NCI Course Details

This course is offered under Springboard+ meaning you can join this course for free if you are currently unemployed or for a reduced cost of €595 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply: 

• Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics - Springboard+ applications for this programme have now closed.

Visit the Springboard+ website for information on eligibility criteria.

Applying as a non-Springboard+ Student

Applications for September 2026 are now closed. 

The programme aims to equip graduates with the skills and competencies needed to apply data analytics techniques across a range of domains, enabling effective data-driven decision-making and problem-solving, enhanced by the use of AI tools and technologies. It is an intensive conversion programme, co-designed with industry partners to ensure strong alignment with current and emerging market needs. The programme is designed to support career changers entering the field of Data Analytics with AI, as well as professionals seeking to upskill or reskill. It prepares graduates for roles such as data analyst, data scientist, business analyst, data engineer and data AI/ML related roles.

On successful completion of this programme graduates will be able to: 

• Perform data analysis using programming and analytical tools applying a wide range of statistical techniques.
• Visualise, interpret, and communicate insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Extract meaningful insights from diverse datasets using appropriate data management, storage, analytical and modelling techniques.
• Adopt appropriate professional, ethical, legal, security, privacy and sustainability principles in designing and implementing data-driven business solutions.
• Use cloud and data platforms, big data technologies and processing paradigms to design and implement scalable data-driven solutions.
• Apply Artificial Intelligence techniques, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing, to analyse complex data and generate deeper insights

The course will be delivered through a highly practical, industry-focused, case study driven approach. Learners will engage with complex, multi-domain challenges across a range of sectors, including commercial, healthcare, finance, government, and technology environments. This approach will naturally foster a deeper understanding of the subject area and create transferable workplace skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork and research. The programme is delivered entirely by experienced faculty and industry practitioners with proven expertise in data analytics, ensuring that learning is aligned with current industry practices and realworld application

This course will appeal to non-technical professionals and college graduates from non-technical disciplines who wish to upgrade their skills or simply advance their career in the domain of Data Analytics. The programme is particularly suitable for those with numeracy and analytical skills. You do not need to have previously studied programming.

However, given the content and the timeframe you will need to have a strong commitment to the course and willingness to fully engage with the technical content.

Graduates from the previous 2 - 3 years leveraged the course to enhance their skills or secure positions such as Statistics Analyst (Central Bank of Ireland), Business Analyst (Commission for Communications Regulation), Data Scientist (Pfizer), Quality Analyst (Tik Tok), Digital Client Support (Citi), Senior Technologist (Enterprise Ireland), Data Analyst (VHI).

Employers who recruited graduates from the 2023 cohort of the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics include: Data Quality Analyst (Tik Tok), Credit Portfolio Manager (Google), Data Operations Analyst (TD Securities), QA Analyst (SEB Life International), Fund and Data Platform Analyst (Legal and General Investment Management), Technical Lead (IMGS), Data Analyst (Glovo).

Applicants holding an honours degree (level 8 or equivalent) in any discipline are eligible for direct access to the programme. In addition, applicants with level 7 degree in a cognate area (e.g. Computer Science/IT, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Information Systems, Accounting) are also considered for direct access into the programme

Typically, holders of more technical and numerate degrees or candidates that are able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem-solving skills are likely to gain a higher ranking in the selection for the course.

Non-English-speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in English evidenced by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent. Visit our English Language Requirements page for further information.

For other non-standard applications, the College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on extensive relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed through a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, interview and assessment (e.g. logic test).

National College of Ireland has implemented a Bring Your Own Device policy for all courses. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration.

The recommended configuration is as follows:

Processor:

• Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 /i7 or Ultra 3 / 5 /7
  Or
• AMD 5000 Series or newer, Rzyen 3 / 5 /7

Random Access Memory (RAM):
16GB or greater

Storage:
SSD (Solid State Drive) 256GB or greater

Wireless Card:
802.11 n/ac/ax capability

Recommended Operating Systems:
Windows 11
Later Version of MAC OS should also be fine.
Chromebook’s are not recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 9 such as the Masters of Science in Data Analytics.

Semester 1

• Statistics and Probability
• Programming For Data Analytics
• Databases for Analytics
• Business Intelligence and Visualisation
• Career Bridge*

Semester 2

• Data Mining and Machine Learning
• Governance, Ethics, Security and Sustainability
• Deep Learning and Generative AI

Semester 3

• Cloud and Scalable Analytics
• Project

*Career Bridge is a compulsory (non-accredited) module of the Springboard+ programme. Students are required to participate unless formally exempt. . Your Careers Advisor will support you during the course and for up to three months after completion, helping you to prepare for and apply to relevant employment opportunities. 

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

The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessments and/or project work and exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is split 60:40 between exams and continuous assessment.

Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime and at weekends.

Full-time Schedule

Campus: Classes will take place face-to-face on campus.

Part-time Schedule

Blended - Livestream with some on-campus stream classes, scheduled in advance.

Springboard+ Schedule

Tuesday and Thursday 18.00 - 22.00

There will also be on average four hours self-paced learning per week on NCI’s Learning Platform weekly. This will not appear on your timetable.

Full-Time Option - Fee Paying (International)

Students need to be available 09.00-18.00 Mon – Fri. (Class days and times can vary)

Career Bridge classes will be delivered one day per week in Semester one from 17.00 to 18.00. Day to be confirmed

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

Springboard+

3 semesters delivered over 1 year 

Full-Time - Fee Paying (International)

3 semesters delivered over 1 year 

Springboard+ Student Fees

A student contribution fee of €595 is applicable if you are in employment. No fees applicable if you are unemployed. The scheme does not cover any allowance for books and materials. See the Springboard+ tab above for further information.

If a student contribution fee is applicable this must be paid in full no later than 13th November 2026.

Non-Springboard+ Student Fees

€4,900

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan or complete an Employer Sponsorship form if your fees are being paid by your company.