University of Cape Town
Data Analysis
- Curriculum: Build expert skills in collecting, organising, and analysing data to inform business decision-making.
- Fully Online: Includes interactive videos, module notes, assignments, quizzes, and more.
- Faculty: Learn from industry experts. Get 1:1 support. Receive a dedicated Success Advisor and access to discussion forums.
Start date
01 June 2026
96%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
7–11 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Percentage of South African organisations surveyed that selected “AI and Big Data” as the skill with the most increase in use by 2030.
World Economic Forum (2025).
The vast majority of organisations now report that innovation and growth are the primary drivers fueling their data and AI functions.
NewVantage Partners (2026).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The ability to interpret data has become a highly sought-after skill as more businesses rely on statistical analysis for decision-making. Data analysts are crucial in helping business leaders make informed choices, distinguishing between effective and ineffective practices, reducing expenses, and solving critical issues, making them crucial to successful organisational teams.
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Data Analysis online short course, introduces you to the fundamentals of data analysis and the broader potential of analytics in business. Through eight modules in this data analysis short course, you will learn about data collection, storage, organisation, analysis, and interpretation, as well as have the chance to apply data analysis techniques to real data sets. Ultimately, the data analysis course will equip you with practical skills that can be immediately applied to address specific business needs in finance, sales, marketing, operational management, and human resources.
Is the UCT Data Analysis online short course for you?
If you are interested in data analytics, UCT offers this comprehensive online short course as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring this field. The data analyst course is tailored to help individuals enhance their skills and stay current in the industry or expand their career prospects. It is especially useful for professionals with a background in data analysis or related fields who want to leverage data more effectively to achieve desired outcomes and drive advancement. Practical coursework is part of the curriculum, and Microsoft Excel is required to complete these portions of the course.
Take your skills a step further: This course is also part of Data Skills Accelerator: Analysis & Application, a 27-week online programme designed for professionals seeking more data-related responsibilities or pivoting into data-focused roles. In addition to studying data analysis, you’ll cover key topics in business analytics and data science as you build your fluency with Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python. Study alongside the same cohort and Head Tutor for the entire programme, and walk away with a portfolio-ready capstone project. Learn more.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The ability to interpret data has become a highly sought-after skill as more businesses rely on statistical analysis for decision-making. Data analysts are crucial in helping business leaders make informed choices, distinguishing between effective and ineffective practices, reducing expenses, and solving critical issues, making them crucial to successful organisational teams.
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Data Analysis online short course, introduces you to the fundamentals of data analysis and the broader potential of analytics in business. Through eight modules in this data analysis short course, you will learn about data collection, storage, organisation, analysis, and interpretation, as well as have the chance to apply data analysis techniques to real data sets. Ultimately, the data analysis course will equip you with practical skills that can be immediately applied to address specific business needs in finance, sales, marketing, operational management, and human resources.
Is the UCT Data Analysis online short course for you?
If you are interested in data analytics, UCT offers this comprehensive online short course as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring this field. The data analyst course is tailored to help individuals enhance their skills and stay current in the industry or expand their career prospects. It is especially useful for professionals with a background in data analysis or related fields who want to leverage data more effectively to achieve desired outcomes and drive advancement. Practical coursework is part of the curriculum, and Microsoft Excel is required to complete these portions of the course.
Take your skills a step further: This course is also part of Data Skills Accelerator: Analysis & Application, a 27-week online programme designed for professionals seeking more data-related responsibilities or pivoting into data-focused roles. In addition to studying data analysis, you’ll cover key topics in business analytics and data science as you build your fluency with Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python. Study alongside the same cohort and Head Tutor for the entire programme, and walk away with a portfolio-ready capstone project. Learn more.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
An understanding of how data analysis can be used to address a wide variety of business needs.
A theoretical grasp of databases, and familiarity with a range of different data analysis techniques.
The practical skills to sort, manipulate, analyse, visualise, and interpret data using Microsoft Excel.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Fundamentals of data-driven decision-making
Module 2
Research questions for data analysis
Module 3
Organising data in Microsoft Excel
Module 4
Statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel
Module 5
Introduction to databases and SQL
Module 6
Interpretation of outcomes
Module 7
Data presentation and visualisation
Module 8
Looking towards the future
What past students
think
Nora-Ann Briedenhann
Administrative Officer, Western Cape Government Health EMS
Learning through the GetSmarter and UCT online platform has been a positive and enlightening experience. It was worth every cent. Working through the Data Analysis module content broadened my understanding and knowledge of the topic. The skills obtained can and will be incorporated into my day-to-day work outputs, and will improve the quality of work produced. The various student discussion groups provide a platform for collaboration, additional learning, and networking with fellow students. The array of different occupational backgrounds provides an opportunity for students to share and learn from each other's experiences, perspectives, and insights. The course material is presented in an easily understandable format, with the Tutor providing excellent support to students via video lectures and collaboration via the discussion groups. The rest of the support team is very responsive and eager to assist if any issues arise. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning about data analysis.
Course Convenors
Dr Irwin Brown
Head, Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Commerce, UCT
Dr Leanne Scott
Associate Professor, Department of Statistical Sciences, UCT
About the certificate
Gain data analysis expertise and obtain an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an enrollment specialist, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your enrollment specialist who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our enrollment specialists before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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