Turing Analytics Society University of Glasgow — Data Science, Analytics & Big Data
The Turing Analytics Society (TAS) is the University of Glasgow’s dedicated community for students who are passionate about data — data science, data analytics, business analysis, and the broader world of big data. Named in honour of Alan Turing, a pioneer whose work underpins the modern data age, TAS was founded by students who recognised a gap: while excellent clubs exist for software engineering and artificial intelligence, there was no home for those who want to specialise in working with data itself, understanding it, analysing it, visualising it, and turning it into real-world decisions.
We exist because the data industry has a problem that affects students directly. Employers across every sector, from finance and healthcare to retail and government, are looking for graduates with practical, demonstrable experience in data. Yet most students leave university having worked only on textbook exercises, with no way to show they can handle a real dataset, build a meaningful dashboard, or tell a compelling story with numbers. TAS is built to close that gap. We give members the opportunity to work on genuine projects, collaborate with industry partners, and build a portfolio they can actually point to when they walk into an interview.
The Society runs a full programme of workshops covering the tools and techniques that matter in today’s data landscape — Python, R, SQL, machine learning, deep learning, data visualisation, Power BI, Tableau, and more. Whether you are a complete beginner who has never written a line of code, or a more experienced student looking to sharpen specialist skills, there is something here for you. Our workshops are hands-on and practical, designed to complement your degree rather than simply repeat what you have already covered in lectures.
Competitions and hackathons are at the heart of what TAS does. We participate in national and international data challenges, including Kaggle competitions and external case study contests, and we organise our own internal challenges so that every member, regardless of experience level, has the chance to compete, collaborate, and win. These events are not just about prizes, they are about building the kind of problem-solving experience and team-working skills that employers genuinely value, and that you can discuss with confidence at interview.
Industry and alumni connection is another pillar of the Society. We host regular panel discussions, networking evenings, and one-to-one mentorship opportunities with professionals working in data science, data analytics, and business intelligence. These conversations give members a clear-eyed view of what the job market actually looks like, which roles are growing, what skills are in demand, how careers in data evolve over time, and how to position yourself effectively as a graduate. Hearing directly from people who are already working in the field is invaluable, and it is something no lecture theatre can provide.
Above all, TAS is a community. We welcome students from every degree programme and every background. You do not need to be studying Data science or Data Analytics to join, data touches every discipline, and curiosity is the only prerequisite. Whether your interest lies in sports analytics, financial modelling, public health data, social media trends, or anything else, there is a place for you here. Come along, get involved, and find out what you can do with data.