The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Interested in how data can help shape a business? The Data Professional online professional course is a good place to start exploring the concepts of data science.   

From the history of computer science through to data collection and analysis, this module gives a full in-depth understanding of data science. You’ll have the opportunity to use popular programming languages such as Python – and by the end, you’ll be able to confidently apply tools and techniques to data within your own organisation.   

You’ll cover a range of topics, including:   

  • emerging trends in data science  
  • designing and developing effective data science systems  
  • the ethical and professional responsibilities within the data science field  
  • the possible threats and risks to data sets  

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you have the opportunity to study one of our popular postgraduate computing courses – including a PG Cert, PG Dip or full Masters degree.  

This course is accredited by The CPD Certification Service, which provides independent CPD accreditation used to formally record CPD learning. Recognised in over 100 countries, the accreditation is compatible with international requirements and confirms our courses achieve qualitative standards required by professional bodies, institutional associations and education providers.

Why we’re great

  • Learn the role of data analysis across different industries.  
  • Access to programming languages is covered in the tuition fee.  
  • Study 100% online, part-time, with no need for a career break.  
  • Gain 20 academic credits which can be transferred onto a PG Cert, PG Dip or Masters degree.  
  • Receive your online professional course certificate from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025). 

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course:

  • data scientist roles, perspectives and challenges 
  • data Lifecycle Management, including data governance and ethics 
  • programming paradigms for data preparation and analysis 
  • database design and implementation 
  • tools and techniques applied in Data Science subjects, including project evaluation methodology 
  • emerging technologies and trends in Data Science  

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including: 

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students 
  • live Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals 
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start 
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
  • there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Study duration 

The Data Professional online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Data Professional online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into a computing role – helping you stand out amongst the competition.  

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional computing online professional courses, such as Understanding Artificial Intelligence or Launching into Cyber Security. Alternatively, you could progress on to the PG Cert Data Science (60 credits); PG Dip Data Science (120 credits); or the full MSc Data Science (180 credits).   

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.  

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:
£1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) Δ
 

  • Our courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach on The Data Professional course are experts in the computing field.

What our students say

testimonials

Alice Villar -MSc Computer Science

Alongside studying my Masters, I also work as a Python instructor in a coding school.

I have a great deal of programming experience with Python and I’m passionate about game development. I’m a creative person and in my opinion, building games while studying is the best way to learn how to code.  Before starting a career in computer science, I was a lawyer and published three books – the first two on jurisprudence with a preface written by Luis Fux, a justice minister of the Supreme Federal Court. The third book focuses on banking law and has a preface written by Luis Felipe Salomão, a justice...

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