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 €540 if you are employed.

Visit the Springboard+ website to apply: 

• Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics - 1 Year, Blended/Online - Course Now Full
• Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics - 2 Years, Online - Course Now Full

This programme is suitable for non-technical professionals and college graduates from non-technical disciplines, those with numeracy skills who wish to work as data analysts, business analysts or to enter into management roles across a range of sectors. You do not need to have previously studied programming. However, given the timeframe and the amount of technical and statistical content, applicants should be prepared to commit fully to the course.

2021 Graduates used the course to upskill or gain employment in roles such as Collection & Payable Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Process & Data Analyst, Junior Data Specialist, Scalability Analyst, OSM Planner, Trading Analyst, Market Specialist, Business Analyst.

Companies who hired from 2021 graduates of the Higher Diploma in Data Analytics include: Mintel (Junior Data Specialist), Valentia Partners (Consulting Analyst), Kirby Group Engineering (Business Process & Data Analyst), Data Analyst (Allianz), Electric Ireland (Trading Analyst), Facebook (Market Specialist), Flutter Entertainment (Specialist Trader), CPL for Twitter (Scalability Analyst), AON Assessment Solutions (Assessment Support Officer), Edwards Vacuum (OSM Planner).

Applicants holding an honours degree (level 8 or equivalent) in any discipline will be considered. Candidates will ideally be able to demonstrate technical or mathematical problem-solving skills as part of previous course learning. Typically, holders of more technical, numerate degrees are likely to gain a higher ranking in any order of merit in 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 candidates who do not have a level 8 qualification, the college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic entry requirements may be considered based on relevant work or other experience.

Students apply for either a 1 year or 2 year delivery. It is not possible to transfer options post registration.

This programme has a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a laptop computer with a substantial hardware configuration. A suitable configuration is 8GB of RAM (16 GB or more recommended); a 64-bit x86 processor (Intel i5 or superior); 250+ GB of hard disk; WiFi card; and a recent installed release of Windows operating system. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their laptop is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights to the machine.

NCI IT cannot provide support for personal devices..

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

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 be eligible to progress to a major award at level 9 on the NFQ.

Course Content

• Statistics I
• Programming For Data Analytics
• Data Governance
• Statistics II
• Databases for Analytics
• Business Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Project

Springboard Careers Advisors will proactively support you to find relevant employment during the course or following completion of the course.

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

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

1 Year Option

Three evenings per week 18.00 - 22.00.

2 Year Option

Two nights a week, 18.00 – 22.00, and a number of Saturdays, 09.00 – 18.00.

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

1-Year Option

3 semesters delivered over 1 year

2-Year Option

4 semesters delivered over 2 years

A student contribution fee of €540 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 10th March 2023.

Full course fee:

This course costs €4,725 (fees revised annually). You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.