Data Science: From Data to Insight

Spanning information and computational science, mathematics, and statistics, data science seeks to identify and understand phenomena in structured or unstructured data. It is one of the fastest-growing fields in the tech industry today.

On this online microcredential from the University of Aberdeen, you’ll discover the techniques and tools revolutionising how we understand and use data. You’ll explore key areas of the data science discipline, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

With the skills and expertise you gain through the programme, you’ll be in demand with recruiters across all sectors and professions.

Learn how to extract meaningful insights from large and complex datasets

The focus of this microcredential is on how data can be used to generate useful insights for businesses and organisations. That means you’ll learn how to harness data meaningfully, as a well as how to mine and analyse it.

The first few weeks of the course will provide a base of core skills in data processing and visualisation, as well as some strategies for turning raw data into actionable insights. These include classification, pattern-recognition and cluster analysis.

You’ll be given access to some sample datasets so that you can begin to play around.

Explore the benefits data analysis can bring to businesses in all sectors

This microcredential is designed to be applicable to all sectors and industries. You’ll explore a wide variety of different business case studies and analysis types, from natural language processing (e.g.g analysing Tweets and Facebook posts), to datasets used in astro-archaeology.

With each example, you’ll explore the specific benefits and insights data analysis can bring businesses, whether by optimising processes, workflows, or equipment use.

Develop data skills and insights for your own organisation

Throughout the programme, you’ll be encouraged to apply the skills and knowledge you gain to your own career goals or organisation. Whether you’re an aspiring or an experienced business professional, you’ll gain the practical training you need to generate data-driven insights and predictions.

At the end of the course, you’ll take away the expertise and industry-certified credentials you need to unlock data-related careers in the sector or industry of your choice.

How will this microcredential help to develop my career?

This microcredential provides skills and knowledge in one of the most in-demand fields of the tech industry today. You’ll learn how to mine, analyse, and process large datasets, as well as how to use data visualisation software. You’ll also build an understanding of how data-generated insights can be harnessed to inform business strategy.

With the skills and expertise you gain through this microcredential, you’ll be in high demand for data-related jobs in a huge number of sectors, from government and healthcare to business and finance. You’ll also gain a certificate to demonstrate your skills to recruiters.

How will I be assessed?

At the end of the course, you’ll complete two online assessments designed to test your understanding of data and data analysis. The first assessment is a series of five online tests, each worth 10% of your final grade, and the second is a group report, worth 50% of your final grade.

Will I receive university credits?

Yes, you’ll earn 15 Level 11 credits at postgraduate level from the University of Aberdeen. You can use these credits to build towards a Master’s degree from the University of Aberdeen.