Data Science and Analytics BSc – 2026
My course played a crucial role in preparing me for my work placement. When I read the job description, it felt very similar to the content of our modules. Much of my work involved applying the skills I had learned in class, often to new data or different software.
Why did you choose the University of Westminster?
I attended an Open Day at the Cavendish Campus for the course presentation, where I had the chance to meet several academics, including the course leader. It was very interesting, and I quite liked the academics, which to me is a very important part of the learning experience.
What ultimately convinced me was how forward-thinking the university felt. Westminster clearly aims to stay ahead of the curve, not only in the academic content it offers but also in the support it provides for students’ professional development. The campus also had a great atmosphere, and being based in central London was an additional bonus.
Tell us about your course (what have you particularly enjoyed about the programme)?
The Data Science and Analytics course has been a great blend of mathematics, programming, and business knowledge. Data is becoming central to almost every industry, and this programme has taught me the fundamental ways of working with it. I’ve enjoyed how broad and well-rounded the course is—the range of skills you develop allows you to later specialise in almost any field you choose. That flexibility has been one of my favourite aspects.
How have you found the academic/ lecturer support as part of your studies?
The academic support has been excellent. Tutorials and seminars offered a more personal approach to learning, and many of my most important moments of understanding came from engaging with tutors during these sessions.
The key is to actively engage. It can feel intimidating at first, but the academics are incredibly approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you succeed. They introduced me to many opportunities around the university, helped me navigate difficult periods, and have become a central support system throughout my degree. They also make a real effort to be available—whether during office hours or even right after classes.
Where did you undertake your work placement?
AXA Investment Managers (AXA-IM)
How has your course helped you with your work placement?
My course played a crucial role in preparing me for the placement. When I read the job description, it felt very similar to the content of our modules. Much of my work involved applying the skills I had learned in class, often to new data or different software, but fundamentally relying on the same techniques for handling and transforming data. The context was new, but the foundations were the same.
Please provide examples of the type of work you've been undertaking/ undertook on your placement?
My main responsibility was building and maintaining data pipelines. This involved collecting data from internal teams or external sources, cleaning and transforming it, uploading it to our databases, and connecting it to visualisation tools for analysts to use. I worked with various datasets and supported a range of data needs across the organisation.
I also contributed to creating dashboards that helped visualise data and generate insights, which were shared with senior management during monthly meetings.
Additionally, I assisted with technical issues that arose day-to-day, such as software glitches, access problems, and troubleshooting tools and processes.
What have you learnt and what skills did you gain during your placement?
I strengthened many of the technical skills I learned at university and gained experience working with new software. This boosted my confidence significantly.
I also developed a strong foundation in finance, since understanding the data required understanding the economic context behind it. This helped me interpret and analyse the information more effectively.
Most importantly, I developed key soft skills that I didn’t fully appreciate until I started working such as communication, teamwork, email etiquette, and even practical things like requesting data access or coordinating with other teams. These skills were essential and are often overlooked when preparing for a job
How do you plan to use your placement experience in your professional future?
I see my placement as a springboard. It has given me valuable experience and my first step into the finance industry. I now feel more confident in my abilities, and I plan to leverage both my achievements and my new skills as I move forward in my career.
What would be your advice to someone considering studying at Westminster?
The main theme of studying at Westminster is opportunity. My advice is to pursue those opportunities wholeheartedly. It can feel overwhelming at first, but the university offers so much academic and professional support, events, societies, programmes, and more. There’s far more to the experience than simply attending classes. To really benefit, you need to engage with the university.