Data Science Level 5 DipHE

Overview

Data Science is a fast growing, interdisciplinary field that joins statistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis in order to find insights and solve complex problems.

Data Scientists put these techniques to work on a broad variety of real world problems. These range from creating recommendation systems that propose your next favourite song or film on platforms such as Spotify and Netflix, to building advanced AI tools that assist medical diagnosis and improve results for patients.

Data Scientists handle large and often complex datasets, and they train and use machine learning models to draw out patterns, produce predictions and inform decision making.

Just as vital, they convert their findings into clear and actionable insights using data storytelling, dashboards and reports, so that stakeholders throughout the organisation are able to make data driven decisions.

Once you have completed two years of full time study at university, you are awarded a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) at Level 5. Salford’s DipHE programmes are practical and hands on, and flexible learning options are on offer, so you can choose to study either full or part time.

This programme has received successful approval for a HTQ higher quality mark. The mark shows that the course is an approved Higher Technical Qualification, which is a Level 4 or 5 qualification that IfATE has quality marked to signal its alignment with employer led occupational standards.

Please note that you can apply for this course only if you do not require a visa to study with the University of Salford.

What You’ll Learn

You will be involved in practical, problem based activities, with the course concentrating on putting your learning into practice through hands on exercises in computer based laboratories.

Workshops and lectures, delivered together, will be used to introduce the theory behind the field, and to practise applying this knowledge in individual and group activities.

Computer based laboratories will be used to give you practical, hands on experience with a variety of industry standard tools, systems and programming languages.

You will:

• Study at a university with well established links in Data Science, which gives you the greatest employment and placement opportunities
• Widen your understanding of data science, machine learning and AI, which are among the most ‘in demand’ skills in the modern economy
• Gain experience working with programming languages such as Python and SQL
• Learn through hands on exercises, group activities and live industry briefs, and work with untidy, real world datasets in realistic, problem based scenarios
• Develop the practical skills you need for a wide variety of career paths in data science and data analysis
• Sharpen your skills with a wide range of industry standard tools for data visualisation, statistical analysis and Big Data analytics

Assessment

Assessment on this programme is built around scenarios, reflecting the kinds of challenges and settings you are likely to come across in professional practice.

A range of methods is used, including practical assessments, written assignments, oral presentations and portfolios.

Progression

A DipHE can lead you straight into a career, because you will have gained valued skills and experience.

However, you also have the choice to stay on and earn a bachelor’s degree by studying Salford’s one year BSc (Hons) Data Science Top Up programme after you have completed your DipHE.

On finishing this course, you could apply for junior roles in data analysis or data science, or carry on to further studies on the University’s BSc Data Science Top Up programme. One of the degrees you could pursue is:

• BSc (Hons) Data Science Top Up

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English and Maths: you must have evidence of Level 2 at Grade C/4 or above, as well as meeting the Level 3 requirements
• UCAS Tariff points: 64 points
• A level: two full A levels or equivalent, and these must include grade C in Computer Science, Maths or Statistics
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: MPP from BTEC in Computing, an IT related subject or Applied Science, while engineering or science subjects may be considered
• T Level: Grade P (D/E) or above in Digital Business Services, Digital Production, or Design and Development, with all components passed
• You are very welcome to apply if you may not meet the stated entry criteria but can show that you are able to pursue the course successfully. Once your application has been received, it will be assessed and, if you are an eligible candidate, recommended for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES). The assessment will be either a review of prior learning or a formal test

Study Options

You can study this course full time over two years or part time over four years, at the Peel Park campus.