Graduate Diploma in Data Science

Duration

1 Year

Awarding Body

University of London

Delivery

Part time or full-time/Physical

Intake

May/Sep

Programme Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science at Royal Institute Campus is designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in data science. This programme provides a strong foundation in information systems management, abstract mathematics, and machine learning, preparing students to tackle complex data-driven challenges in various industries

Who...

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Entry Requirements

  • An acceptable quantitative* Bachelor’s degree or
  • An acceptable Bachelor’s degree with at least two courses passed in sufficient mathematical subjects**
    OR
  • An acceptable quantitative* Master’s degree provided this is at least one-year full time in duration.
  • Strong background in Mathematics or Statistics equivalent to A/L’s

Programme Structure & Course Modules

Three compulsory modules

  • IS2184 Information systems management
  • ST3189 Machine Learning
  • ST2195 Programming for data science

One optional module

One course from:

  • EC2020 Elements of econometrics
  • MT2116 Abstract mathematics
  • ST2187 Business analytics, applied modelling and prediction
  • ST2133 Advanced statistics: distribution theory (half course)
    AND
  • ST 2134 Advanced statistics: statistical inference (half course)
  • IS3167 Management and innovation of e-business

*Acceptable quantitative degree/award titles include: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology, Quantitative Management, Quantitative Finance, Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods or Statistics.

**Sufficient mathematical subjects include: Algebra, Algorithms, Business Mathematics, Business Statistics, Calculus, Computer Mathematics, Differentials, Engineering Mathematics, Geometry, Mathematics, Quantitative Methods, Quantitative Techniques, Statistics or Trigonometry.

Career Opportunities

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Business Analyst (Data-driven focus)
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Consultant
  • Predictive Analyst
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Marketing Analyst (Data-driven focus)
  • Financial Analyst (Data-driven focus)
  • Operations Analyst (Data-driven focus)
  • Research Analyst (Data-driven focus)
  • Statistician
  • Database Administrator
  • Analyst (Healthcare, Social Media, Customer Insights, Sports, Retail, etc.)

*This list is non-exhaustive

Programme Overview

The International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies (L3IFDHES) is an Ofqual and Qualification in Wales (QiW) – regulated qualification designed to prepare students for entry into undergraduate degree programs, after O/Ls. Offered by NCC Education, this diploma provides students with essential academic and English language skills necessary for success in higher education. The programme is widely recognised by universities worldwide and serves as a direct pathway to degree studies in various disciplines.

Who is this Programme for

  • A GCSE/IGCSE ‘O’ Level or an equivalent qualification in your home country, with passes in at least five subjects (minimum grade ‘C’ or equivalent), including Mathematics and English.
  • An IELTS score of 4.5 or above.

OR

  • Students can take the free NCC Education Standard English Placement Test administered by us.

*This requirement does not apply to students who have completed English Language as a subject in Pearson Edexcel IGCSE or Cambridge IGCSE and have achieved a minimum grade of C or above.

The NCC foundation programme is a Level 3 qualification (A/L equivalent) with a total credit value of 120. Students engage in core academic skill development, subject-specific learning, and English language enhancement.

Core Units

  • Developing English Language Skills (20 credits)

  • English for Academic Purposes (30 credits)

  • Research and Study Skills for University Study (20 credits)

  • Mathematics for University Study (10 credits)

Streams we offer:

Engineering

  • Physics for University Study (20 credits)

  • Further Mathematics for University Study (20 credits)

Life and Environmental Sciences

  • Chemistry for University Study (20 credits)

  • Biology for University Study (20 credits)

Business or Law

  • Introductory Economics (20 credits)

  • International Business (20 credits)

Information Technology

  • Introduction to Programming with Python (20 credits)

  • Introduction to Computer Science (10 credits)

  • Digital World (10 credits)

Upon completion of the UK Foundation programme, students gain access to a wide range of undergraduate programs worldwide. Many universities offer direct entry into the first year of a degree in disciplines such as:
  • Business & Management
  • Economics & Finance
  • Computing & IT
  • Engineering & Science
  • Psychology
  • Law & International Relations
  • Health Sciences
This includes entry into our University of London EMFSS, Laws, and Psychology programmes, as well as the Deakin pathway programme at RIC.

The NCC foundation programme is recognised by universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, New Zealand, the USA, and beyond. Students can enrol in international university branch campuses and continue their studies globally.

 
  • London School of Economics (LSE) (United Kingdom) – Ranked 6th in the world for Social Science and Management*

  • King’s College London (United Kingdom) – Ranked 9th in the world for Psychology

  • University of Nottingham (United Kingdom) – Ranked 86th globally*

  • University of Sheffield (United Kingdom) – Ranked 96th globally*

  • University of York (United Kingdom) – Ranked 78th globally*

  • Deakin University (Australia)*** – Ranked in the top 200 globally*

  • Curtin University – (Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, Mauritius, Singapore) – Ranked 95th globally*

  • University of Queensland (Australia) – Ranked 41st globally*

  • University of Western Australia (Australia) – Ranked 72nd globally*

  • University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong) – Ranked 17th globally*

  • and many more Universities…

     
*According to the QS World University Rankings 2025
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025

***Through the pathway at RIC

 

FAQs