Course Summary
If you have previous computing experience and want to build skills to develop your career, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to begin to specialise in Data Science, a key growth area within the IT sector.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
(a) have gained
(i) an Honours or non-Honours degree in the subject areas of computing, engineering or related discipline from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard;
or
(ii) an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification in the subject areas of computing, engineering or related discipline;
and
(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Application Details
Start Date: September 2025.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The key message from employability and work-related learning initiatives is that enhancing opportunities to develop work-related learning and employability enhances the learning of the subject being studied. We understand the importance of including real industrial and commercial contexts to our student's experience, so this Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science will pursue opportunities for industrially linked teaching material and student project work.
A recent statement from Ulster University’s Careers Office indicates that Data Analysts are in high demand across all sectors, such as finance, consulting, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and education. Data analysts can work in large companies such as the ‘big four’ consultancies or financial services firms, or consumer retail firms, small and medium sized businesses such as marketing agencies’ or the public sector.
Duration
This is a full-time programme which begins in September and the three modules will be delivered in one semester. The programme is delivered in-person at the Derry~Londonderry campus. It is not available in distance learning/online delivery mode.
The part-time programme offers two points of entry in each academic year in September and January. The three modules are delivered across two semesters. For September intake, the course is typically completed between September - May, and for January intake the course is typically completed between January - December. The programme is delivered in-person at the Derry~Londonderry campus. It is not available in distance learning/online delivery mode.