UCAS is at the heart of connecting people to higher education.

UCAS is the world’s leading shared admissions service for higher education. We provide application services for UK universities and colleges as well as delivering a wide range of research, consultancy and advisory services to schools, colleges, careers services, professional bodies and employers.

We’re a successful and fast-growing organisation, which helps hundreds of thousands of people every year. We're committed to delivering a first-class service to all of our customers — they're at the heart of everything we do.

The Digital Services business unit is at the heart of UCAS’ technical innovation, data and infrastructure. It focuses on leveraging data science, technology, and enterprise architecture to enhance UCAS' digital products and services.

The unit is dedicated to developing and improving customer-centric digital solutions, ensuring seamless and secure online experiences for all users. By providing insightful data and analysis, often made available to anyone with free-to-use intuitive dashboard, Digital Services empowers the Higher Education sector and those interested in the sector with valuable information to make informed decisions. By working in collaborative, expert led, multi-disciplinary teams, Digital Services drives UCAS’ mission to connect students with their next opportunities through advanced technological solutions.

In this role you will work closely with experienced Data Engineers and Data Scientists within the Data Science function at UCAS. You will be provided with full training and support from experts and have exposure to a variety of Data Engineering roles. You will be involved in solving real problems from the outset, gaining the full range of skills to progress your career.

Key accountabilities:

• To work collaboratively across Data Science and Engineering teams to gain a broad range of skills.

• To code and configure software solutions utilising standard tooling and in cloud-based environments.

• Deliver high quality products through techniques such as test-driven development, pair programming and code review.

• To communicate effectively with both specialist and non-technical colleagues to understand customer requirements, and presenting and explaining your work to them.


• To take part actively in regular business unit, team and one-to-one meetings.

• An undergraduate degree with strong quantitative skills.

• High grade(s) at A level in Maths or a physical science.

• Some experience of working with Python, SQL, AWS, Databricks and/or Bash is desirable.

• Exceptional levels of numerate, analytical and logical thinking.


• A natural curiosity and problem-solving mindset, with a desire to work collaboratively.

• A motivated individual who ‘owns’ and takes pride in their work.

Salary - up to £31,000

• Purpose-driven work in a charity-led organisation connecting people to education and opportunity

• Internal training, mentoring, and access to industry-recognised certifications through our development academies

• Hybrid working model built on trust and flexibility, with a 35-hour week and flexible contracts

• 30 days annual leave, 3 concessionary days over Christmas, bank holidays, and the option to purchase additional leave

• Everyday wellbeing support through Perkbox, offering discounts and wellness tools

• Onsite facilities including a subsidised gym, café, and free parking at our Cheltenham office

• Inclusive culture supported by employee networks, wellbeing champions, and Mental Health First Aiders

• Recognition and reward through our quarterly employee scheme and an ex-gratia bonus for going above and beyond

Studies have shown that some groups of people are less likely to apply to a role unless they tick every box. At UCAS we recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to delivering a fair and equitable recruitment process where applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills. So, if you are interested in this vacancy, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still apply.

If you have any questions and would like to find out more about the role before applying please email the Talent Acquisition team via careers@ucas.ac.uk and one of us will