Data Analytics

MSc in Data Analytics
Course Overview
The MSc in Data Analytics is a postgraduate masters degree course aimed at IT graduates and professionals, and graduates from cognate/numeric disciplines.

The majority of companies today realise the value of data driven business strategy and are in need of talented individuals to provide insight into the constant stream of collected information. Leveraging the value of big data for strategic advantage has become an increasingly standard business practice globally, resulting in an exponential skills shortage of data analysts. This programme aims to produce graduates who will be able to apply for roles pertaining to Data Analytics across all sectors of the economy.

Taught modules on the Masters in Data Analytics are followed by a Data Analytics project allowing students to apply their knowledge to a specialised applied Data Analytics problem which will be industry-initiated and used as the context for planning, designing, building and testing potential analytical solutions. Modules include, programming, statistics, technology enabled data analysis using machine learning and artificial intelligence, data visualisation, research and ethical studies pertaining to the field. Multiple transversal skills are also embedded throughout the programme including time management, communication, critical thinking and analysis, research, presentation as well as management and leadership development, ethics, project management and evaluation, and professional judgement.

Learners on the full-time course will likely be IT graduates or graduates of cognate disciplines and learners on the part-time programme will typically comprise IT professionals and/or graduates of cognate disciplines who are currently in employment and who require upskilling due to the accelerated pace of economic digital transformation.

The Masters (MSc) in Data Analytics programme will be delivered on a blended learning basis. Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are required to attend 15 hours per week. Part time learners attend 8 hours per week, spread over 2 evenings and some weekend attendance would be required for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops.

The programme leads to an award by QQI at Level 9 of the NFQ and consists of 60 credits of taught module work + 30 credits of an applied project. Learners who decide to leave the programme, after completing the taught elements only, may be entitled to receive the embedded exit award of a Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Data Analytics.

Programme Aims and Objectives
This programme aims to provide an opportunity for successful applicants to specialise in Data Analytics at MSc level (level 9). The programme provides graduates with the skills and competencies to facilitate the ever-increasing demand for the upgrading of legacy data solutions in line with the emerging necessity for digital transformation of multiple sectors to incorporate the vast amount of data available into a more advanced and insightful model.

The programme aims to incorporate the emerging technologies of machine learning and artificial intelligence to allow graduates to have a marketable skill set for today’s technical employment environment.

The overall objectives of this programme are:

To provide a progression pathway to further specialise in the area of Data Analytics for
graduates of level 8 major awards in ICT or cognate discipline.
To provide graduates with an award at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
To provide graduates with the ability to advance their career by attaining a qualification which enables them to secure or advance in employment in a range of intermediate and advanced industry positions specific to Data Analytics.
To provide the IT sector with graduates who possess the requisite attributes to make a positive contribution to industry.
To provide graduates with the foundation upon which they can further their studies at level 10 (PhD) in Computing or one of many Computing-related disciplines (in Ireland or abroad) such as Computer Science, Computational Science, Information Systems, IT Management, Technology and Innovation Management, Information Security & Digital Forensics, Information Systems Processes, and others.

Contact hours for the programme are a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom learning and virtual classroom also incorporating face to face and virtual lab sessions / workshops. Full time learners are typically required to attend three days per week. Part time learners typically attend two evenings per week plus some weekend attendance for campus based / virtual practical labs/workshops. Students will also be required to undertake independent study to complete some out of class activities and assessment tasks each week.

As this is a blended learning programme students will be required to engage in a combination of on campus and online activities. All students will be introduced to the CCT online learning environment as part of the induction to the programme and will have access to further support as required.

Online activities can include live or pre-recorded lectures, independent learning and assessment activities such as research tasks, discussion forums, simulations, quizzes and e-portfolio work along with online group activities such as live classes, group project work, virtual labs and tutorials. Completing the online elements of the programme each week is essential to successfully complete the programme. On campus activities can include small group tutorials, labs, project supervision, problem solving case studies, library research and seminars.

