Skip navigation
Applied Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
Apply

Course summary

This Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Data Science is an online, part-time course designed for aspiring data analysts eager to meet industry demands. Why choose this course?

  • During this one-year course, you will gain the tools and confidence to excel in the booming field of data analytics while balancing your studies with other commitments.
  • You will learn from experienced data science and analytics professionals with extensive academic expertise.
  • This course offers you hands-on experience through a practical, work-related project to apply your learning to real-world challenges.
  • It will help you develop highly demanded Python programming, machine learning and data analytics skills, preparing you for exciting career opportunities in this fast-growing field.
What you will learn On this course you will build a strong foundation in computing alongside essential programming and data analysis skills using Python. You will also learn to tackle computational problems by leveraging established algorithms and code libraries to create solutions for data cleansing, data analytics, machine learning and data visualisation. How you will learn This course is available to study part-time and has online classes taught in the evening. It is taught through a combination of live sessions and practical lab sessions, which are essential for developing programming and data analytics skills. The Applied Data Science project offers you the opportunity to use what you have learned to implement a software solution and write a report to describe your findings. This Postgraduate Certificate is designed for graduates who are new to computer science. Highlights
  • Birkbeck established one of the first computing departments in the UK in 1957. Today, we provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Computer Science and Informatics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Our academic staff are leading researchers in their fields, drawn from both the academic and professional world.
Careers and employability Upon successfully graduating from this course, you will possess a diverse set of highly sought-after transferable skills, including:
  • a broad understanding of computer science, data science and software engineering principles
  • proficiency in Python programming and its libraries, as well as expertise in machine learning, data analysis and data visualisation
  • practical problem-solving and analytical skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges
  • the ability to design, implement and optimise solutions for data-driven decision-making across various industries.
These skills will prepare you for roles in technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce and other sectors, such as:
  • data analyst
  • machine learning engineer
  • data scientist
  • software developer.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed in data science-related positions in UK enterprises and government bodies such as Moody’s, Three UK, the NHS and the UK Foreign Office. We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework assignments, written examinations and the project proposal and final report.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in any subject other than computer science. Applicants with less than the required level of academic qualification may be considered if they have significant experience in the IT industry. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £3900 Year 1
Northern Ireland £3900 Year 1
Scotland £3900 Year 1
Wales £3900 Year 1
International £6780 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Applied Data Science at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS