Short course
Digital data is the fuel that powers the engine of the global economy. On our Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning you’ll learn to understand and analyse this data. Learning about data science is valuable to any company, from statistics and insights across workflows to helping senior staff make better-informed decisions.
During this free, eight week Level 3 course, you’ll learn the skills needed to start your journey as a Data Analyst, Business Analyst or Data Scientist. You’ll be introduced to databases and the structured query language (SQL) needed to query large databases and learn how to program with Python.
You’ll also learn what machine learning is, how to create and train machine learning models and deploy these models to the cloud.
This course is for people looking to start a new career in data analytics, use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or help you secure new work.
You must be aged 19+ to apply. We only accept applications from students who haven’t completed a government-funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.
“The Skills Bootcamp was fun, yet challenging. The constant availability of support when needed was outstanding.”
Ayodeji Ogunsola, Student, Skills Bootcamp in Data Analysis
In this Skills Bootcamp, you’ll learn to efficiently understand data from multiple sources and derive valuable insights to make smarter data-driven decisions.
You’ll be learning skills that’ll enable you to analyse data to create meaningful insights, allowing you to present these findings to inform business decisions.
Using industry software like Microsoft Excel and the programming language Python, you’ll learn how to clean and wrangle the data and create powerful data dashboards with Microsoft’s PowerBI software. You’ll also learn about machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) and how making models can be utilised to communicate findings such as trends or predictions.
You’ll build on your communication and presentation skills, as a data analysis role involves finding insights and clearly and effectively informing others about what you’ve found.
Please note that the course structure is subject to change based on the needs of each cohort.
You’ll be taught by highly experienced lecturers and will benefit from guest speakers, independent and group exercises, and online learning. You’ll attend one in-person session in Bath in week five. On this day, there will be an industry expert-led lecture, and you’ll participate in a team workshop provided by The Data Place.
The hands-on course includes project work based on real scenarios that form part of the assessment process.
You’ll be given the opportunity to attend extra support sessions and a one-to-one review throughout the course to ensure you are on track to reach your goals and provide feedback on your experience.
It’s important to note that you must spend at least five hours a week outside of teaching on independent study to support your learning. You'll be supported by your lecturers during your independent study.
Our wellbeing, employability and careers programme focuses on an evidence-based approach, integrating a positive psychological and coaching approach with employability and career skills. Through conversations, connections and collaborations, these can facilitate positive changes and grow a supportive community.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to navigate the job market, portfolio careers and self-employment successfully and to thrive in your career.
To facilitate the building of connection and community you'll be offered a one-to-one wellbeing and careers coaching session when you start your Skills Bootcamp. There'll be two further opportunities to have a one-to-one coaching session during and after your course.
During your course you'll have access to:
These sessions will be outlined to you within your first week.
Throughout your Skills Bootcamp journey, your progress will be reviewed in multiple formats which could include verbal and written feedback, peer feedback, formal assessments and 1-2-1 progress reviews with a Skills Bootcamp team member. You'll also create and deliver a course project where you’ll have the opportunity to showcase the skills you've learned.
The formal assessments will happen at key points during the course but are not pass-or-fail. They are a tool for us to identify your strengths and weaknesses to help us give you the best opportunity to reach your goals during the Skills Bootcamp.
After completing the Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning you'll possess the skills needed to pursue an entry-level role as a:
You could also use the skills learnt to set up as a freelancer, self-employed or to help you secure new work.
The Data Place was formed in 2016 and is a social enterprise made up of data scientists, designers, community builders and strategists helping people and places thrive.
They work with businesses, charities, social enterprises and public sector agencies to enable and empower them to conceive and implement their data infrastructure and ecosystems. They provide various technical services, including data compliance, data management, data analysis, data science, open data programmes, design with data, and a broad spectrum of data training.
The Data Place will deliver guest lectures and give you feedback on your final presentation. They’ll also be offering interviews to all students, giving you real-world experience of what to expect and opening the door to potential job offers.
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) regulates the Skills Bootcamps. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people.
