In recent years, Data Science and Data Analytics has become a very much sought after skill. Drawn to the fact there is a lack of Data Science talent in Singapore and the promise of high salaries, many Singaporeans (myself included), are seriously considering an education in Data Analytics and Data Science.
What is Data Analytics?
As succinctly put by CIO in this article, “Data analytics is a discipline focused on extracting insights from data, including the analysis, collection, organization, and storage of data, as well as the tools and techniques used to do so.”.
A simple example of Data Analytics would be extracting sales excel data to prepare business reports or analysing website performance with Google Analytics. Of course, with the scale and complexity of data today, the scope of what insights can be gathered is much much more. And therefore, much technical skill and business acumen is needed to extract, clean and make sense of it.
What is Data Science?
Oracle defines Data Science as “Data science combines multiple fields including statistics, scientific methods, and data analysis to extract value from data.” Which kinda sounds the same as Data Analytics. Technically, Data Analytics is a subset of Data Science. And Data Science is a subset of Artificial Intelligence.
CIO also notes that: “The difference between data analytics and data science is often seen as one of timescale. Data analytics describes the current or historical state of reality, whereas data science uses that data to predict and/or understand the future.”
Data Science / Data Analytics Courses in Singapore
With a better understanding of what Data Science and Data Analytics, lets now explore what options we have in terms of getting an education for these in-demand skills.
Online Courses for Data Analytics / Data Science
If you are an advocate of self-paced online or prefers bite sized courses due to busy schedules, online learning courses are perfect for you.
Datacamp
Datacamp is an online learning platform dedicated for Data Science which caters to all levels of learners from beginners to experts. Using an online interactive learning dashboard, you can complete your lesson modules, skill assessments and coding exercises without installing any complex software.
There are a vast amount of subjects covered, from introductory courses to Programming specific (R, SQL, Python) to Non-programming subjects (PowerBI, Excel).
You may choose to embark on individual courses, specific skill tracks or a career track, depending on your knowledge level. You’ll also get access to work on real-world datasets for solving real work problems to build your Data Science Portfolio.
The Datacamp curriculum is also used to supplement some courses available at AI Singapore
Pricing: Free to USD$33.25/month
Coursera
Co-founded by Andrew Ng, one of the world’s most famous and influential computer scientists, Coursera is an online learning platform in a variety of subjects. You can choose a short course, specializations to earn a professional certificate or even a degree issued by top universities and companies!
Udemy
Thousands of Courses are available on Udemy from subjects ranging from Business to Information Technology and arts. You’ll probably can find a course that will interest you here. In the Context of Data Science, you can find beginner friendly lessons to advanced applications such as Computer Vision for AI.
However as these courses are taught by individuals in their respective fields and the depth of subjects vary. So you may have to spend some time browsing and reading reviews before selecting the right one.
I, myself have signed up for courses in Web Development on the Udemy Platform to further my knowledge and i must say that courses from experienced trainers are very comprehensive and in-depth. Furthermore, some course fees can be claimed using your SkillsFuture Credits. What is do love about Udemy is you can also go through the course contents via the Udemy App, which i use during commutes.
Udacity
If you have heard the term “Nanodegree”, you’ll probably have heard of Udacity. A Nanodegree program is a project and skills-based educational credential program. Udacity’s Nanodegree courses are often developed in collaboration with top tech companies such as IBM.
Udacity’s courses don’t come cheap, though. Make sure you make the most out of the course you have selected.
Immersive Bootcamps for Data Science
Bootcamps involves an intensive training curriculum that usually takes around 3-6 months. These are catered for people who are highly motivated in gaining hands-on training in a relatively short time.
General Assembly: Data Science Immersive
If a 6-month immersive hands-on training bootcamp is what you prefer, do check out General Assembly. Throughout this Immersive, you’ll also compile a portfolio of projects designed to reinforce what you’ve learned in each unit. Gain hands-on experience with statistical and machine learning models, Python programming tools, recommender systems, neural networks, and more.
Also this course is subsidized under the TIPP Subsidy, although conditions apply.
Heicoders Academy: Artificial Intelligence Track
The Artificial Intelligence track by Heicoders Academy is a beginner-friendly programme, designed by industry experts from renowned STEM universities who are currently data science practitioners. This track consists of sequential courses that build onto one another, such as
- AI100: Python Programming & Data Visualisation for programming beginners, and
- AI200: Applied Machine Learning, a practical course on data science fundamentals.
Conducted in weekly sessions of 3 hours, each course is accompanied by hands-on assignments and a final capstone project. UTAP funding support is available for these courses, and students are awarded a Linkedin digital certificate upon successful completion.
In addition, We had a chat with David Tan, co-founder of Heicoders Academy to share with us some important insights on Data Science.
Specialist Diplomas & Degrees
For those who prefer an accredited Diploma or Degree by an educational institution in Singapore. These choices may help you compare the offerings available:
Ngee Ann CET Academy: Specialist Diploma in Data Analytics
Singapore Polytechnic: Specialist Diploma in Data Science (Data Analytics)
SUTD: ModularMaster Certificate in Data Science
Nanyang Polytechnic: Specialist Diploma in Business & Big Data Analytics
Temasek Polytechnic: Specialist Diploma in Data Science For Business
Lithan: Professional Diploma in Data Science
SGUnited Programmes – SGUS / SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways
In Singapore, to combat the employment effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has rolled out programmes for support Singaporeans to reskill and acquire high demand skills such as Data Analytics.
These initiatives include:
SGUS
SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programmes
Conclusion: Data Analytics Courses in Singapore
Thank you for reading our article. As you can see, there are options aplenty for gaining valuable education and skills in Data Science and Data Analytics. And i truly hope that, these courses may give you an edge in your job search and secure your future and journey as a Data Scientist.
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