Data Analysis

Key features of the course

• Introduces mathematical, statistical and computing techniques.
• Covers basic use of a range of appropriate software, including writing code in the Python language.
• Provides experience of carrying out data analysis and commenting on the results.
• Builds a solid foundation on which to continue on to a higher qualification in data science or employment in a wide range of sectors, including finance, government, health, education, the voluntary sector, business and commerce.

Entry requirements

There is no formal pre-requisite study, but you must have the required mathematical skills to study the compulsory module Essential mathematics 1 (MST124), including:

• algebraic manipulation and solving equations
• quadratics and parabolas
• geometry and trigonometry
• exponentials and logarithms.

You can check you’re ready for MST124 and see the topics it covers here.

If you don’t feel you have the required mathematical skills, you can study an additional module, Discovering mathematics (MU123), to give you the knowledge and skills you need. Contact us to find out more.

Ideally, you’ll also have some basic knowledge of computing.

Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.

Skills for career development

The ability to write computer programs, develop software and to analyse data are much sought after skills in the modern workplace. This Certificate will equip you with a foundation knowledge of some topics from statistics, mathematics and computer science. In addition you will develop important transferable skills such as communication, time management and problem solving.

Career relevance

Data analysts and programmers are highly sought after in virtually all work places. The use of data analysis in social media, online commerce and government has revolutionised the digital economy, with employers across both the public and private sectors now recruiting data analysts and programmers to identify and solve complex business problems at the heart of strategic and operational decision making. With further study or practical experience, students are well placed to develop their expertise in all areas of employment including business intelligence, management, biology, economics, education, engineering, environment studies, finance, government, logistics, medicine, meteorology, market research, sport and multinational businesses.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

• applied mathematician
• business analyst
• business manager
• computer scientist
• data analyst
• data architect
• data engineer
• data officer
• data scientist
• information manager
• machine learning application developer
• marketing and commerce practitioner
• software engineer
• statistician

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