Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics

course overview

Big data, cloud computing, social business and mobile computing are transforming the business landscape and disrupting industries worldwide. The fourth industrial revolution is not only changing the structure of the economy but significantly altering many occupations and creating new ones which will not only demand different skills in the future but a strategic mindset. 

Enterprises of all types and sizes are seeking to exploit the potential of this unprecedented torrent of data to create new business models and transform existing ones, increase productivity, drive growth and find new modes of competition. This data-driven economy requires new types of evidence-based managers and analysts equipped with the latest techniques to capture, analyse and make decisions based on data.

In response to industry requirements and skills mismatches, the DCU Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics has been designed to respond to the needs of the economy by providing a unique, one year, full-time online programme delivered via e-learning, mentoring, reflection in action, and hands-on, client based practical education.

 This unique programme, funded through the Government of Ireland Springboard+ programme, combines Business Analytics and Strategy, Planning and Leadership to create the next generation of business analysts and management consultants.

At the end of the year, you will have enhanced your employability by gaining:

1. Practical skills and experience in implementing business analytics projects to support a range of business processes and contexts and draws on the knowledge of DCU faculty, industry partners and live real-world projects.
2. The ability to articulate how Big Data and advances in analytical techniques including machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence can generate and capture business value and support effective business strategies. 
3. A strategic mind-set and the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to manage and support business analytics projects and initiatives.

The Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics is a Level 9 conversion course available to those who already have a Level 8 honours degree in business, maths, computer science and related fields. The purpose of the course is to prepare students to pursue a career in business analytics and specifically the following roles:

• Business Analyst 
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Business/Data Analytics Project Manager

As part of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Human Capital Initiative (HCI), places on this programme are heavily subsidised. Subject to meeting the eligibility requirements, it is free to those who are unemployed, actively seeking work and available to take up work; a 10% course fee contribution is payable for those currently employed.

Key Facts

— 1 year Graduate Diploma

— 100% online delivery, offering increased flexibility to participants

— Programme fees are funded by the Government of Ireland through Springboard+. Participants who are employed will need to contribute 10% of the programme fee.

Accreditation

The DCU Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics is accredited by the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisors (IMCA) and has been designed to meet their criteria. Students of the Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics are entitled to free Graduate membership of the Institute for the duration of their course of study and for 12 months following completion. After this period they are entitled to transfer to Associate membership for a further year at a preferential rate.

How is this Programme Delivered?

This level 9 Graduate Diploma is delivered online offering flexibility to participants and enabling people located anywhere in Ireland to complete this programme.

DCU has over 25 years of experience and expertise in online learning. DCU’s global reputation for online learning is recognised by our active and longstanding membership of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and we are Ireland’s only member of the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU).

The programme is delivered via e-learning tools, mentoring, reflection in action, and hands-on practical education. 

Modules will comprise self-learning (which can be scheduled according to students’ individual schedules) and additional live discussion sessions, tutorials and other activities with the cohort.

As this programme is delivered online, a computer or laptop with a functioning webcam and microphone, a smartphone and a stable internet connection are required.  A smartphone or internet-enabled tablet is also recommended.

Timetable Information: 

This online course will commence in January 2021. Further timetable information will be made available in advance of the commencement date.

Business analytics skills are in high demand among employers with industry currently showing a significant skills gap. As such, this programme is timely and suitable for those entering the workplace after a period of absence and for those in employment seeking to upskill in order to progress your career. 

Data science, business analytics and management consulting are three of fastest growing occupations worldwide. They are in-demand roles with an abundance of positions in nearly every field for suitably qualified professionals. The knowledge and skills that you will acquire, combined with the opportunity to apply these in real-world industry projects, will dramatically increase your employability. 

This Graduate Diploma will quickly enhance your skills in the key areas underpinning Business Analytics, including statistical analysis and analytics tools. It also includes several modules in strategy and planning, meaning that upon graduation, you’re not just equipped with the technical skills, but you can also apply this knowledge to strategic decision making.

The programme is multi-modal and predominantly delivered online. It is  extremely flexible. It has been designed to be extremely flexible and to accommodate different schedules and learning styles.

Modules Include:

• Analytics Tools and Programming
• Statistical Models and Methods for Business Analytics
• Advanced Analytics Techniques
• Corporate Strategy & Leadership
• Business Unit Strategy & Planning
• Strategic Thinking Tools and Techniques

Each module includes hands-on projects with real-world clients.

Assessment will be in the form of 100% continuous assessment (CA) for all modules. No exams will be held.

Graduates will be competent in the planning and management of analytics programming, tools and techniques for structured and unstructured data, strategic thinking tools and techniques, and the application of these skills to a range of complex contexts and problems at different organizational levels. 

The course will enable graduates to respond to rapidly changing and dynamic business contexts and analytical technologies, and will also provide skills such as project management, effective communication, and evidence-based management.

Graduates will benefit from enhanced employability in the management consulting sector in Ireland or in roles as business analysts in a wide range of industries driven by digital transformation, all of which are major sources of employment. Future roles include those of Business Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Management Consultant and  Business/Data Analytics Project Manager.

These industries require workers with diverse analytical, technical, social and strategic mindsets and skills, as well as hands-on experience. Graduates of the DCU Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics will be well positioned to meet the needs of industry.

While this is a stand-alone qualification, on successful completion of the programme, students can apply to complete a final major project and achieve the award of MSc in Business Analytics.  However, this is not funded by SpringBoard.

General Entry Requirements

For admission to the Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics candidates must hold –

A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline eg. Business, Maths, Computer Science or related discipline, or equivalent international qualification

OR

An 2:1 Honours degree in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years of work experience.

Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme. 

Applicants with evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience will also be considered within the DCU Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about English language requirements for DCU Business School can be found here.

Making an application:

View the following link on how to apply.

Applications are submitted through the Springboard Application Website https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8668 

All applications should include

1) A scanned copy of all relevant academic transcripts (Translate to English if necessary)

2) A CV with telephone contact details for two referees

3) A Personal Statement (~400/500 words) detailing your reasons why you think this programme is a good fit for you.

4) For non-native speakers of English, Certification of English competency in accordance with DCU requirements see https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Springboard funding eligibility

To find out more about your eligibility for Springboard funding please Ssee Springboard+ Participant Eligibility FAQs for more details: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme for employability, inclusion and learning 2014-2020.

Applicants who are in receipt of social welfare and seeking zero fees should provide documentary evidence that they are in receipt of payment

Residents in Ireland holding Non- EU passports should include documentary evidence of VISA/Permission to stay.