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/



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.

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.



AICC/NI Cyber funding: A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme for eligible applicants resident in Northern Ireland. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible in order to be considered for a funded place. You will be notified as soon as possible whether your application has been selected for a funded place. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.

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.

4 months full-time.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

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/