NCI Course Details

This programme seeks to produce graduates who are able to provide insight, gain value and discover knowledge (at an organisational, societal, or personal level) from data through exercising the skills that are developed through the programmes.

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

• Develop statistical skills to carry out effective data analyses using descriptive and inferential statistics within a business context.
• Conduct substantial and extensive independent research and analysis in the field of Data Analytics.
• Formulate and implement a novel research idea using the latest industry practices.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge and a critical understanding of data analysis, statistics, and the tools, techniques and technologies of Data Analytics utilised in both technical and business contexts.
• Critically assess, evaluate and communicate business technical strategies for Data Analytics.
• Formulate, design, assess, and implement effective business technical solutions for Data Analytics.
• Critically assess and evaluate security, privacy, sustainability, and ethical issues associated with the storage, transfer, and processing of data for analytical purposes.

The course will be delivered using academic research, industry-defined practical problems, and case studies. This approach will naturally foster a deeper knowledge of the subject area and create transferable skills for work such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creative thinking, communication, teamwork, and research skills. The course is completely delivered by faculty and industry practitioners with proven expertise in data analytics.

This programme is suitable for non-technical professionals and college graduates from non-technical disciplines, those with numeracy skills who wish to work as data analysts, business analysts or to enter into management roles across a range of sectors. You do not need to have previously studied programming. However, given the timeframe and the amount of technical and statistical content, applicants should be prepared to commit fully to the course.

2021 Graduates used the course to upskill or gain employment in roles such as Collection & Payable Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Process & Data Analyst, Junior Data Specialist, Scalability Analyst, OSM Planner, Trading Analyst, Market Specialist, Business Analyst.

Companies who hired from 2022 graduates of the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics include: Central Bank of Ireland (Statistics Analyst), Intel (Optimization Engineer), Commission for Communications Regulation (Business Analyst), Netscout (Principal Service Engineer), Pfizer (Data Scientist),Coinbase (Compliance Analyst), TikTok (Quality Analyst), Global Shares (Business Reporting Analyst), Citi (Digital Client Support), Enterprise Ireland (Senior Technologist), VHI (Data Analyst), Pinergy (Data Analyst).

Applicants are required to hold a level 8 honours degree or equivalent in any discipline. Candidates with level 7 degree in a cognate area (STEM) are also considered for direct access into the programme.

Non-English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in English evidenced by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent. Visit our English Language Requirements page for further information.

For candidates who do not have a level 8 qualification, the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on extensive relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed through a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, interview and assessment (e.g. logic test).

Students apply for either a 1 year or 2 year delivery. It is not possible to transfer options post registration.

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a laptop computer with a substantial hardware configuration. A suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16GB are recommended); a modern 64-bit x86 processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of available space in hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS or Windows. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their laptop is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights to the machine. NCI IT does not provide support for personal devices.

This course requires internet access you will be required to ensure you have sufficient broadband speed and reliable connectivity from your place of study.

Free Laptop Loan for eligible students on this course: Students who are eligible for HEA funding for this course may also be eligible for a free laptop provided on a loan basis for the duration of the programme.

This will be a suitable specification machine for completion of the programme but must be returned once you have finished your course. Overall numbers of laptops available are subject to maximum numbers and no other alternatives can be offered.

See Student Laptop Fund for updates on the next opening date for applications.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 9 such as the Masters of Science in Data Analytics.

Course Content - 1 Year Programme

Semester 1

• Statistics I
• Programming For Data Analytics
• Data Governance
• Career Bridge

Semester 2

• Statistics II
• Databases for Analytics
• Business Intelligence

Semester 3

• Machine Learning
• Project

Course Content - 2 Year Programme

Year 1 Semester 1

• Statistics I
• Programming For Data Analytics
• Career Bridge

Year 1 Semester 2

• Statistics II
• Data Governance
• Business Intelligence

Year 2 Semester 1

• Machine Learning
• Database for Analytics

Year 2 Semester2

• Project

Springboard Careers Advisors will proactively support you to find relevant employment during the course or following completion of the course.

For information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessment and exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 50% continuous assessment and 50% exam. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings and at weekends.

Blended - Livestream with some on-campus stream classes, scheduled in advance.

1 Year Option

Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 22.00

Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester 1 from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed. There will also be 4.5 hours of self-directed e-learning content per week on NCI’s Learning Platform. These will not appear on your timetable.

2 Year Option

Online Delivery will take place Monday & Wednesday 18.00 - 22.00.

There will also be two to three hours of self-directed e-learning content weekly on NCI’s Learning Platform. These will not appear on your timetable.Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester 1 from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed.

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

1-Year Option

3 semesters delivered over 1 year - September to December 2024, January to May 2025 and May to August 2025.

2-Year Option

4 semesters delivered over 2 years - September to December 2024, January to May 2025, September to December 2025, January to May 2026

This course costs €4,900 (fees revised annually). You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.