Degree Apprentice - Data

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Edinburgh
Working style: Office based
Closing date: 19 May 2026

We’re looking for two curious, analytical and motivated Data Science Degree Apprentices to join Royal London and develop the skills that will shape the future of data driven decision making in financial services.

This is a genuine job from day one, combined with fully funded university study through the BSc (Hons) Data Science Graduate Apprenticeship at Edinburgh Napier University.

You’ll earn a salary, gain industry experience, and graduate with a degree, all with no student debt.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Data Science Graduate Apprentice, you’ll:

• Work in real business challenges using data to generate insights, improve services and support better decision making
• Learn how to collect, clean, analyse and visualise large and complex datasets
• Support the development of data‑driven solutions across areas such as marketing, finance, customer insight, risk and operations
• Use tools and techniques including programming, statistics, data analytics and machine learning
• Collaborate with experienced data professionals, analysts and stakeholders across Royal London
• Balance work-based learning with structured off‑the‑job learning and study

Your Degree Apprenticeship

Alongside your role at Royal London, you’ll study the BSc (Hons) Data Science at Edinburgh Napier University, which combines theory with practical application.

You’ll cover areas including:

• Work on real business challenges using data to generate insights, improve services and support better decision making
• Learn Data management and coding
• Statistical methods and data analytics
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Data visualisation and data engineering
• A final‑year data science research project

This course is designed to build strong foundations in data science while applying learning directly to the workplace.

About you

You’ll ideally have:

• A genuine interest in data, technology and problem solving
• A logical, curious mindset and willingness to learn
• Good communication skills and the confidence to ask questions
• The ability to manage your time between work and study

Due to apprenticeship funding requirements, applicants must meet the entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Data Science graduate apprenticeship programme:

• Be at least 16 years of age at the start of course
• Reside and work in Scotland
• Have lived in UK for 3 years before course start
• Be eligible to work permanently in the UK

You’ll also need to meet one of the following:

• Four SQA Highers at Grade BBBB (or equivalent) including Maths, Statistics or Physics. National 5 grade C in Maths/Life skills Maths/Applications of Maths and English are required if not taken at Higher
• A Foundation Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development at SCQF Level 6 plus two SQA Highers at Grade BB
• A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in an ICT/Digital related discipline
• HNC or HND in an unrelated discipline plus Higher Maths, Statistics or Physics at Grade B
• Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning. RPL applications are considered on an individual basis

What You’ll Get

• Dedicated time for off the job learning and study
• Structured support from People Leaders, mentors and the Apprenticeships & Early Careers team
• A nationally recognised degree and a strong platform for a long‑term career in data and analytics

About Royal London

We’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We’re an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.