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Data in digital transformation

Explore the role of data, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science principles for digital transformation with this CPD course from The Open University (OU). Whether you’re new to using data for digital initiatives or have experience, this course shows you how to create a data-centric approach, identify the opportunities of AI tools such as ChatGPT, and foster a data-driven culture. You’ll learn to build plans to use data effectively, achieve joined up data and a single customer view, and visualise data to drive outcomes. You’ll also explore data manipulation tools and consider ethical considerations, cybersecurity, and sustainability in data practices.

Standalone study only

You will not be awarded credits for studying this course. It is available for standalone study only and cannot be counted towards an OU qualification.

Short course

Short course code

YG027

Credits

This is a non-credit bearing course.

Study method

Short course cost

Entry requirements

What you will study

Data, and the use of data, are often key elements of digital transformation. This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course will help you understand your data opportunities and how data fits into your digital transformation. Practical exercises will help you apply your new knowledge, and sharing your thoughts and opinions with co-learners will help you further reflect and deepen your understanding.

Delivered over four, easy-to-digest sections, you will cover:

1: Principles of data science

  • The role of data in digital transformation
  • Introduction to data science
  • Data science principles
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Breaking problems down
  • Ethics and data

2: Data visualisation

  • The role of data visualisation in digital transformation
  • Sourcing data
  • Manipulating data
  • Data visualisation principles
  • Data visualisation opportunities and pitfalls
  • Data manipulation and visualisation for innovation

3: Artificial intelligence

  • Defining artificial intelligence
  • Using artificial intelligence to gain insights
  • Data and artificial intelligence
  • Ethics and artificial intelligence
  • Artificial intelligence tools for digital transformation
  • Artificial intelligence use cases and examples

4: Data-driven organisations

  • Creating a data-driven organisation
  • Data infrastructure and systems
  • Data-driven culture
  • Automated data-driven decision making
  • Data-driven organisations and agility
  • Common data pitfalls.

You will learn

By the end of this CPD course, you’ll have the skills to:

  • create a data-centric approach as part of your digital transformation
  • plan and apply the key principles of data science to explore what opportunities are available
  • understand the core techniques of artificial intelligence and use tools to demonstrate their application
  • plan and implement approaches to achieve joined-up data and a single customer view
  • develop processes and culture that encourage the effective use of data.

Vocational relevance

Professionals who can lead and use data for digital transformation are in high demand as it's now a key differentiator for businesses and a valuable asset for career growth in today’s digitally-driven world. Businesses across industries are using digital technologies to improve operations, customer experiences, and stay competitive.

This course has been created by the OU in collaboration with industry experts and leaders in digital marketing. It’s hosted by Daniel Rowles, CEO of Target Internet, who has worked in digital marketing and digital transformation for over 20 years, helping a wide range of high-profile brands to use digital effectively. Daniel is also the voice behind the Digital Marketing Podcast and a renowned author in the field.

Learner support

There is no tuition on this course and all study is self-directed. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to enhance and reflect on your understanding by sharing your thoughts and opinions with co-learners.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

This online course includes a mix of video, audio and written materials. You can learn at your own pace with complete flexibility. Throughout the course, you will be asked to respond to questions, reflect on your experiences and learning, and carry out short exercises to help you develop your understanding.

At the end of each section, you will be asked to answer a set of multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge. You can attempt these as often as you need to. It is important to complete them because they count towards your final score.

To receive a Certificate of Completion, you will need to complete every section and achieve at least 70% in all tests.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.


Entry requirements

You don’t need any prior data science or digital transformation knowledge to join this course, although any work experience will enhance and contextualise your learning.

It’s suitable for those who are new to using data for digital transformation who want to build their knowledge and skillset, those who want to develop a digital transformation plan for an organisation or client, and more experienced practitioners who want to cement their knowledge of the latest trends.

The content in this course is suitable for a global audience and the skills you learn can be applied in a wide range of roles and types of organisations, from small businesses to global multinationals, whether in the public or third sector, large corporates, or SMEs.

If you'd like to discuss the suitability of the course, please contact us.

Please note: This is one of six courses in a series that are designed to build on one another. If you’re new to digital transformation and plan to study more than one course, it’s recommended you take them in the following order:

  1. Introduction to digital transformation
  2. Digital transformation foundations
  3. Digital transformation readiness
  4. Digital transformation performance
  5. Digital transformation design thinking
  6. Data in digital transformation.

Course length

This course will take around 24 hours to complete and you can learn at your own pace. As a guide, if you set aside four hours per week, it would take six weeks to complete.

You can begin learning at any time. You will have a minimum of six months and up to 18 months to complete the course, depending on your registration date.

Register

Start End England fee Register
At anytime before registration end date Jan 2026 - see Entry requirements for more detail £250.00

Registration closes 31/07/2025

Register

Ways to pay

Credit/Debit Card – We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.

Sponsorship – If this course is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could ask your employer to sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. Your sponsor just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.

The fee information provided here is valid for short courses starting in the 2024/25 academic year. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

All learning materials, exercises and activities are delivered entirely online.

Computing requirements

You can learn from your desktop computer or laptop or take your learning with you on a phone or tablet. You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop/laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher. Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all currently supported Android and iOS versions.

If you have a disability

The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet, you can contact us about the support which can be given to meet your needs.