NCI Course Details

NCI’s Higher Certificate in Data Science uses a blend of computer science and data science to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out data modelling, data management and data analysis activities, and to interpret and communicate that data to a variety of audiences. The programme will give you the mathematics, programming and problem-solving skills required to exploit data in addressing real-world problems. You will also develop your problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and communication skills.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Identify, clean, integrate, select, transform, and mine different types of datasets with consideration of ethical, privacy and data protection issues, in order to summarise and present new knowledge.
• Design, implement and document algorithmic solutions that demonstrate use of processes, methodologies, tools and techniques that solve known problems.
• Utilise statistical analysis, modelling, data mining and machine learning tools and techniques to analyse datasets.
• Communicate the results of analysis to both technical and non-technical audiences in a classroom setting.
• Analyse problems through both independent and collaborative efforts in order to develop solutions and provide information to meet business requirements as part of a team.
• Use problem-solving and analytical thinking techniques, communication, and interaction skills to support decision-making.

Year 1

Semester 1

• Computational Thinking
• The Computing Industry
• Problem Solving and Programming Concepts
• Discrete Mathematics
• Introduction to Data Science

Semester 2

• Introduction to Data Modelling & Databases
• Computing Systems
• Programming I
• Statistics I

Year 2

Semester 1

• Programming II
• Advanced Databases
• Data Visualisation
• Statistics II

Semester 2

• Linear Algebra
• Data Mining & Machine Learning
• IT Project Management
• Data Analysis Project (elective)*
• Programming III (elective)*

*Students wishing to progress to the BSc (Honours) in Data Science must complete Programming III, while those exiting the programme with a Higher Certificate must complete the Data Analysis Project.

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

This undergraduate course is a two-year Higher Certificate. The course is run over four semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester.

On completion, you will receive a QQI Higher Certificate in Data Science at level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

This course will be particularly appealing to students who are unsure about enrolling in a degree programme initially and see the Higher Certificate as a progression route to a degree at a later stage. The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of QQI level 5/6 programmes.

Upon successful completion of the Higher Certificate in Data Science, graduates can gain entry directly into year three of the BSc (Hons) in Data Science at NCI. Graduates can also progress to other programmes at level 7 or level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as the BSc (Hons) in Computing at National College of Ireland.

This course will equip you with the technical computer science and data science skills to build a successful career as a technician in the areas of computing, data management and data analysis.

According to a recent Higher Education Outcomes Report released by the CSO, ICT graduates in 2010 had the highest median earnings 10 years after graduation compared to other sectors based on the analysis of the destinations of students who graduated between 2010 and 2019 .

Minimum entry requirements are a grade of O6/H7 or above in five subjects. A minimum of grade H5 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes can find out more information on the application process.

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

Alternative Maths Exam

NCI will be offering a mathematics qualifying exam for students who would like to pursue the Higher Certificate in Data Science. This provides prospective students a second chance or an alternative way to meet the required mathematics standard of H5 in Leaving Certificate Maths for the Higher Certificate in Data Science.

NCI strongly advises that all students should have access to a suitable laptop for their course. A student Laptop Loan Scheme may be available for certain eligible students.

The College recommends the following laptop requirements for students joining this course:

Processor:

Intel 7th (or higher) generation processors (Core i-3, i-5, i-7,i-9-7x)
or AMD Ryzen 3rd generation processors, running at 2.0GHz and above (Intel Atom/Celeron or AMD Athlon/Sempron Processors may cost less, but may not meet your requirements)

Random Access Memory (RAM):
8 GB minimum

Solid State Drive (SSD) Capacity:
256 GB minimum

Wireless Card:
802.11 a/b/g/n compliant with Bluetooth Capability (incompatibilities have been noted with the Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Adapters and software device drivers)

Graphics Card:
Direct X9 or later

Supported Operating Systems:
Windows 10 Home/Pro

This course wasn't offered on the CAO for 2021.

The CAO course code is NC105.

Students must obtain a minimum of 5 passes and a full award and meet the CAO points requirements to apply for this Level 6 course.

Visit our QQI Applicants page for further information.

Did you know you can apply for a Sports Scholarship at NCI?

Watch this video to hear from our current sports scholars Stephen Achukwu (basketball) and Adam Leonard (football):

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative and the Student Grant Scheme.

The fees for this course for international students is €5,500 per year.

For domestic students applying through the CAO, this course applies under the free fees initiative.