menu icon
Book your open day visit nowClick to book open day

Different course options

Study mode

Online

Duration

8 months

Start date

16-APR-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

Postgraduate Certificate

Subject areas

Data Science

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

Discover how to use data to make business decisions, and gain access to a high-demand field.

The PG Cert Data Science is designed to provide a solid grounding in the techniques needed to start making data-driven decisions, for those without a background in computing or computing professionals looking to move into a more specialist field. You will explore core topics such as:

  • the background context and theoretical concepts, from data collection to decision making
  • mathematical and statistical methods and their real-world applications within this domain
  • data wrangling with a focus on big data

Throughout the course you will develop a number of programs and applications, and the course will focus on the programming languages Python, SQL and R. Towards the end of your studies, there will be the opportunity to progress onto a PG Dip or the full Masters.

Learning Assessments

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

  • multimedia lecture casts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
  • live seminar sessions with your tutors
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at around 20 students.

In order to meet the technical requirements for this course, students will need access to a computer with at least 8GB RAM.

Assessment methods

Our varied assessment methods allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course content in a wide range of ways. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing programming exercises, participating in team projects, completing reflective journal entries and an e-portfolio, by submitting longer written pieces or by undertaking timed open-book tests at home, without the need to travel to an assessment centre.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

  • Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
  • You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
  • You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
  • There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
  • You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

Organisations worldwide are collecting more data than ever before, but there is a significant skills shortage. Many companies don’t have employees who know how to derive meaningful insights from it, and convert that information into valuable actions. This programme will develop those skills and prepare you for roles such as Data Scientist, Big Data Analyst, Data Modeler, among others.

Modules

Ready to take on a challenge? This exciting module introduces you to key aspects of mathematics and statistics for data science and artificial intelligence. Throughout the module, you’ll have the opportunity to build a foundation for analysing and solving problems across both disciplines.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£4,056

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£4,143

Entry requirements

You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Work experience entry route - You must meet the following criteria: at least five years’ senior level work experience.

Department profile

University of Essex Online provides 100% online part-time Masters degrees and short courses in business, computing, education, health, law, criminology and psychology. You can study with us from anywhere with an internet connection and at a time that suits your schedule best. Your course will be delivered through a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE), which provides you with 24/7 access to high-quality resources, including...more

Similar courses at this uni

PG Dip Data Science

Online | 16 months | 16-APR-24

MSc Data Science

Online | 2 years | 16-APR-24