University of Cape Town
Data Skills Accelerator: Analysis & Application
Develop the skills to analyse and visualise complex data sets; build your fluency with tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python; and confidently step into strategic, data-driven roles.
Start date
01 June 2026
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
6 months
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
7–11 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Get to know your cohort and your tutor over an extended period, deepen your knowledge of core concepts, and build career momentum as you apply what you’ve learned.
Continuously reinforce what you learn by connecting and sharing knowledge with industry leaders, experts, and fellow data professionals.
The UCT Data Skills Accelerator equips students with the job-ready technical skills and strategic business acumen they need to pursue data-focused roles or responsibilities. It integrates three high-impact UCT short courses – Data Analysis; Business Analytics; and Data Science with Python – into one cohesive learning pathway. Over the course of 27 weeks, you’ll progress from data fundamentals to advanced application, and build your fluency with tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python.
Our integrated learning experience prioritises consistency, structure, and flexibility: 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 portfolio-ready capstone project and earn a verified certificate of completion from UCT.
Is this programme for you?
This programme is designed for early- to mid-career professionals – including specialists, managers, and consultants – who want to pivot into data-focused roles or expand their existing responsibilities by using data to make informed business decisions. It is ideal for students seeking a comprehensive, career-aligned, and practical data skillset.
Course overview
Programme overview
The UCT Data Skills Accelerator equips students with the job-ready technical skills and strategic business acumen they need to pursue data-focused roles or responsibilities. It integrates three high-impact UCT short courses – Data Analysis; Business Analytics; and Data Science with Python – into one cohesive learning pathway. Over the course of 27 weeks, you’ll progress from data fundamentals to advanced application, and build your fluency with tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, and Python.
Our integrated learning experience prioritises consistency, structure, and flexibility: 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 portfolio-ready capstone project and earn a verified certificate of completion from UCT.
Is this programme for you?
This programme is designed for early- to mid-career professionals – including specialists, managers, and consultants – who want to pivot into data-focused roles or expand their existing responsibilities by using data to make informed business decisions. It is ideal for students seeking a comprehensive, career-aligned, and practical data skillset.
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
A full-spectrum data skillset, and fluency in essential tools and applications like Excel, SQL, Python, and Tableau.
The capabilities to make decisions, extract insights, and influence outcomes with data – as well as the confidence to step into data-focused roles. 
A portfolio-ready capstone project that demonstrates your end-to-end understanding of data and its business applications.
A verified certificate of completion from UCT, the top-ranked university in Africa, and network of ambitious like-minded peers.
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
Programme Convenors
Dirk Snyman
Senior Lecturer
Stefan Britz
Lecturer
About the certificate
Develop a holistic data skillset and earn an official certificate of completion from University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online and culminates in a final capstone project that showcases board-ready deliverables. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbook. You can chat to an enrolment specialist to learn more about the programme requirements before you register, or view the programme handbook once you start. You can also view general assessment information here.
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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 Adviser, 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 Success Adviser 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 Success Advisers 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.