This means that all Skills Bootcamp providers must meet Ofsted’s framework regulations, therefore, ensuring you have a good experience on your learning journey. However, at any point during the delivery of the Skills Bootcamp, the University might be inspected by Ofsted. While this won't impact your day-to-day participation on the course, Ofsted might request to speak to you to gain insights into your Skills Bootcamp experience.
Read our safeguarding policy.
Find out more about how Bath Spa University works and the standards to which we hold ourselves:
Since September 2021, Bath Spa University has run free Skills Bootcamps for local residents. In January of 2024, Bath Spa started its 50th cohort.
Jed Taylor, a Skills Bootcamp alum, talks about his time on the course and how he was able to combine his previous work experience and Skills Bootcamp experience to land a senior analyst role.
Read Jed's story
Learners on our Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning attended a day of workshops and guest lectures from The Data Place, a social enterprise made up of data scientists, designers, community builders and strategists.
Student Jon Woodcock said: “Lucy and Martin inspired us to be professional data geeks during this entertaining day, with clever activities and jaw-dropping examples of their work. In a word, brilliant!”
Read the full story
You don't need any prior knowledge of data analytics or machine learning to complete this short course. Our free Skills Bootcamp shows you can bring your broader work and life experience together with new digital skills to start your own business.
“The Skills Bootcamp was easy to understand and our tutors explained each topic very clearly. Completing the course felt like opening a new door into data engineering.”
Xiang Li, Skills Bootcamp in Data Science
You should be looking to use the skills learnt to set up as self-employed or to help you secure new work. While some previous knowledge is desirable, the most essential factor is a positive mindset.
You must:
Your device can be either a personal Windows device or a work device. If you're using a work device you'll need full admin rights and enough RAM and memory to support your studies.
Your device should be able to hold a steady internet connection and be able to download and work with tools such as Microsoft Teams, MySQL, PowerBI, VS code, Github Desktop, Python. You must set up a Github account created via a browser prior to starting the course.
Your computer will also need a working microphone, speakers and web camera.
This course cannot be undertaken on a mobile device.
Before you start your course it’s important to make sure that your computer is in working order and is properly equipped for your course. You need to be prepared for any situation that could arise, for example contributing within class.
If your microphone and camera don't work you will struggle to participate.
Our Skills Bootcamp in Data Analytics and Machine Learning is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and therefore is free. We only accept applications from students who haven't completed a government funded Skills Bootcamp in the last 12 months.
If you're being sent for training by your employer, your employer will need to pay up to 30% of the total fees depending on the size of the company. If this is the case, please contact us at shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk for more details.
The next course starts on:
Please note the following in-person days:
Week 1 - 28 January 2025
Ignite your career with creativity, curiosity, wisdom and positivity in this unique one-day workshop. Join us at the start of your Skills Bootcamp journey for an exciting blend of creative ideation, coaching, positive psychology and wellbeing, designed specifically for our students.
Week 8
On this day you'll give your final presentation.
After completing your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be supported by your Career Development Coach for six months. This includes help with putting together a business plan. You’ll have access to additional training such as our Entrepreneurship for Beginners short course.
During and after your course you’ll be invited to a Skills Bootcamps students and alumni LinkedIn group in which you can network and celebrate your career success with your fellow learners.
Once you’ve finished your Skills Bootcamp you’ll be sent a monthly newsletter with the latest job vacancies and networking events.
As our Skills Bootcamps are fully funded by the Department for Education, there is an expectation that you'll keep in touch with us to let us know about any career progression opportunities you receive after completing the short course. You’ll be provided with a short declaration form to fill out once you've secured new work.
Your lecturers will provide a list of further learning opportunities to expand your knowledge in topics learned within the course and new topic areas to explore.
Several formats will be included, such as tutorials created by your lecturers, suggestions on topics to study and suggestions for other free online courses or video series.
If you have any queries please contact shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk
Read the privacy notices about signing up to these Skills Bootcamps, including how and why your personal data will be collected, and what it will be used for.
