Data Analytics

Overview
There is both local and global demand for expertise in data analytics which has been reiterated recently by e.g. the Belfast Regional City Deal and the Artificial Intelligence Northern Ireland Collaborative Centre, both of which are to be underpinned by data analytics.

Those completing will be awarded a PgCert in Data Analytics and can commence entry-level data analytics roles (e.g. junior data scientist, data processor). Alternatively, they may, subject to capacity, progress directly into Year 2 of study on the part-time MSc in Data Analytics, and following successful completion, enter graduate-level roles (data scientist, data analyst, data analytics modeller, data engineer etc..).

The course offers meaningful upskilling whilst increasing the supply of skills in an area of strategic economic need and importance.

Course Structure
The PgCert in Data Analytics contains 60 credits of the established and well-regarded MSc in Data Analytics. The first two modules DSA8001 and DSA8002 will take place from October in Semester 1 and the final module DSA8022 will take place in Semester 2. All modules will be delivered online.

Please note that although the course is part time in terms of number of modules taken, the modules themselves are taught full time in block delivery mode as detailed below.

Course Details
The aim of the programme is to offer a multi-disciplinary education in data analytics that prepares graduates with key knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for employment in analytics and data science positions.

In particular, the programme aims to provide students with:
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of statistics and computer science that underpin analytics.

• Advanced knowledge and practical skills in the theory and practice of analytics.

• The necessary skills, tools and techniques needed to embark on careers in data analytics and data science.

• Skills in a range of practices, processes, tools and methods applicable to analytics in commercial and research contexts.

• Timely exposure to, and practical experience in, a range of current software packages and emerging new applications of analytics.

• Opportunities for the development of practical skills in a commercial context.

Learning and Teaching
Students must complete modules in block delivery mode where each module runs in blocks of 4 weeks in a sequential manner where at any one time, the student is working on only one module. Week 1 of block delivery mode requires students to carry out background reading and preparation work in advance of week 2 of each block which requires students to attend lectures/labs Monday –Friday 9am-5pm.

Weeks 3 and 4 of each block are for project and coursework. Full-time students are expected to be present at Queen's during weeks 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 of the academic year.

In the four week duration of a module, there will be an intensive teaching week where the schedule will consists of 9am-5pm with approximately equal numbers of lectures (in the mornings) and labs (in the afternoons).

Part time students, please note that although the course is part time in terms of number of modules taken each year, the modules themselves are still taught full time in block delivery mode as detailed above.

Modules
Semester 1
• Data Analytics Fundamentals
• Databases and Programming Fundamentals

Semester 2
• Frontiers in Data Analytics

Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants with a minimum 2.2 Honours degree in a cognate discipline, a 2.1 Honours degree in a non-cognate discipline, or who have not yet completed their degree, will be required to pass an aptitude test.

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirement but have extensive experience in industry will be considered on a case by case basis under the University's Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policy.

Please note:
You may be required to pass an online aptitude test.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25th August 2023 at 12 noon.
We may be able to consider self-funded or employer-funded applicants on a case by case basis, as capacity on the individual PG Cert programmes allow. Please indicate in your application if you wish to be considered as a self-funded or employer-funded applicant.

How to Apply
Applications should be submitted online via the Postgraduate Applications Portal for admission to the vast majority of postgraduate programmes.

New applicants will need to register via the Portal to create an application account. If you are already a Queen's student with an active Qsis account, you can log in using your student number and Qsis password. Guidance on how to complete an application is provided within the Portal and it is possible to save application data and return to complete it at a later date, if you wish. After core details about yourself and your academic background have been provided, you can submit an application, or multiple applications, if required.

If you applied in a previous cycle through the Portal and are re-applying, you should use your previous log in details. Please review and update your personal and contact details, academic and professional qualifications before submitting a new application.

Important – please ensure that the email address you provide is correct and active, as this will be used by us to communicate the progress of your application to you.

1 year (Part Time)

Career Prospects
Introduction
Industry forecasts indicate that Data Analytics is a growing field internationally, with job opportunities set to increase exponentially predicting growths of 160% between 2013 and 2020 (eSkills report, Big Data Analytics 2013-2020). There is a current shortage in qualified staff for these roles, which is also the case in Northern Ireland where there have been a number of recent investments and expansions in the Data Analytics sector.

The course is designed to meet the needs of Industry where graduates have the right combination of the skills and expertise in both computer science, mathematics and statistics along with the experience they gain in their individual industry based project to be highly sought after for employment.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as the leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.