Certificate in Data Analytics for Finance

You do not need a prior qualification in data analysis to apply. However we do have the following entry requirements:

• Basic Computer Skills (Mandatory), 

• Skills to Install Software from Online Websites (Mandatory), 

• Understanding of Data and Charts in Excel (Or any related Software to create Charts/graphics)

This course is ideal for anyone who is curious about coding and wants to explore data in the world of finance or introduce data analysis within their organisation to further explore better decision-making.

Although basic financial concepts are covered, this course is not about learning deeper financial theory but rather the practical skills needed to import, clean, format, and visualise financial data using Python programming language, tools, and libraries.

You will need a computer capable of running a development environment: a modern 64-bit CPU, with at least 4GB of RAM and 5GB of available storage running a recent or preferably the latest version of Windows, Linux or macOS. If you use a company computer, you may need to check with your IT department to ensure you have access and permissions to install the required software.

The financial services industry relies heavily on data analysis to solve complex problems and reduce risk. Financial institutions depend on data from different sources and need skilled analysts to import, manage, and derive meaning from it.

Throughout this course, you will work with multiple real-world datasets from, for example, the World Bank, NASDAQ, AMEX, and Google, allowing you to demonstrate your hands-on experience and skills to potential employers. The average salary of a data scientist in Ireland is €49,000.

DataCamp is a world-class learning platform for building data skills. Because you access it online, the tools are available anytime, anywhere. No need for bulky, costly software, just run code in your browser.

Learning is supported by live weekly expert mentor sessions, delivered using Zoom. During these classes, your teachers will use technology interactively to ensure an engaging learning experience. When appropriate, students will be encouraged to activate their microphones so that they can ask questions and communicate with other students.

DataCamp is a world class learning platform for building data skills online. Unlike other courses, which require you to download bulky and costly software everything happens via your browser, meaning you’ll have access to the very tools to master python skills anytime, anywhere. Check out Datacamp's case study on UCD Professional Academy collaboration.

A weekly one-hour mentor session with a data analytics industry expert supports your learning. This helps you take your knowledge and apply it to real-world business scenarios to give you practical, applicable skills. Our mentors have first hand knowledge of how to build and develop a career in this exciting field.

Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.

If you are studying an online course, your assessment will also be submitted online.

There is no final exam. You will be assessed based on your submission of a report-based project, which will evaluate your understanding of the concepts you have learned. Your project will analyse an open source data set – you will retrieve, manipulate, and process a data set, working with it through the various stages of the course.

UCD Professional Academy diplomas and awards are designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders and academic specialists our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals.  Professional Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.

The Professional Academy in an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters.  They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.

For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Awards & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/

Your UCD Professional Academy Certificate will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add this qualification to your LinkedIn profile.

A place on any of our programmes can be secured with a 10% deposit.

For full-time (boot camp) programmes, the balance must be paid in full before course commencement.

For part-time programmes students will be required to pay 45% of the fees before the start of the course, with the remaining balance due within 30 days of the course commencing.

Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/