Higher Certificate in Data Science

at National College of Ireland

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.

Stage 1 / Semester 1

Core Subject
Module Code    Title

• H6CMPTHNK    Computational Thinking

• H6DISMTHS    Discrete Mathematics

• H6IDS    Introduction to Data Science

• H6PSPC    Problem Solving & Programming Concepts

• H6TCI    The Computing Industry
   

Stage 1 / Semester 2

Core Subject
Module Code    Title

• H6COMPSYS    Computing Systems

• H6IDMD    Introduction to Data Modelling and Databases

• H6PROG1    Programming I

• H6STATS1    Statistics I
   

Stage 2 / Semester 1

Core Subject
Module Code    Title

• H6ADA    Advanced Databases

• H6DV    Data Visualisation

• H6PROG2    Programming II

• H6STATS2    Statistics II
   

Stage 2 / Semester 2

Core Subject
Module Code    Title

• H6DMML    Data Mining and Machine Learning

• H6ITPM    IT Project Management

• H6LA    Linear Algebra
   

Group Elective 1
​​​​​​​
Module Code    Title

• H6DAPROJ    Data Analysis Project

• H6PROG3    Programming III

Minimum entry requirements are a grade of O6/H7 or above in five subjects. A minimum of grade H5 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English.
 

The certificate of your English language standard must have been issued within 2 years of the expected start date of your course.  As a guide, the IELTS English language requirements are as follows:
 

The fees for this course for international students is €5,500 per year.
 

For domestic students applying through the CAO, this course applies under the free fees initiative.

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.
 

According to a recent Higher Education Outcomes Report released by the CSO, ICT graduates receive the highest weekly earnings five years after graduating compared to other sectors based on the analysis of the destinations of students who graduated between 2010 and 2016.