Computing
Data Science with Python and R (NPA Level 6) (DDI Funded)
Campus OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Open learning
Start date
Jan 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is delivered through open learning. The course has an 18-week structure and is guided by a lecturer.
This course is free to study if you have been resident in the UK for three consecutive years, as it is fully funded by The Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) Skills Gateway, a project that forms part of the Edinburgh and South East City Deal.
Data science is one of the fastest-growing employability skills today. As we generate more and more data, a skilled workforce is required. Due to a lack of qualified workers in this area, the DDI fund has been established to allow as many people as possible, regardless of skill background, field of employment, or study, to add this qualification to their CV for free.
If you have some computing or data science knowledge already or have completed the Level 5 course, this is the perfect next step.
Data science is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer science, statistics, and business knowledge, enabling the generation of insights from data. This course in data science will cover the three key areas of the subject: domain knowledge, statistics, and computer programming.
What you will learn
Data Science is a multidisciplinary subject that combines computer science, statistics and business knowledge. It allows the generation of insights from data.
This course will cover:
- Data Management: Sorting and Analysing Data
- Data in our Society: Elements of Data Security and How to Protect Your Data and Data Belonging to Other People
- The Potential of Data Usage and Ethical Implications
- An Introduction to Python Programming
How the course is assessed
- Practical activities are uploaded for marking
- Multiple-choice tests
Number of days per week
- Flexible
Entry requirements
- Applicants need qualifications equivalent to Scottish National Higher or above, and be comfortable using a computer to work with the basics of spreadsheets, Word documents, and databases such as Microsoft Access.
- Applicants don't need to have done any programming before, but a small amount of knowledge is advantageous, for example, in HTML.
- The purpose of the course is to be accessible to a broad community of people, no matter your qualifications or work/life experience. If in doubt, please apply, as we have courses at all levels from beginner to advanced.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
Progression is based on an individual basis. We can advise on a progression route based on your goals.
Commonly, if you have no other qualification, then following this course, we would advise you to study one of the following:
- Oracle Databases (Open Learning)
- ECDL Extra or Advanced (Open Learning)
- CSICO Networking Essentials (Online Learning evening course)
Or enter full-time education and study:
- NPA Software Development and Web/Digital Design
- NPA Cyber Security and Networking
Career options
- For those starting their careers, this is a gateway qualification to higher-level study at college.
- For those with previous work experience, this qualification provides a great addition to your CV.
- Data science jobs can include data analyst, systems analyst, data scientist, and software engineer.
- Data science is widely utilised across medicine, marketing, science, finance, business, retail, agriculture, and technology.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Open learning | 26/01/26 |
