Working Life

A Data Scientist uses data, statistics, programming, and analytical techniques to help organisations solve problems and make better decisions. The role combines skills from computer science, mathematics, data analysis, and business to identify patterns, uncover insights, and develop data-driven solutions.

What distinguishes a Data Scientist from a traditional data analyst is the ability to work with complex data from multiple sources, ask the right questions, and use advanced analytical methods to address important business challenges. Data Scientists combine technical expertise with strong communication skills, explaining their findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences to support decision-making.

Data Scientists use data to explore trends, test ideas, and identify opportunities for improvement. They do not just collect and report information; they analyse what the data means and recommend ways it can be used to improve products, services, and processes.

Data Scientists typically work with large amounts of data to identify trends, develop insights, and support decision-making.

Their day-to-day work may include collecting and cleaning data, analysing information, creating models, developing reports and visualisations, writing computer code, and presenting findings to colleagues or clients.

They work with a range of tools, programming languages, and data platforms to analyse information and develop solutions.

Data Scientists often collaborate with data analysts, software developers, AI engineers, business teams, and other specialists to understand challenges and deliver data-driven solutions.

Data Scientists work across many industries in Ireland, including technology, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retail, manufacturing, and the public sector.

They may work in office-based, hybrid, or remote environments and need to keep developing their skills as data technologies and analytical methods continue to evolve.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
• Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.
• Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
• Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
• Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
• Create graphs, charts, or other visualisations to convey the results of data analysis using specialised software.
• Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
• Design surveys, opinion polls, or other instruments to collect data.
• Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
• Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways towards a career in data analytics. A Level 7 Degree in Computer Science is a typical starting point to a career in this sector. Experience of Six Sigma and knowledge of statistics would be beneficial, together with an understanding and experience of business functions.

Training for Data media analysts may be on-the-job or via alternatives in Skillnet, higher education, Springboard HCI. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.

Springboard courses

Sample Education and Training Pathways

A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Relevant pathways include:

• QQI Level 5 and Level 6 Computing
• Software Development
• Computer Science
• Data Analytics
• Information Technology
• Programming

These courses provide foundations in programming, databases, mathematics, and computing skills and can support progression to higher education.

Example search terms include: business, office admin, customer service, media, production.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

PLC courses in Computing, Software Development, Data Analytics, and Information Technology can provide a foundation for progression to higher education courses in Data Science, Computer Science, and related fields.

Example search terms include: creative digital media, data analytics, software development, digital marketing, sales, media studies, marketing.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: ICT Software Developer.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Common degree pathways include:

• BSc Data Science
• BSc Data Analytics
• BSc Computer Science
• BSc Artificial Intelligence
• BSc Mathematics and Statistics
• BSc Software Engineering
• BSc Computing

These courses develop skills in programming, statistics, machine learning, databases, and data analysis.

Example Courses 

• Data Science – Maynooth University 
• Data Science – National College of Ireland (NCI)
• Computing in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence – Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)

Example search terms include: media, communication, data science, digital marketing with analytics, data science and analytics, computing, big data, business analytics.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Many Data Scientists specialise through postgraduate study, including:

• MSc Data Science
• MSc Data Analytics
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Machine Learning
• MSc Computer Science with Data Science or AI specialisms
• MSc Business Analytics

A postgraduate qualification is common for specialist Data Scientist roles, particularly in advanced analytics, research, and artificial intelligence.

 Example Courses 

• MSc Applied Data Science and Analytics – TU Dublin (TUD)
• P.Grad.Dip Applied Social Data Science – Trinity College Dublin
• MSc Computing - Data Science – ATU Sligo
• MSc Data & Computational Science – University College Dublin (UCD)

Example search terms include: computer science, data analytics, business analytics, data science, analytics, digital marketing, analytics, art design, media, research, communication, research.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Professional development opportunities include industry-recognised certifications such as:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer / Machine Learning Specialty 
• Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer
• Databricks Data Scientist certifications

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €50k - €110k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ Brightwater/Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2026

Data Scientists are in demand as organisations increasingly use data, artificial intelligence, and analytics to improve decision-making and develop new services.

AI-related roles are recognised within Ireland's ICT skills shortage areas, creating strong career opportunities for people with skills in programming, machine learning, data science, and software development.

See the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Critical Skills Occupations List      for a full list of Ireland’s ICT skills shortage areas.

(A skills shortage in the ICT sector means there is a recognised need for people with these skills. It allows employers to recruit qualified professionals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) through the Critical Skills Employment Permit scheme, subject to meeting the relevant job and salary requirements.)

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Management consultants and business analysts, Business and financial project management professionals.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment growth was above average for this occupation over the five-year period, particularly relating to growth between 2023 and 2024 of 6,900 persons.

Both the share of women and non-Irish citizens employed was broadly in line with the national average and employment was concentrated in the professional activities sector along with industry, financial and ICT. The high number of new employment permits related mostly to roles in the financial and ICT sectors for positions including analysts (financial, business, data), project managers and management consultants.

Employer data from Skills for Growth noted issues sourcing business analysts and those with skills in customer relationships, leadership, lean, and business. The share of OJAs (as a percentage of business/financial OJAs) increased between 2023 and 2024. Although demand is evident for specific skills in this occupation, no shortages have been identified.

• The Association of Data Protection Officers

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 23 777 88
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• Centre for Applied Data Analytics Research (CeADAR)

  • CeADAR University College Dublin NexusUCD Belfield Office Park, Unit 9, Clonskeagh, Dublin 4
  • (01) 716 5713
  • melina.ziegel@ucd (CeADAR Project Manager)
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• The Analytics Institute of Ireland

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• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
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• Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland

  • Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Sq. Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2
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• Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet

  • 50-56 Merrion Road Dublin D04 V4K3
  • 01 469 3754
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• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
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• Research Ireland – Taighde Éireann

  • Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 FX65
  • 353 1 607 3200
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