School of Information Technology & Data ScienceOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner

NQF Level 5SAQA ID 118708185 credits18 MonthsFull-time

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Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner

Programme Overview

Data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modelling.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID118708

NQF LevelNQF Level 5

Total Credits185

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMICT SETA — Accredited

QCTO Accreditation — 1 record

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP230626155844Active

SAQA 118708 · NQF Level 5 · 185 credits

Valid 15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2031

Accredited site: 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001

Certification for this occupational qualification is issued by the QCTO — Highbury College is the accredited skills development provider and is not the awarding body.

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

66credits

11 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

59credits

10 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

60credits

4 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
NQF Level 4 with Mathematics.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Introduction to Data Science and Data Analysis251102-001-00-KM-016 cr
Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations: Refresher251102-001-00-KM-024 cr
Computers and Computing Systems251102-001-00-KM-034 cr
Computing Theory251102-001-00-KM-042 cr
Basic Statistics for Data Analytics251102-001-00-KM-0510 cr
Statistics Essentials for Data Analytics251102-001-00-KM-064 cr
Data Science and Data Analysis251102-001-00-KM-0712 cr
Data Analysis and Visualisation251102-001-00-KM-0816 cr
Introduction to Governance, Legislation and Ethics251102-001-00-KM-093 cr
Fundamentals of Design Thinking and Innovation251102-001-00-KM-104 cr
4IR and Future Skills251102-001-00-KM-111 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) conducted through the relevant assessment quality partner. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration18 Months

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: National Certificate: Business Analysis Support Practice, NQF Level 5. Vertical: National Certificate: Business Analysis, NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, as well as for access to the final external assessment, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Data ScientistData AnalystBusiness Intelligence Analyst

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 4 modules totalling 60 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Data Collection and Pre-processing Processes
Statistical Data Analysis Processes
Data visualisation and Reporting Processes
Capstone Project Using an Appropriate Toolkit

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

Certification follows successful completion of all modules and the final external integrated summative assessment.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0