A non technical course on data-driven decision making
The Lifelong Learning Certificate introduces professionals to the fundamentals of data science in a non-technical way, equipping them with the skills to understand the importance of data-driven decision making and effectively interact with technical data science teams within their organisations.
The programme is designed for learners, graduates and professionals from a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, logistics, agrifood, health and wellbeing, business, sustainability and public services, who want to understand how data can support better decisions in their specific context.
The course will last 5 months and will be taught entirely in English and awards 9 ECTS University educational credits (CFU). Participants will gain a basic understanding of what a data science project is and how data can support informed decision-making processes.
Specifically, participants will:
Open enrolment - no selection process
Programme Fee: €700
The 2026 programme combines perspectives from statistics, computer science and data-driven decision making, providing participants with an interdisciplinary introduction to data science applications.
The Lifelong Learning Certificate programme does not aim to train professionals as data scientists. Its aim is to train the European workforce in different sectors to become competent and ‘data-aware’ knowledge workers who can understand, critically evaluate and influence the ways in which data is used in their organisations to derive socio-economic value from it.
What we are proposing is focusing less on technical skills and more on helping learners develop an ability to “work with data science and data scientists” rather than “do” data science – this will require a genuinely “open” approach to disciplinary backgrounds of learners that comes with its own pedagogical challenges.
The course is structured into three complementary modules: two online modules focused on building core data literacy and data analysis skills through self-paced learning and expert tutoring, followed by a final in-person module dedicated to the practical application of these competences in real-world, multidisciplinary contexts.
Whether you are a recent graduate, a university alumnus from any discipline, or a professional looking to strengthen your data skills, you may be eligible to join the programme. Applicants must hold a recognised qualification (or have at least three years of work experience with a secondary school diploma) and demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level.
Further information is available in the Call for applications and at this dedicated webpage.