Short course
Digital data is the fuel that powers the engine of the global economy. Being able to understand and analyse this data efficiently is crucial for businesses. Learning about data science is valuable to any company in any industry, from statistics and insights across workflows to helping senior staff make better-informed decisions.
During this eight week short course, you’ll learn the skills needed to start a career in data science, specifically in data analysis. You'll learn about using Microsoft software such as Excel to analyse and draw conclusions from large amounts of data. You'll also learn how to program with Python, use it to visualise data and use software like Microsoft’s PowerBi to generate interactive data dashboards.
This short course aims to give you a broad range of skills to enable you to analyse data in a range of ways that are used within the data science industry and in data analysis roles.
You must be aged 19+ to apply. We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last year.
Our current Skills Bootcamps in Data Analysis are full and we're no longer accepting applications at this time. Please register your interest to be notified of any upcoming Skills Bootcamps.
We have two Skills Bootcamps that focus on different aspects of data science and its production pipeline.
Our Skills Bootcamp in Machine Learning and AI looks at different machine learning models and how they can be used in practice. You'll learn about supervised machine learning, using labelled datasets to train algorithms to classify data or predict outcomes accurately and unsupervised machine learning methods, using machine learning algorithms to analyse and cluster unlabelled datasets.
Additionally, you'll use natural language processing (NLP) to train a machine learning model to understand text and derive the text's sentiments, while then learning how to deploy your models into production to be used within your own applications.
Our Skills Bootcamp in Data Analysis looks at understanding multiple sources of data and teaches you how to derive valuable insights to make data-driven decisions. You'll learn how to use a range of Microsoft software, including Excel and Power BI, and the Python programming language to analyse and visualise data.
“I improved my web development skills, teamwork skills and my overall confidence on camera. My experience was something I'll never forget, if I could do it again I wouldn't change a thing.”
Ash, Student, Skills Bootcamp in Web Development
In this Skills Bootcamp you'll learn to efficiently understand data from multiple sources and derive valuable insights to make smarter data-driven decisions.
You’ll be learning skills that will enable you to analyse data to create meaningful insights, allowing you to present these findings to inform business decisions to stakeholders. Using industry software like Microsoft Excel and the programming language Python, you will learn how to clean and wrangle the data and create powerful data dashboards with Microsoft’s PowerBI software.
You'll also build on your communication and presentation skills, as a data analysis role involves finding insights and clearly and effectively informing others about what you've found.
During week six or seven you'll have a mock interview with a member of staff from Bath Spa University to increase your confidence in an interview setting and practise your techniques.
During this Skills Bootcamp you'll have the opportunity to complete the Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals certification. This involves taking an online exam which you'll be offered resources, support and preparation for. This is an optional addition to the course.
Please note that the course structure is subject to change based on the needs of each cohort.
All teaching is online. You'll be taught by highly experienced lecturers and also benefit from guest speakers, group exercises, and online learning to ensure that you can fit the course around your other commitments.
You'll attend one in person session in Bath on 16 March. On this day you'll take part in workshops and a practice interview, provided by The Data Place.
You'll be given the opportunity to attend extra support sessions and one to one reviews throughout the course.
It's important to note that you're expected to spend a number of hours outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent study.
The course will be hands-on and includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process.
Throughout your Skills Bootcamp journey your progress will be reviewed. This concludes in the creation and delivery of a course project, where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase the skills you've learned.
After completing the Skills Bootcamp in Data Analysis you'll possess the skills needed to pursue an entry-level role as a:
The Data Place was formed in 2016 and is a social enterprise made up of data scientists, designers, community builders and strategists helping people and places thrive.
We work with businesses, charities, social enterprises and public sector agencies to enable and empower them to conceive and implement their own data infrastructure and ecosystems. We provide a range of technical services including data compliance, data management, data
analysis, data science, open data programmes, design with data, and a wide spectrum of data training.
We'll be delivering guest lectures and giving you feedback on your final presentation. We'll be offering interviews to all students which will give you real world experience of what to expect and maybe open the door to future job offers.
You’ll receive advice on how to get your first job in the tech and/or environmental industry. You'll also learn interview techniques and how to prepare for technical tests which will significantly enhance your job prospects.
You don't need any prior knowledge of data analysis to complete this short course. Whether you're currently employed or unemployed, our free Skills Bootcamp shows you can bring your broader work and life experience together with new digital skills. This will allow you to feel much more confident in your ability to apply for roles in tech and environmental industries.
“A useful piece of software on the course was Slack. The lecturers were on call to answer questions in-between sessions, sent the presentation slides after each session and shared additional resources and learning materials with us.”
Busayo Agebetuyi, Skills Bootcamp in Creative Computing
The single biggest thing we’re looking for is for you to possess an interest in learning about data analysis. While some previous knowledge is desirable, the most important factor is a positive mindset.
You must:
Our Skills Bootcamp in Data Analysis is funded by the DfE and therefore is free. We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.
If you're being sent for training by your employer, your employer will need to pay up to 30% of the total fees depending on the size of the company. If this is the case, please contact us at shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk for more details.
Our current Skills Bootcamps in Data Analysis are full and we're no longer accepting applications at this time. Please register your interest to be notified of any upcoming Skills Bootcamps.
Our current Skills Bootcamps in Data Analysis are full and we're no longer accepting applications at this time. Please register your interest to be notified of any upcoming Skills Bootcamps.
You'll receive six months of employability support after completing a Skills Bootcamp. This includes your lecturers signposting you to networking events and job vacancies. You'll also receive a quarterly newsletter with the latest training opportunities, jobs fairs and tech events.
As our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded by the Department for Education, there is an expectation from the DfE that you'll keep in touch with us to let us know about any interviews or job offers you receive after completing the short course. We'll provide you with a short form that you must get your new employer to fill out in order for us to provide evidence to the DfE.
If you have any queries please contact shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk
Read the privacy notices about signing up to these Skills Bootcamps, including how and why your personal data will be collected, and what it will be used for.
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