UCT Data Skills Accelerator: Analysis & Application
Online programme
Develop the business acumen and end-to-end technical skills to step into data-focused roles. This cohort-based programme combines three powerful UCT short courses in data analysis, business analytics, and data science into one continuous learning journey.
27 weeks, 7-11 hours per week, excluding orientation
3 courses translated into a unified, cohort-based programme
Live sessions with world-class tutors and peers
Structured learning sequence with ongoing support
On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:
1
A full-spectrum data skillset, and fluency in essential tools and applications like Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau.
2
The capabilities to make decisions, extract insights, and influence outcomes with data – as well as the confidence to step into data-focused roles.
3
A portfolio-ready capstone project that demonstrates your end-to-end understanding of data and its business applications
4
A verified certificate of completion from UCT, the top-ranked university in Africa, and a network of ambitious, like-minded peers.
Build a holistic, job-ready data skillset
This 27-week online programme equips students with the job-ready technical skills and strategic business acumen they need to confidently pursue data-focused roles. It integrates three high-impact UCT short courses – Data Analysis; Business Analytics; and Data Science with Python – into one cohesive learning pathway. With an emphasis on practical skills in applications like Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python, the course will help you progress from data fundamentals to advanced application.
As a student, you can expect an integrated learning experience that prioritises consistency, structure, and collaboration. You’ll learn alongside the same cohort and receive feedback and guidance from the same tutor for the entire course. You’ll also complete a comprehensive capstone project – which you can add to your portfolio and share with prospective employers – and earn a verified certificate of completion from UCT to testify to your expertise.
Course curriculum
Orientation
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Your Course Convenors
Stefan Britz
Stefan Britz is a lecturer in the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Cape Town. He predominantly teaches on the Statistics honours and Data Science master's programmes, presenting courses on linear algebra, multivariate analysis, the theory and application of supervised learning, and exploratory data analysis. At undergraduate level he teaches a module on statistical theory. After obtaining a BSc in Actuarial Science, he completed a BSc (Hons) and MSc in mathematical statistics at the University of the Free State. As an applied statistician, his supervision and research interests are varied, with recent work including network analysis of criminal and transport networks, and machine learning applications to ecological and health problems.
Dirk Snyman
Dr Dirk Snyman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems and the Deputy Director for the Centre for IT and National Development in Africa (CITANDA) research unit at the University of Cape Town. His teaching focus is on Commercial Programming, Systems Design and Development, and Quantitative Research Methods for postgraduate students. His research focuses on the Human Aspects of Information Security which he investigates in collaboration with his master's and doctoral students. He is an Executive Committee Member of the Southern African Computer Lecturers' Association (SACLA) and member of the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) Working Group (WG) 11.8 on Information Security Education (WISE) and IFIP WG 11.12 on Human Aspects of Information Security (HAISA). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from North-West University (NWU) with a focus on Information Security, and master's and bachelor's degrees concentrating on Natural Language Processing and Language Technology, also from NWU.
This course is for you if you want to:
Pivot into a data-focused or data-informed role
Use data to analyse real-world business problems, generate actionable insights, and drive value
Develop job-ready technical skills, including fluency in tools like Python, Excel, SQL and Tableau
“What a privilege it has been to further my studies and knowledge with such an awesome group of people! The content of this course has allowed me to upskill in ways that will give me an advantage in the future.”
– Jason D.K.
Data Analyst, Your Mix Distributors
About GetSmarter
GetSmarter delivers online education from world-leading universities and institutions to transform the lives of thousands of students across the globe. GetSmarter’s online certificate courses are designed to advance your career and fit in with your busy lifestyle. Each course is expert-led, fully supported and community-based, helping you build career-critical skills. GetSmarter is owned by 2U.
An online education that sets you apart
This UCT online programme 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:
Connect with peers and tutors and build a network of fellow data professionals as you prepare for your next step.
Learn alongside the same cohort and work with the same dedicated tutor for the entire course.
Experience a flexible yet structured approach – including batched module releases – designed for working professionals.
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