Course Title: Postgraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Science
The Postgraduate Certificate in Fundamentals in Data Science (Conversion) is a one-year part time course which aims to provide non-computing graduates an opportunity to upskill in the developing area of data analysis and data science.
This is a postgraduate course at level 9 in the National Framework of Qualifications. Applicants are required to have a strong numerate background. The course covers the key skills needed for an entry level position in data analytics, including modules in programming, databases, data wrangling and data analysis. It is very practically focussed with students developing skills in the main tools, methods and techniques used in the domain.
It is a part time course with evening delivery, over two evenings per week.
The minimum admission requirements for entry to the PgCert in Data Science Fundamentals are a 2.1 classification level 8 degree in a non-computing related degree or a 2.2 classification level 8 degree with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience.
All applicants require to have demonstrated strong numeracy and analytic skills which should be described in your supporting statement.
Applicants should provide a full CV and a personal statement to support their application.
Core Modules (2 per semester)
Object Oriented Software Development
This module provides the learner with the fundamental skills of programming and object oriented programming. The aims of this module are:
- To provide the learner with strong fundamental programming skills
- To provide the learner with object-oriented programming skills
- To ensure the learner has the necessary skills to design and develop an application using an object-oriented language
Information Systems
This module provides the learner with fundamental skills to design information systems, focussing on the design and implementation of database systems. The aims of this module are:
- Enable the student to create new relational databases by devising a high-level conceptual data model
- Transform that data model into a relational schema
- Implement the relational schema correctly and robustly in SQL
Data Wrangling
The Data Wrangling module provides students with an opportunity to learn the skills and techniques most often associated with building and manipulating information sources to perform Data Analysis tasks. The module is intended to build a student’s skills and confidence with Data Programming tasks and provide a firm foundation for further Data Analytics study.
Data Analytics
Data analytics is an area of increasing importance and interest to organisations. Data analytics techniques offer huge potential in the creation of new knowledge products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services. Rather than focus on the details of specific data analytics techniques, this module addresses the application of data analytics techniques (from simple descriptive analytics techniques to more complex predictive analytics techniques) to real business problems.
It includes 30 ECTS credits of technical modules with 15 credits (2 modules) delivered each semester. Delivery is during weekday evenings, 2 evenings per week.
TU257 is a part-time course with evening delivery, over two evenings per week in both semesters. Classes start at 6pm or 6.30pm depending on the module. The course starts in September, for two terms (finishing in June).
This course will be delivered in a blended mode with majority of learning activities delivered online with a number of onsite face-to-face touch points in each semester. These touch points include the induction event at the beginning of the academic year and face-to-face lectures and lab in weeks 1, 7 and 13 of each semester. In order to facilitate students who cannot attend, each face-to-face activity will be accompanied by an online version of the event, lectures and labs will be livestreamed from the classroom.
Applications will open in February 2025
Non-EU Students
Non-EU students, not resident in Ireland, are not eligible to apply for part time programs that are delivered on-campus. Applications for part time courses that require on-campus attendance will not be processed and the application fee will not be refunded.
Graduates of the PgCert in Fundamentals of Data Science can apply for the following courses;
- TU256 Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science
- TU059 MSc in Computer Science (Data Science)
- TU060 MSc in Computer Science (Data Science)
Progression is subject to passing all modules, performing well on the programming (OOSD) module and achieving an overall average of 60% or higher.