Diploma of Higher Education in Data Analysis

Data plays an important role in almost all private and public sector employment. The need to understand how to use data to inform business decisions has never been more important. This qualification equips you with the key skills to explore and analyse complex data sets and solve practical problems using applied mathematics, statistics and computing. It forms a strong foundation for further study or employment in the field of data science.

Key features of the course

• Develops familiarity with mathematical, statistical and computational data modelling techniques.
• Builds working knowledge of a range of appropriate software, including writing code in the Python language.
• Provides the experience of carrying out data analysis, and of communicating and critically commenting on the results.
• Builds a solid foundation on which to continue on to a degree in data science or employment in a wide range of sectors, including finance, government, health, education, the voluntary sector, business and commerce.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Data Analysis uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
• using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
• using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
• undertaking practical work
• using specialist software, including tools for programming languages
• finding external/third-party material online
• face-to-face tutorials/day schools and/or online tutorials
• continuous and end-of-module assessment in the form of short and long answer questions, and in many cases an examination
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your qualification.

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increase as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Course details

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• Stage 1 has one 30-credit mathematics, one 30-credit statistics and two 30-credit computing & IT modules.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study one 30-credit applied mathematics module, two 30-credit statistics modules and one 30-credit computing & IT module.