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.

Working with Complex Data 

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. They combine technical expertise with strong communication skills, explaining findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences to support decision-making.

Data Scientists typically work with large amounts of data to identify trends, develop insights, and support decision-making. They use data to explore trends, test ideas, and identify opportunities for improvement. This means 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 in an organisation. 

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.

Collaboration

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

Working environments 

They 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.

 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.

 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.

There are several pathways to becoming a Data Scientist. 

Most employers require a qualification in a relevant field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering. A Level 7 Degree in Computer Science is a typical starting point to a career in this sector.

While many people begin with an undergraduate degree, others progress through further education before moving into higher education. A QQI Level 5 or 6 in Computing or Data Analytics provides a good foundation for further education and training. 

Practical experience, programming skills, and knowledge of data analysis are also highly valued by employers.

Training may be provided through the workplace or by external providers, including Skillnet, higher education institutions, and Springboard+ courses. Employers may also arrange short professional development courses to help employees build their skills. 

View Springboard+ courses here.    

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.

For example, the Software Development Associate is a two-year apprenticeship. This “learning by doing” format of ICT skills development has been endorsed by the industry and government. Apprentices become competent tech enthusiasts and attain an NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Computer Programming.

Apprenticeship Examples:

• Software Development Associate
• Software Solutions Architect
• Software Testing Associate 

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.

View 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: IT business analysts, architects and systems designers, Web design and development professionals, Information technology & telecommunications professionals n.e.c.

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

The annual average employment growth was above average for this occupation over the five-year period, although employment levels have fluctuated over this time; strong employment growth in both 2020 and 2023 more than offset the declines in the other years.

The number of non-Irish citizens far exceeded the national average and almost 2,000 new employment permits were issued (in roles including analysts (data, business, IT), data scientists, network and security engineers and web and UX/UI developers. Online job adverts for these roles included network and cyber security specialists (jobsireland.ie) and IT business analysts, architects and systems designers (Eurostat/CEDEFOP). Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions (Skills for Growth and Recruitment Agency Survey) included digital and data scientists, cloud security engineers, and SOC (Security Operations Centre) analysts.

Increasing reliance on digital systems as well as global insecurities in recent years, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, have fuelled demand for cyber security specialists as organisations recognise the need to safeguard systems against potential cyber security breaches.

Skills to anticipate, manage and address IT security risks across both private and public sector organisations mean security-related skills will be key for this occupation, with shortages occurring for network and security engineers.

Skills shortage:

IT analysts/ engineers

• The Association of Data Protection Officers

  • 87-89 Pembroke Road, Dublin 4
  • (01) 23 777 88
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• 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)
  • Click Here

• The Analytics Institute of Ireland

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• FIT Fastrack into IT

  • FIT ltd Unit 2C Donnybrook Commercial Centre Donnybrook, Douglas, Cork
  • 021 242 8755
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland

  • Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Sq. Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet

  • 50-56 Merrion Road Dublin D04 V4K3
  • 01 469 3754
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Research Ireland – Taighde Éireann

  • Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland D02 FX65
  • 353 1 607 3200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here