Program Overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Science

Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Data Science (Conversion) is a one-year part-time course that aims to provide non-computing graduates with an opportunity to upskill in the developing area of data analysis and data science.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU257
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Postgraduate Certificate
• ECTS Credits: 30
• Duration: 1 year
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: Part Time
• Method of Delivery: Blended
• Commencement Date: September 2025
• Location: Grangegorman
• Fees: €3,250 Total Fee

Course Description

This course covers the key skills needed for an entry-level position in data analytics, including modules in programming, databases, data wrangling, and data analysis. It is very practically focused, with students developing skills in the main tools, methods, and techniques used in the domain.

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 classification level 8 degree in a non-computing related degree
• A 2.2 classification level 8 degree with at least 2 years of relevant industry experience
• Strong numeracy and analytic skills, which should be described in the supporting statement
• A full CV and a personal statement to support the application

Course Content

Core Modules (2 per semester)

• Object Oriented Software Development
  • Provides the learner with the fundamental skills of programming and object-oriented programming
  • Aims to provide the learner with strong fundamental programming skills, object-oriented programming skills, and the necessary skills to design and develop an application using an object-oriented language
• Information Systems
  • Provides the learner with fundamental skills to design information systems, focusing on the design and implementation of database systems
  • Aims to enable the student to create new relational databases, transform the data model into a relational schema, and implement the relational schema correctly and robustly in SQL
• Data Wrangling
  • Provides students with an opportunity to learn the skills and techniques most often associated with building and manipulating information sources to perform Data Analysis tasks
  • Intended to build a student’s skills and confidence with Data Programming tasks and provide a firm foundation for further Data Analytics study
• Data Analytics
  • Addresses the application of data analytics techniques (from simple descriptive analytics techniques to more complex predictive analytics techniques) to real business problems
  • Includes 30 ECTS credits of technical modules with 15 credits (2 modules) delivered each semester

Module Listing

• Year One
  • Semester 1
    • Information Systems [Mandatory]
    • Object Oriented SW Development [Mandatory]
  • Semester 2
    • Data Analytics [Mandatory]
    • Data Wrangling [Mandatory]

Schedule

• TU257 is a part-time course with evening delivery, over two evenings per week in both semesters
• Classes start at 6pm or 6.30pm depending on the module
• The course starts in September, for two terms (finishing in June)
• Delivered in a blended mode with the majority of learning activities delivered online and a number of onsite face-to-face touch points in each semester

Progression

Graduates of the PgCert in Fundamentals of Data Science can apply for the following courses:

• TU256 Postgraduate Certificate in Data Science
• TU059 MSc in Computer Science (Data Science)
• TU060 MSc in Computer Science (Data Science)

Progression is subject to passing all modules, performing well on the programming (OOSD) module, and achieving an overall average of 60% or higher.