GORS - Level 6 Data Science Apprenticeship
Details of eligibility requirements and the application process for our Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Data Science, for school leavers and career changers.
If you’re a recent school leaver, considering your next step, or looking for a career change with a pathway into GORS and the Civil Service, this apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to be in employment, working on varied analytical projects across Government, with the added bonus of being able to ‘earn as you learn’. You will be studying towards a BSc in Data Science as part of this Level 6 Apprenticeship, completing both on the job and off the job training. Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you will be equipped with all the relevant knowledge to progress within your chosen career path.
In England, the course will be delivered by the University of Nottingham and will follow a hybrid model that includes a requirement for some attendance at the university. The programme will be 42 months, with the last six months being dedicated to the End Point Assessment. In Wales, the course will be delivered by Cardiff Metropolitan University and is taught in person. The programme will be 36 months.
As a Data Science Apprentice, you’ll join experienced teams across government, working on projects that matter. You’ll develop technical skills, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to work that impacts millions of people.
How to apply
Applications to the Level 6 Data Science Degree Apprenticeship open in February each year, to join in August and September. When these recruitment rounds are running, you can apply through the Civil Service Jobs website. You can find the application pages by clicking ‘Advanced Search’, and then selecting ‘Operational Research’ from the ‘Type of Role’ drop down menu.
Applications are currently open for 2026 entry, closing on 10th March - apply now.
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for the Level 6 Data Science Degree Apprenticeship if you have, or hope to have obtained by your start date:
- GCSEs in Mathematics at grade 5 or above and English at grade 4 or above
As well as one of the following:
- three A levels: at minimum BBC, including Maths at C or above
- an A level in Mathematics and a Level 4 apprenticeship in a similar subject (i.e. Level 4 Data Analyst) at Distinction or Merit
Candidates can apply on the strength of their predicted A level grades. Applications will be put on hold until the qualification criteria have been met.
Please note that Bootcamp certificates are not included among the recognised qualifications for this role. Any ‘Data Science’ or ‘Computer Science’ qualification achieved at degree level or higher will make you ineligible for this apprenticeship. Qualifications with modules of data analysis or/ data science or computer science up to a level 4 will also need to be checked to ensure you are eligible for funding.
Application Process
There are three stages to the application process - an online application form, the Civil Service Judgement Test, and an interview.
The application form assesses you on the behaviours and technical skills as outlined in the Civil Service Success Profiles. Upon submission of your full application form you will be sent an invitation to complete the Civil Service Judgement test.
If your application is successful at the initial stages, we will invite you to interview. These are usually held virtually, and consist of a technical exercise and an interview. The technical exercise will be a verbal presentation around a data set provided, while the interview will assess your potential to take ownership of your development, analyse data, and ability to work at pace, both individually and in a team.
If you’re successful
If you are successful, you will be offered a role, subject to security clearance and right to work checks.
You will able to express three preferences for location. GORS has roles all over the UK, and many Civil Servants, including in senior positions, work outside the South East. Currently, about 45% of GORS members are based outside of Greater London.
On appointment, you will join the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) with over 1,200 members. Salaries depend on location and department, but start from around £31,000 (London) or £28,000 (National).
Nationality and immigration requirements
You are eligible to apply if you are in one of the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
You will need to demonstrate that you meet the relevant immigration requirements and their eligibility under the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs). Nationality requirements are explained in more detail on the Civil Service nationality rules webpage, and immigration rules on the GOV.UK Visas and Immigration page.
Security Vetting
Please note that all government roles require security vetting, and the higher levels require candidates to have had a UK footprint for 3 years, which may affect the role you are assigned.