Programme Overview
This diploma covers the genuine data science pipeline — statistical foundations, predictive modelling, visualisation, and machine learning — built for learners who want to move from data-adjacent work into data-driven decision-making at an advanced level.
Why Study This Programme?
Organisations increasingly run on data, but the gap between having data and using it well is exactly where this diploma sits — statistical thinking, predictive modelling and visualisation skills that turn raw information into decisions leadership can actually act on.
Who Is This Programme For?
- Graduates or professionals with a related honours degree, or a UK Level 6 diploma or equivalent
- Analysts and technology professionals moving into data science roles
- Business professionals who want genuine statistical and analytical depth
- Researchers seeking structured data science training
Is This Programme Right for You?
This programme may be suitable if you:
- Want to develop genuine, structured knowledge in technology & cyber security
- Want a GTEC-approved, internationally structured qualification
- Want a credible academic pathway rather than a one-off certificate
- Are ready to meet this programme's specific entry requirements
- Want assignment-based, coursework-led learning
- Want to keep options open for further OTHM study or university progression
What Does Level 7 Mean?
Level 7 is a Postgraduate / Master's level qualification (RQF Level 7) — the same RQF level as a master's degree. OTHM's Level 7 Diplomas represent practical knowledge, skills and competences assessed as equivalent to a master's degree programme. However, at 120 credits they are shorter than a full master's (typically around 180 credits); learners normally need to complete a further dissertation stage (around 60 credits) with a university partner to convert the Diploma into a complete master's degree.
Qualification Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Data Science |
| Level | 7 |
| Qualification Type | Postgraduate Diploma (Master's Level) |
| Awarding Organisation | OTHM Qualifications |
| Ofqual Reference | 610/2153/2 |
| Regulation Start Date | 08/02/2023 |
| Operational Start Date | 13/02/2023 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Credits | 120 |
| TQT | 1,200 Hours |
| GLH | 600 Hours |
| Assessment | Coursework |
| Grading | Pass / Fail |
| Delivery Mode | [CIC TO CONFIRM] |
| Language | English |
| GTEC Status | GTEC Approved |
Entry Requirements
Standard Entry
An honours degree in a related subject, or a UK Level 6 diploma or an equivalent overseas qualification. Mature learners with relevant management experience may also be considered (learners should confirm with CIC prior to registering).
Mature Learner Entry
Applicants over the qualification's standard age threshold with relevant work or life experience may also be considered, subject to CIC's and OTHM's mature-entry provisions. This should be confirmed with CIC Admissions at the point of application.
Programme Structure — Units
| Unit | Credits |
|---|---|
| Data Science Foundations | 20 |
| Probability and Statistics for Data Analysis | 20 |
| Data Analysis and Visualisation | 20 |
| Advanced Predictive Modelling | 20 |
| Data Mining, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence | 20 |
| One further mandatory unit per the official specification | 20 |
Programme Objectives
This programme is designed to build data science foundations and statistical and probabilistic reasoning, alongside the broader subject knowledge summarised in the Programme Overview above. Detailed, unit-level learning objectives are set out in the official OTHM qualification specification.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, learners are expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate data science foundations
- Demonstrate statistical and probabilistic reasoning
- Demonstrate data visualisation
- Demonstrate predictive modelling
- Demonstrate machine learning fundamentals
- Demonstrate data-driven decision-making
Skills You Will Develop
Assessment
Assessment is conducted through coursework and structured assignments in accordance with the applicable OTHM qualification specification. Learners are assessed on their achievement of each unit's specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria, with work internally assessed and quality assured by the centre, and externally verified by OTHM.
Why Assignment-Based Learning?
Coursework and structured assignments let you apply what you're learning directly, build genuine research and critical-thinking skills, and demonstrate your understanding through written, evidence-based work rather than a single exam. This is not "easier" — it still requires meeting the qualification's full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Career Opportunities
Potential career areas may include:
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Business intelligence professional
- Data science consultant
- Analytics manager
Career Sectors
Professional Development
Certain professions require additional professional registration, licensing, practical experience or professional certification. Completion of this OTHM qualification does not automatically confer a professional licence unless specifically recognised by the relevant professional or regulatory body.
Academic Progression
Progression from one level to the next is subject to meeting that level's own entry requirements — it is never automatic, and not every learner progresses through every level.
University Progression
Graduates may be able to progress to a Master's degree top-up or Doctoral programmes (postgraduate level), subject to the admission, recognition and credit-transfer requirements of the receiving university.
International Progression
International progression opportunities may be available, subject to the receiving institution's admission, recognition and credit-transfer requirements. Recognition is not guaranteed by every university worldwide.
Career Pathway
Why CIC?
- GTEC-approved academic programme portfolio
- Internationally structured OTHM UK qualifications
- Student-centred, assignment-based learning
- Guidance on realistic academic and career progression
- A college that treats this qualification as one step in a longer pathway, not a one-off certificate
Student Experience
[CIC TO CONFIRM — specific facilities, support services and student life information for this programme area.]
Illustrative Student Profile
The Data-Driven Professional
Background: An analyst or technology professional already working with data in some capacity.
Motivation: Wants to move from descriptive reporting into genuine predictive analytics.
Why this level:
Potential next step: The analytical capability to lead data-driven decision-making, and a platform for further postgraduate study.
Academic Integrity
Learners are expected to submit original work, reference sources appropriately, and follow CIC's and OTHM's academic policies on research ethics and plagiarism. Academic misconduct, including undisclosed collaboration or unattributed sources, may affect a learner's results.
Responsible Use of AI (proposed website guidance)
Where AI tools are used in study, they should support — not replace — independent learning. Students remain fully responsible for submitted work, must verify any AI-assisted content, and must follow CIC's and OTHM's assessment rules. Undisclosed or prohibited use of AI-generated work may constitute academic misconduct.
How to Apply
- Choose your programme.
- Check entry requirements.
- Submit application.
- Provide supporting documents.
- Application review.
- Admission decision.
- Enrolment.
- Begin studies.
Documents Required
- Identification [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Academic certificates [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Academic transcripts [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Passport photograph [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- CV, where required [CIC TO CONFIRM]
- Proof of English proficiency, where applicable [CIC TO CONFIRM]
Fees
Programme Fees: Contact CIC Admissions for current fees and payment information.
Next Intake
Next Intake: Contact CIC Admissions for the current intake schedule.