Meet the global demand for data analysts with the skills needed to harness valuable business insights
8 weeks, excluding
orientation
7–11 hours per week,
entirely online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
Gain the skills you need to boost your CV, strengthen your portfolio, and grow your career.
Take 20% off course fees if you register by 30 April. Use code SPRING2024 at checkout.*
*Offer is valid until 30 April 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S.) and applies to any start date for participating courses where registration is currently open as long as you register and pay by 30 April 2024. To redeem the offer for executive education courses, register on getsmarter.com, using code SPRING2024 at checkout. The discount cannot be combined with any other offers for executive education courses.
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A sought-after skill set and digital certificate, backed by UCT, that equips you to meet the growing demand for data analysts.
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Highly practical Microsoft Excel skills that you can apply within your own context to analyse, interpret, and present data.
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An understanding of how data is captured, stored, and accessed, with a theoretical introduction to databases and SQL.
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The skills to apply data analysis to business needs, including finance, sales, marketing, operations, and HR management.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work your way through the following modules:
Module 1 Fundamentals of Data-Driven Decision-Making
Learn the key concepts and principles of data analysis, and how it can be used to drive business decision-making.
Module 2 Research Questions for Data Analysis
Explore the different types of data analysis, and the research questions that can be answered using these data analysis techniques.
Module 3 Organising Data in Microsoft Excel
Learn the basic functions and formulas for sorting, aggregating, and managing data for analysis in Microsoft Excel.
Module 4 Statistical Analysis Using Microsoft Excel
Learn how to conduct a statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel using several statistical methods and operations.
Module 5 Interpretation of Outcomes
Learn how to interpret statistical findings and draw meaningful conclusions from data related to a variety of business needs.
Module 6 Data Presentation and Visualisation
Discover how to create informative graphs and charts, and how to write impactful reports to guide business decision-making.
Module 7 Introduction to Databases and SQL
Study the fundamental constructs of SQL and relational databases, and understand the opportunities and challenges of working with databases.
Module 8 Looking Towards the Future
Critically reflect on the research process, explore other data analysis tools, and the future of data analysis.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Dr Irwin Brown
Head, Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, UCT
Brown received his PhD from UCT, and has a master’s in information systems from Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia. As an established researcher, Brown’s interests pertain to theorising information systems phenomena in developing country contexts. He was previously the president of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists, and has served as a member on various panels and committees. Brown lends his renowned expertise and experience to supervising PhD and master’s students on a diverse array of information systems topics.
Dr Leanne Scott
Associate Professor, Department of Statistical Sciences, UCT
Scott teaches postgraduate courses in decision modelling and problem structuring. She has also led the development and teaching of several introductory statistics courses at UCT, with a focus on developing statistical literacy for students planning a career in the public service. Previously, Scott worked with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) to publish a number of papers and training materials on problem gambling. Some of her earlier work includes the development of a poverty indicator system for local government, helping the Stellenbosch Municipality create their first integrated development plan, and working with the Western Cape Department of Local Government to design easily accessible report cards that evaluate municipalities’ progress. Scott obtained her PhD in 2004.
This UCT online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter, part of edX. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.