The first two semesters comprise of the taught modules, and the third is a capstone project.
Stage 1 (Taught Stage)
• Programming for Data Analytics
• Statistics for Data Analysis
• Data Preparation and Visualisation
• Machine Learning for Data Analysis
• Research and Professional Ethics
• Big Data Storage and Processing
• Advanced Data Analysis

Stage 2 (Project)
• Data Analytics Project

CCT College Dublin has identified entry criteria and processes that will enable it to determine an applicant’s potential to succeed on the proposed programme.

The direct entry route to this programme requires applicants to evidence numerate, technical and analytical ability to a minimum of NFQ level 8 standard.
The following are accepted as appropriate evidence for direct entry:
a. An NFQ Level 8 major award, or higher, in the discipline areas of ICT/Computing, Business, Science or Engineering or cognate discipline
or

b. An NFQ Level 8 major award, along with relevant experience in the area of Data Analytics and/or professional certification, may also be considered

In both scenarios presented above, applicants will also be required to evidence ability in the application of mathematical concepts such as algebra, or spreadsheet analysis and formulas, database knowledge, for example, to a level 8 standard. This is essential to demonstrate applicants numerate, technical and analytical ability required to ensure capacity for the extent of mathematical and technical content related to the programme.

This programme is designed for individuals who have previous knowledge in computing, analytics or similar through professional experience and/or educational qualifications. This programme is not suitable for individuals with only basic computer literacy.

Prior programming experience is not essential for admission. All learners will be required to
complete the CCT Programming Induction Bootcamp. A learner who can present evidence of currency in programming using Python can apply to the Programme Leader for exemption from this element of the induction programme. Such applications should normally be made not less than 2 weeks prior to programme start.

English Language Entry Requirement: Applicants whose first language isn’t English must demonstrate a minimum competency in the English Language of CEFR B2+.

To fully engage in this programme applicants will be required to have access to the internet, a laptop or desktop PC with webcam, microphone and speakers or headset.

This is the minimum specification for laptop:
• Windows 10/11 OS with a basic RAM Memory of 16GB DDR4 RAM, processor Intel i5/i7(9th Gen and above or equivalent),
• Dedicated graphics card
• SSD / HDD : 500GB
• M1/M2 Mac Not Suitable for AI or Data Analytics Courses

Applications are also welcome from individuals who do not meet the standard entry requirements but wish to apply for entry based on prior learning (RPL) or prior experiential learning (RPEL). The College will thoroughly assess applications received through RPL and RPEL to ensure that candidates are able to evidence learning to an appropriate standard – normally the framework level equivalent to the direct entry qualifications requirement and demonstrate potential to succeed and benefit from the programme. Applications submitted on this basis will be assessed in line with the College RPL policy.

Application for part-time study via Springboard+ must be made via the Springboard+ website.

Application for full-time study can be made by emailing admissions@cct.ie

Provisional Schedule for Full-time Course
3 days per week (contact hours delivered between 9am and 5.30pm)

Provisional Schedule for Part-time Course
2 evenings per week 5.45-9.45pm plus 3-4 Saturday classes per term (Saturday schedule tbc)

Intakes: Autumn and Spring
Next Intake Commencing: 19th February 2024

The programme has been designed to produce graduates with the attributes required of data specialists and analysts today and the ability to continue to develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in an ever-advancing discipline. On successful completion of the MSc in Data Analytics learners may progress to further study or research opportunities.

Graduates of the MSc in Data Analytics should be able to secure professional roles at intermediate and advanced positions in data analysis across all sectors of the economy and progress to leadership or research roles using skills related to those learned in the programme curriculum. Potential roles include but are not limited to: Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Quantitative Analyst, Data Analytics Consultant, Operations Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Data Project Manager, IT Systems Analyst, Transportation Logistics Analyst, Financial Data Analyst, Healthcare Data Analyst.

According to Grad Ireland, who issue regular surveys to Industry on employability trends, the graduate recruitment trends for Ireland and Northern Ireland specifically list data analytics as an area where recruiters saw one of the biggest skills shortfalls at 46%.

This programme aims to produce graduates who are technically skilled, problem solvers, professional, good communicators and effective team players as well as leaders. The graduate will also be well-placed to pursue further academic or professional study.