Why data science qualifications?
I was recently asked by someone why SQA developed data science qualifications. The person was planning a webinar (with an international audience) and wanted to “set the Scottish educational context” by explaining “the rationale for data science qualifications”. She had searched this blog for an answer — but without success. I promised that I would rectify that.
We developed NPA Data Science in 2018/19. At the time, it was the first school-based national qualification in data science in the world and there was immediate interest from schools and colleges. More recently, we’ve just validated a Professional Development Award in Data Science – so recently that there’s not yet a subject page. Right now, we’re in the process of developing HND Data Science, which will be available from Spring 2021. By the end of this intensive period of development, we’ll have data science qualifications spanning SCQF Levels 4-9.
SQA is influenced by lots of internal committees and external agencies. The Sector Panel for Computing includes employers and representatives from national agencies, who ensure that we are aware of external developments. The Edinburgh & South East City Region Deal focused on data and spawned the Data Education in Schools initiative, which encouraged us and provided practical assistance. Organisations such as DataLab supported us. The media was full of stories about data is the new oil. It was becoming apparent that data skills will be vital for every learner. All of this spurred us into action in 2018.
Please contact Emma for more information about NPA Data Science and contact Helen for more information about PDA Data Science and the forthcoming HND Data Science.
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A data scientist cannot work alone. You will have to work with company executives to develop strategies, work product managers and designers to create better products, work with marketers to launch better-converting campaigns, work with client and server software developers to create data pipelines and improve workflow. You will literally have to work with everyone in the organization, including your customers.
Great to see these Data Science qualifications from level 4 to 9 deliver consistency in skills, knowledge and understanding for both pupils at school and those entering FE or parallel learning pathways. Was very pleased to have contributed industry knowledge to the development of the PDA and to now see these qualifications being delivered at a crucial moment helping people to upskill and retrain for new digital jobs.
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