Learn about effective data visualisation, how to write a narrative about a piece of analysis and how to illustrate this through appropriate data visualisations.

  • Discover the tips and tricks of impactful data visualisation.
  • Explore the structure of an effective data story, and the balance between design and deception.
  • Practise applying the lessons to a data story of your own.

Designed to support learners who have some experience in data analysis and would like to explore interactive data visualisation platforms, this one-day Data Analysis for Beginners: Data Storytelling course combines presentation of real-life examples, discussion activities, and hands on exercises, to help participants manage, prepare, analyse and present data for more effective analysis.

You’ll explore data storytelling and learn about the corridor pitch and principles of good data visualisation.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Describe the principles of effective data visualisation
  • Identify examples of visual deception and bias in charts
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different visualisation tools and platforms
  • Write a brief narrative to summarise a piece of analysis
  • Create appropriate and effective data visualisations to illustrate the narrative.

Overview

It is essential for this course that you have:

  • A knowledge of maths to GCSE level.
  • Experience of using Excel, Google Sheets, or equivalent spreadsheet software.

Whilst not essential, it is useful to also have knowledge of basic statistical terms, a personal computer with administrator rights and prior experience of programming (Python R, Javascript).

This course takes place online.

This course will take place in Spring 2026. Please fill out our expression of interest form to be the first to hear about the new dates.

This course costs £235. If you also book onto Data Analysis for Beginners: Data Wrangling, you’ll be offered a discount which should be automatically applied at checkout. If you have any queries, please contact shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk .

You must have a personal computer with an internet connection capable of running standard Office software.

Meet the team

This training is designed and delivered by The Data Place in partnership with Bath Spa University's Short Course Unit. The Data Place is a social enterprise made up of data scientists, designers, community builders and strategists helping people and places thrive.

The Data Place has worked with Bath Spa University for over two years, providing guest lectures, interview and project feedback and interviews for short course learners, as well as designing industry-led CPD courses that provide real-world experience.

Lucy Knight is an experienced trainer and data scientist with nearly three decades’ experience in industry, government and the non-profit sector. She is an Open Data Institute Associate and Registered Trainer, and Associate Lecturer with Bath Spa University.

Martin Howitt is a data technologist with extensive experience in a wide range of organisations as an IT architect and architecture team leader, product manager and data engineer.

The words

Terms and conditions

Read the terms and conditions for taking part in this short course.

Contact us

For more information about the course please email your enquiries to shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk .