Data Analytics

Overview

Work towards a Master’s at your own pace with our Flexible part-time pathway



This Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) program is designed for those seeking a flexible, part-time route to achieving a full Master’s (MSc) degree.



Starting with the PGCert, you will complete 60 CAT points. Upon successful completion, you will have the opportunity to progress to the MSc by undertaking the remaining 60 unit of taught modules plus the Summer Industry placement project module.



This flexible structure allows you to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments while still working toward a full MSc qualification.



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.



Please Note:

You may be required to sit an online aptitude test. The test has been created by the MSc Data Analytics lecturers, and is based on the Cambridge Assessment TMUA; you can find more information on the TMUA, as well as practice papers should you wish to try them, here: https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/test-of-mathematics-for-university-admission/preparation/

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computer Applications, 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 considered on a case-by-case basis.



All applicants will be expected to have significant mathematical ability for this course.



Applications may be considered from those who do not meet the above requirements but can provide evidence of recent relevant technical experience in industry, for example, in programming, data analytics, or AI development. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL).

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



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.

Please note the closing date for PG Cert Data Analytics for September 2026 entry is 30 June. Applications received after this date and time will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by this date and time have been processed.



In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.

4 months full-time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

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/