Certificate of Higher Education in Data Analysis

Knowledge and understanding

When you complete your studies for this qualification, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• A range of methods for analysing statistical data
• Basics of calculus, matrices and vectors
• The fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and IT
• The range of situations in which computing and IT systems are used and the possibilities and limitations of such systems
• The ethical and legal issues associated with data science

Cognitive skills

On completion of this qualification, you will have developed the following cognitive skills:

• Use your judgement in selecting and applying a range of basic mathematical and statistical tools and techniques to solve some elementary real-world problems
• Construct appropriate statistical models and draw justifiable inferences using qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills
• Apply computing and IT concepts, techniques and tools appropriately

Practical and/or professional skills

When you complete this qualification you will be able to:

• Be an independent learner, able to acquire further knowledge with minimal guidance or support
• Use appropriate professional tools, including programming languages, to support your work
• Apply basic mathematical, statistical and computational concepts, principles and methods
• Analyse and evaluate problems and plan strategies for their solution
• Analyse, design, evaluate and/or test models and systems, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools as appropriate
• Identify and address the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of computing and IT systems

Key skills

When you complete this qualification you will be able to:

• Communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways, bearing in mind the audience for and the purpose of the communication
• Find, assess and apply information from a variety of sources, using information technology where appropriate
• Select, and use accurately, appropriate numerical and analytical techniques to solve problems
• Prepare mathematical, statistical and computational content for a range of purposes, which may include writing for both specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Recognise and understand a range of technological and practical problems and select suitable techniques for solving them

This certificate of higher education has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll study four 30-credit modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study all four of the following:

• Introducing statistics (M140)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

The ability to write computer programs, develop software and analyse data are much sought-after skills in the modern workplace. This Certificate will equip you with a foundation knowledge of some topics from statistics, mathematics and computer science. In addition, you will develop important transferable skills such as communication, time management and problem-solving.

Career relevance

Data analysts and programmers are highly sought after in virtually all workplaces. The use of data analysis in social media, online commerce and government has revolutionised the digital economy, with employers across both the public and private sectors now recruiting data analysts and programmers to identify and solve complex business problems at the heart of strategic and operational decision making.

With further study or practical experience, students are well placed to develop their expertise in all areas of employment including business intelligence, management, biology, economics, education, engineering, environment studies, finance, government, logistics, medicine, meteorology, market research, sport and multinational businesses.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.