Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning

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’ll enable you to analyse data to create meaningful insights, allowing you to present these findings to inform business decisions.

Using industry software like Microsoft Excel and the programming language Python, you’ll learn how to clean and wrangle the data and create powerful data dashboards with Microsoft’s PowerBI software. You’ll also learn about machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and how making models can be utilised to communicate findings such as trends or predictions.

You’ll 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.

Week one:

• Introduction to data analysis and databases
• Exploring data with SQL databases

Week two:

• Data analysis in Excel
• Power BI visualisation with Power Query
• SQL, Excel and Power BI project

Week three:

• Introduction to Python
• Advanced Python

Week four:

• Introduction to Python Pandas
• Data wrangling and mining with Python Pandas

Week five:

• Data visualisation with Python Matplotlib and Seaborn
• Python visualisation with Pandas, Matplotlib and Seaborn project
• The Data Place workshop (in-person)

Week six:

• Introduction to machine learning with Python and Scikit-learn
• Supervised and unsupervised learning algorithm fundamentals

Week seven:

• Introduction to neural networks
• Recurrent neural networks for natural language processing

Week eight:

• Cloud services and deploying models to production
• Project presentations

Please note that the course structure is subject to change based on the needs of each cohort.

You’ll be taught by highly experienced lecturers and will benefit from guest speakers, independent and group exercises, and online learning. You’ll attend one in-person session in Bath on Thursday 18 April. On this day, there will be an industry expert-led lecture, and you’ll participate in a team workshop provided by The Data Place.

The hands-on course includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process.

It’s important to note that you must spend at least five hours a week outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent study.

Our wellbeing, employability and careers programme focuses on an evidence-based approach, integrating a positive psychological and coaching approach with employability and career skills. Through conversations, connections and collaborations, these can facilitate positive changes and grow a supportive community.  

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to navigate the job market, portfolio careers and self-employment successfully and to thrive in your career. 

To facilitate the building of connection and community you'll be offered a one-to-one wellbeing and careers coaching session when you start your Skills Bootcamp. There'll be two further opportunities to have a one-to-one coaching session during and after your course. 

During your course you'll have access to:

• One to one wellbeing and careers coaching
• Workshop sessions and learning huddles
• Wellbeing, careers and creativity immersions
• Networking events with local employers, Skills Bootcamp alumni and fellow learners

Throughout your Skills Bootcamp journey, your progress will be reviewed in multiple formats which could include verbal and written feedback, peer feedback, formal assessments and 1-2-1 progress reviews with a Skills Bootcamp team member. You'll also create and deliver a course project where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase the skills you've learned. 

The formal assessments will happen at key points during the course but are not pass-or-fail. They are a tool for us to identify your strengths and weaknesses to help us give you the best opportunity to reach your goals during the Skills Bootcamp.

After completing the Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning you'll possess the skills needed to pursue an entry-level role as a:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Business Analyst
• Data and Analytics Manager
• Python Software Developer

You could also use the skills learnt to set up as a freelancer, self-employed or to help you secure new work. 

The Data Place

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.

They work with businesses, charities, social enterprises and public sector agencies to enable and empower them to conceive and implement their data infrastructure and ecosystems. They provide various technical services, including data compliance, data management, data analysis, data science, open data programmes, design with data, and a broad spectrum of data training.

The Data Place will deliver guest lectures and give you feedback on your final presentation. They’ll also be offering interviews to all students, giving you real-world experience of what to expect and opening the door to potential job offers.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates the Skills Bootcamps. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.

This means that all Skills Bootcamp providers must meet Ofsted’s framework regulations, therefore, ensuring you have a good experience on your learning journey. However, at any point during the delivery of the Skills Bootcamp, the University might be inspected by Ofsted. While this won't impact your day-to-day participation on the course, Ofsted might request to speak to you to gain insights into your Skills Bootcamp experience. 

After completing your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be supported by your Career Development Coach for six months. This includes help with putting together a business plan. You’ll have access to additional training such as our Entrepreneurship for Beginners short course.

During and after your course you’ll be invited to a Skills Bootcamps students and alumni LinkedIn group in which you can network and celebrate your career success with your fellow learners.

Once you’ve finished your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be sent a monthly newsletter with the latest job vacancies and networking events.

As our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded by the Department for Education, there is an expectation that you'll keep in touch with us to let us know about any career progression opportunities you receive after completing the short course. You’ll be provided with a short declaration form to fill out once you've secured new work.

Your lecturers will provide a list of further learning opportunities to expand your knowledge in topics learned within the course and new topic areas to explore.

Several formats will be included, such as tutorials created by your lecturers, suggestions on topics to study and suggestions for other free online courses or video series.