Course description

Overview

The principal objective of the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science qualification is to develop the knowledge and skills and construct the means for extracting business-focused insights from data. This requires an understanding of how value and information flows in a business, and the ability to use that understanding to identify business opportunities.

Learners will become competent and reflective practitioners, related to their current role, and in preparation for more challenging roles in the future.

Entry requirements

For entry onto the OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science qualification, learners must possess:

• An honours degree in related subject or UK level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification
• Mature learners with management experience (learners must check with the delivery centre regarding this experience prior to registering for the programme)
• Learner must be 21 years old or older at the beginning of the course

English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit English Language Expectations page on our website www.othm.org.uk.

Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years' relevant work experience in the public service field may also be considered. This could be in roles in local or national government, or in non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations, the voluntary and charitable sector, and private sector roles which support or deliver public services.

Equivalences

OTHM level 7 diplomas are located on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and are recognised as being at the same level as Master’s degrees. However, they are shorter (120 credits) qualifications which means learners will have to proceed to the dissertation stage (60 credits) with an appropriate university to achieve a full Master’s qualification.

Qualification structure

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science consists of 6 mandatory units for a combined total of 120 credits, 1200 hours Total Qualification Time (TQT) and 480 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for the completed qualification.

Mandatory units

• Data Science Foundations (20 Credits)
• Probability and statistics for data analysis (20 Credits)
• Advanced Predictive Modelling (20 Credits)
• Data Analysis and Visualisation (20 Credits)
• Data Mining, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (20 Credits)
• Advanced Computing Research Methods (20 Credits)

Duration and delivery

OTHM do not specify the mode of delivery for its qualifications, therefore OTHM Centres are free to deliver this qualification using any mode of delivery that meets the needs of their Learners. However, OTHM Centres should consider the Learners’ complete learning experience when designing the delivery of programmes.

OTHM Centres must ensure that the chosen mode of delivery does not unlawfully or unfairly discriminate, whether directly or indirectly, and that equality of opportunity is promoted. Where it is reasonable and practicable to do so, it will take steps to address identified inequalities or barriers that may arise.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) which are listed in each unit gives the Centres the number of hours of teacher-supervised or direct study time likely to be required to teach that unit.

The qualification has been designed to take learners on a structured learning pathway. The sequencing of units is likely to encourage proactive engagement due to the nature of the subjects and topics therein, whilst also supporting learners to develop the learning and assessment skills required to be successful at level 7.

Assessment and verification

The units in this qualification are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all the specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘pass’ for a unit, learners must provide evidence to demonstrate that they have fulfilled all the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by all assessment criteria. Judgement that the learners have successfully fulfilled the assessment criteria is made by the Assessor.

The Assessor should provide an audit trail showing how the judgement of the learners’ overall achievement has been arrived at.

Specific assessment guidance and relevant marking criteria for each unit are made available in the Assignment Brief document. These are made available to centres immediately after registration of one or more learners.

Progressions

The OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science enables learners to progress into or within employment and/or continue their further study.

As this qualification is approved and regulated by Ofqual (Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulation), learners maybe eligible to progress to Master’s top-up at many universities in the UK and overseas with advanced standing.