Higher Certificate in Data Science at National College of Ireland

Data Science is the study of information - where it comes from, what it tells us and how to turn it into a resource for business, government and social strategies. Data can be used to examine performance in key areas of a company, such as sales and marketing, operations, customer services and security, highlighting what’s most and least effective, and driving change based on evidence, rather than gut instinct.

NCI’s Higher Certificate in Data Science uses a blend of computer science and data science to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out data modelling, data management and data analysis activities and to interpret and communicate that data to a variety of audiences. The programme will give you the mathematics, programming and problem-solving skills, required to exploit data in addressing real-world problems. You will also develop your problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills.

Course Structure and Award

This undergraduate course is a two-year Higher Certificate. The course is run over four semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester.

On completion, you will receive a QQI Higher Certificate in Data Science at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Who is the course for?

This course will be particularly appealing to students who are unsure about enrolling in a degree programme initially and see the Higher Certificate as a progression route to a degree at a later stage. The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of QQI level 5/6 programmes.

Career Prospects

This course will equip you with the technical computer science and data science skills to build a successful career as a technician in the areas of computing, data management and data analysis.

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the Higher Certi cate in Data Science, graduates can gain entry directly into year three of the BSc (Hons) in Data Science at NCI. Graduates can also progress to other programmes at level 7 or level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as the BSc (Hons)in Computing, or the BSc (Hons) in Technology Management at National College of Ireland.

Course Fee

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative and the Student Grant Scheme.