This course is designed for ambitious individuals who want to develop highly sought-after data analytics skills and gain a recognised qualification that reflects the demands of today’s data-driven economy. It is ideally suited to aspiring data analysts, business professionals, career changers, and individuals seeking to enhance their analytical capabilities and confidence in working with data.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your professional profile, support evidence-based decision-making within your organisation, or pursue opportunities in data-focused roles, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in modern data analytics. Learners will develop practical, industry-relevant skills in data preparation, analysis, visualisation, reporting, and governance, equipping them to contribute effectively in a wide range of sectors where data is a strategic asset.

Prerequisites:

• Learners should possess basic digital literacy skills and a foundational understanding of mathematics.
• Prior experience with spreadsheets, data handling, or business information systems is advantageous but not essential.
• This module is suitable for individuals seeking to develop practical data analytics skills and progress towards the CompTIA Data+ (DA0-002) certification.

Course Objectives:

• Data Concepts and Environments
• Data Acquisition and Preparation
• Data Analysis
• Visualization and Reporting
• Data Governance

Job Roles & Opportunities:

With CompTIA Data+ and/or PDA Data Science SCQF Level 8, learners are commonly prepared for roles such as:

• Junior Data Analyst
• Data Technician
• Reporting Analyst
• Business Intelligence Assistant
• Management Information (MI) Analyst
• Data Quality Analyst
• Operations Analyst
• Business Support Analyst
• Data Administrator
• Insights Assistant

Target Audience:

Whether you are beginning your journey in data analytics or seeking to enhance your existing professional capabilities, this course provides a strong foundation in the practical application of data analysis. As organisations increasingly rely on data to drive strategy, improve performance, and support innovation, the ability to interpret and communicate data effectively has become an essential and highly valued skill. The course is designed for aspiring and early-career professionals, including junior data analysts, business analysts, reporting and operations analysts, career changers entering data-focused roles, and IT professionals aiming to strengthen their data literacy and analytical capabilities.

Hands on Experience:

Throughout the CompTIA Data+ course, learners will gain hands-on experience working with real-world datasets and industry-standard analytical tools. Practical activities include acquiring and preparing data from multiple sources, assessing and improving data quality, performing statistical analysis, transforming and validating datasets, creating data visualisations and dashboards, and generating business-focused reports. Learners will also develop skills in data governance, privacy, compliance, and troubleshooting data-related issues, enabling them to apply the full data lifecycle in support of informed, data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications Scotland Framework:

The PDA Data Science at SCQF Level 8, accredited by Qualifications Scotland, is a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip learners with practical and industry-relevant data science skills. The award consists of three mandatory units and one optional unit, providing a balanced blend of core knowledge and specialist learning. Successful completion of the qualification enables learners to gain 32 SCQF credit points, demonstrating their achievement and supporting progression into further study, professional development, and data-focused career opportunities.

Learning Modes:

We offer four flexible learning modes to support learners in selecting the option that best suits their individual needs and allows them to focus effectively on their studies. These include tutor-led classroom-based learning, live remote online learning, a blended learning model combining both in-person and online delivery, and fully self-paced e-learning.