is accredited by the Royal Statistical Society for students who first enrol between September 2023 and September 2028.
The course page lists none. Check UCL's page for 2028 entry.
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Further Mathematics, their programming and whether statistics or computing is the stronger interest, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
