Social Sciences incorporating ICS
Data Science NPA (Level 6)
Campus OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is specifically for S5 and S6 pupils attending School.
Data Science combines digital and data skills, specific knowledge about a particular topic or subject area, and numeracy skills to extract insights from data. The ability to identify the problem to solve, the correct data to use, carry out the analysis and then implement the outcome requires the three areas mentioned above to be brought together.
Data Science is becoming essential to how we live, learn and work. It is all about how we turn those insights extracted from data into actions. Many people are keen to learn more and understand this topic, and more employers are seeking applicants with experience in Data Science. This course will help you develop in your current or future job role.
The course has an 18-week structure and is guided by lecturer support via in-person and online learning. You will attain a National Progression Award in Data Science at SCQF level 6. Additionally, you can advance to the Professional Development Award in Data Science at SCQF level 7, beginning in January 2025.
What you will learn
Data Science is a multidisciplinary subject that combines, computer science, statistics and business knowledge. It allows the generation of insights from data.
This course will cover:
- Data Management: Sorting and Analysing Data
- An Introduction to Python Programming
- Learn how to use industry-standard software such as Microsoft Excel.
- Data in our Society: Elements of Data Security and How to Protect Your Data and Data Belonging to Other People
- The Potential of Data Usage and Ethical Implications
How the course is assessed
- This is a hybrid course where each group will have their lecturer and the assessments will be released to students as each outcome of the course is delivered, assessments are in the form of coursework, project-based assignments and reports.
Number of days per week
- 2 afternoons per week - Tuesday (Online) from 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM and Thursday (In person at Milton Road Campus) from 1.30 PM to 3.30 PM
Entry requirements
- You don't need to have a qualification in a computer science-related award but some knowledge in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets or 3 relevant National 5s at C or above (including Maths or Numeracy) is advantageous.
- You must complete a personal statement in support of your application.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
Depending on your other skills and qualifications, there could be entry into:
- NPA Software Development and Web/Digital Design (Edinburgh College)
- NPA Cyber Security and Networking (Edinburgh College
- PDA Data Science (Edinburgh College)
- Graduate Apprenticship in Data Science (Heriot Watt University)
- BSc in Data Science
Career options
- For those starting their career, this is a gateway qualification to study at a higher level at college.
- This qualification provides a great addition to your CV.
- Data science jobs can include data analyst, systems analyst, data scientist, and software engineer.
- Data science is highly utilised in medicine, marketing, science, finance, business, retail, agriculture and technology.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Part time | 26/08/25 |
