Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science (University of London)

Entry Route 1

Applicants must have the following:

• A bachelor's degree (or an acceptable equivalent) in a *relevant subject which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree, from an institution acceptable to the University of London.

Entry Route 2

If applicants do not meet the above academic requirements, their applications may be considered based on the following

• A bachelor's degree (or an acceptable equivalent) in any subject which is considered at least comparable to a UK second class honours degree, from an institution acceptable to the University of London and the successful completion of the **online preparatory course, Foundations of Data Science, prior to registration.
• There is no entry test requirement for the MOOC course. However, there will be assessment during and at the end of the MOOC course.

*The subjects that would be considered as relevant are: Computing, Data Science, Computer Science, Business Computing, Games Programming, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics and statistics, Finance, Marketing and Finance.

**Students should sign up with Coursera at least 3 months before the intended intake. Do aim to have the results at least one month before the application intake is closed. While completing the MOOC course, student may submit an SIM application.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of competence in English acceptable to the University such as a minimum Grade C6 and above in the GCE 'O' Level English Language examination or its equivalent.

Exemptions

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the recognition of previously acquired learning which can be mapped against particular learning outcomes of modules within a programme. RPL may be awarded if you have previously studied a similar module in the same depth, at degree level, and you achieved good marks in the corresponding examination. A student who is awarded RPL for a specific module is considered to be exempted from the module.

The qualification on which your RPL is based must have been obtained within the five years preceding the application. Candidates must have completed all coursework and assessment for their course.

Visit course website for qualifications eligible for exemption and their corresponding RPL

This is a stackable programme. Graduates may further their studies in the MSc in Data Science at SIM or in the institutions around the world (subject to their admission criteria) upon completion of this programme.

The study could lead to a variety of potential jobs including:

• Data Scientist
• Big Data Analyst
• Hadoop Developer
• NoSQL Database Developer
• Programmer
• Researcher in Data Science and Data Mining

Structure

• All class are conducted on SIM campus unless otherwise stated.
• Duration of each lesson is typically 3 hours. 
• Programme comprises of the following activities:
  • Blended Lectures
  • Online Resources
  • Workshops
  • Consultations
• Classes are taught by experienced lecturers from SIM.
• There must be a minimum of 25 students for the programme to commence. Students will be informed at least one month prior if there is insufficient enrolment.

Assessment & Attendance

• A recommended rate of 75% attendance is to be maintained.
• Assessment by the University is made up of coursework and examination (for selected modules).

Modules

The Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science is a 120-credit programme. A student must complete:

• Four core modules (60 credits total)
• Two compulsory modules (30 credits total)
• Two optional modules (30 credits total)

Core Modules

• Big Data Analysis
• Data Programming in Python
• Statistics and Statistical Data Mining
• Machine Learning

Compulsory Modules*

• Data Science Research Topics
• Data Visualisation

Optional Modules*

(Choose any two)

• Module Title
• Artificial Intelligence
• Blockchain Programming
• Financial Data Modelling
• Financial Markets
• Mathematics for Data Science
• Natural Language Processing
• Neural Networks
• R for Data Science
• Social Media and Network Science

*Rules for Compensation

The University will allow compensation for an assessment element within optional modules if:

The mark awarded for one of the assessment elements is between 45%-49%; AND

The mark for the other assessment elements is sufficient to produce an overall combined weighted pass mark for the module

The University will NOT allow compensation for any assessment elements within core modules.