Data Science Foundations

If you're curious about how organisations use data to make better decisions, or you want to develop practical analytical and coding skills that are valued across virtually every industry, this micro-credential is for you.

Data is transforming every sector, from healthcare to finance to manufacturing, and professionals who can work with it are in high demand. This micro-credential gives you a solid foundation in data science: what it is, how it works, and how to apply it.

You'll explore the full data science workflow, from collecting and cleaning data, right through to analysing it and communicating findings through visualisation. Along the way you'll be introduced to Python, one of the most widely used programming languages in data science, and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and libraries.

The micro-credential also introduces you to the broader context of data science: ethics, security, data reliability, and sustainability, giving you a rounded understanding of responsible practice in the field.

Whether you're looking to move into a data-focused role, add analytical skills to your existing expertise, or simply understand how data-driven decision-making works, this micro-credential provides the practical grounding you need. No advanced programming background is assumed, you'll build your skills from the ground up through lectures, seminars, and practical exercises.

Career Options

Completing this micro-credential opens doors to a wide range of data-focused roles and supports progression into further postgraduate study in data science or AI. Relevant job titles and pathways include:

Data Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Junior Data Scientist
Data Technician / Data Officer
Research Analyst

Transferable Skills Gained

Python programming
Statistical thinking
Data visualisation
Analytical problem-solving
Research writing
Ethical awareness in technology

All of which are highly sought after across sectors including public services, Financial services, healthcare and technology.

Delivery: Fully Online

The micro-credential is delivered through a blend of online lectures, seminars, and practical lab sessions. Online lectures and seminars introduce core data science concepts and contextualise them through real-world case studies from sectors including financial modelling, insurance, and healthcare.

Online practical sessions provide hands-on experience with Python programming, popular data science libraries, and open datasets, building your capability to work independently with data.

Peer learning and collaborative exercises are woven throughout, helping you develop professional skills alongside technical ones.

Online labs/tutorials will be delivered on Monday's from 6pm to 9pm. To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available one week before each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Participants who successfully complete this micro-credential will be awarded 20 credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.

Start Date: Monday 5 October

Duration: 10 teaching weeks

Delivery: Online labs/tutorials will be delivered on Monday's from 6pm to 9pm.

To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available one week before each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Entry Requirements

Ulster University general Postgraduate study entry requirements.

Applicants must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree or an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification in any discipline or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.

An interview may form part of the admission process. Applicants must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Have a valid Irish PPS Number or UK National Insurance Number.

Live full‑time in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Have the required immigration permission needed to study in UK.

Funding Eligibility

Places are limited and only open to the following applicants:

Priority 1 - People who live in the North West cross-border region covering counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry~Londonderry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and / or people employed by companies based in these counties.
Priority 2 - People who live in Northern Ireland and the border areas of Ireland including Cavan, Louth and Monaghan and / or people employed by companies based in these areas.

North West DEPTH Terms and Conditions

There are a limited number of places on this course. Places are allocated subject to applicants meeting the relevant funding eligibility, prioritisation and entry requirements.
Within each priority group and at the point of application processing, a further level of prioritisation will be applied:
- Eligible New Learners - Applicants who have not previously participated in a NW DEPTH funded programme at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Eligible Returning Learners – applicants who have participated in previous NW DEPTH funded programmes at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Date and time a complete application was received - where multiple applicants have the same priority and learner status, they will be considered in the order in which a complete application was received
Learners can undertake NW DEPTH funded courses at Ulster University up to a maximum of 60 credits of study per learner across the lifetime of the programme (ends June 2029). This may be achieved through studying of, for example:
- A number of standalone micro-credentials, or
- A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), or
- A combination of micro-credentials and other eligible provision.
Participation in NW DEPTH programmes at Ulster University is capped at 60 credits per academic year, with no more than 45 credits permitted to be studied in any one semester.
For the purposes of this limit, enrolment on a course will count towards a learner’s total participation, regardless of whether the course is completed, except where a learner withdraws within any agreed early withdrawal period defined by the delivery institution.
Participants who successfully complete a micro-credential will be awarded credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement. Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.
Learners may undertake additional study at Ulster University which is funded through other sources or is self-funded. Ulster University typically permits part-time learners to undertake up to 45 credits per semester, which may be funded through a combination of sources.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, a minimum cohort size is required to ensure a high-quality learning experience. The University reserves the right not to commence the programme where this minimum number is not achieved. Should this occur, applicants will be contacted and alternative options discussed.
Leave of absences - TBC