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Programme Overview

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.

About this Course

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.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Identify, clean, integrate, select, transform, and mine different types of datasets with consideration of ethical, privacy and data protection issues, in order to summarise and present new knowledge.
• Design, implement and document algorithmic solutions that demonstrate use of processes, methodologies, tools and techniques that solve known problems.
• Utilise statistical analysis, modelling, data mining and machine learning tools and techniques to analyse datasets.
• Communicate the results of analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences in a classroom setting.
• Analyse problems through both independent and collaborative efforts in order to develop solutions and provide information to meet business requirements as part of a team.
• Use problem-solving and analytical thinking techniques, communication, and interaction skills to support decision-making.

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 Certificate 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 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.