Professional Development
Online Courses
Take the next step toward your goals with our flexible online courses
We offer a range of self-paced, online learning courses through our online learning platform, and in partnership with top international organisations. Our online courses will help you take the next step toward your personal and professional learning goals.
Get transferable skills to help you progress in your career, enhance your data literacy and knowledge, and learn how data can help your organisation become more innovative, effective and profitable.
Is online learning right for me?
Our online courses are designed for individuals in any industry and at any stage of their learning journey. They explore data at an introductory level and are not industry specific.
We also fund the development of data courses by universities and industry partners. While many of these courses focus on a specific subject area, the skills taught apply to many audiences and are easily transferable.
For online courses offered directly by The Data Lab, we use Canvas by Instructure, the world’s number one learning software. This software ensures your learning engages with everything you need in one platform for easy and flexible learning.
Why study with The Data Lab?
The Data Lab is hosted by the University of Edinburgh and funded through Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We are a respected and trusted provider of professional development, business support and innovation within Scotland, the UK and beyond.
Our trainers and associates are leaders in their fields. They are highly experienced at helping teams see how data science can help them to do their jobs more effectively and to meet their strategic goals.
We also partner with industry and academia to offer other courses through their platforms to make learning as accessible as possible.
Our online course catalogue
Please follow the course links below for further information and to register through our online learning platform. Register to explore our catalogue of dynamic and engaging learning experiences or check out one of our trial courses to try before you buy.
Driving Value from AI
Our Driving Value from AI course pulls together thought leadership, experienced practitioners and engaging activities that you need to work responsibly and ethically with AI.
You’ll gain the confidence and credibility to make a real impact with AI for your organisation, customers, employees and stakeholders.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Data Management Fundamentals: A Beginner’s Guide to Data Success
This course provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the essential ideas in data management, including up-to-date examples and case studies to help you relate these ideas to what organisations are doing in this area.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand until 31 March 2024 |
Driving Value from Data
Our online Driving Value from Data course takes you through the growth opportunities presented by data. It will help you to champion data as a business opportunity to realise your company’s full potential. You’ll gain confidence to add value through better data use and be equipped with a complete data readiness assessment to integrate your learning.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
People Power Data
People Power Data is our online course designed for leaders, managers and HR professionals to help develop an understanding of their own data skills needs. This course is a must-have in your professional development journey if you work with employees or teams who use data.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Data for Entrepreneurs
This online course by The Data Lab and Edinburgh Innovations focuses on the entrepreneurial journey, giving insights into what it takes to be successful and the role that data and AI can play in supporting that success.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | Spring 2024 |
Online courses funded by The Data Lab
We fund the development of data courses by universities and industry partners. While many of these courses focus on a specific subject area, the skills taught are applicable to a wide range of audiences and are easily transferable.
Data Science for Ecologists and Environmental Scientists
Overcome “code fear” and “statistics anxiety” in this free online course developed by Coding Club and the University of Edinburgh. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Breeding Programme Modelling with AlphaSimR: free short online course
Do you wonder how we sustainably feed an ever-increasing population? Interested in how data science can help manage crops and livestock? This free course, led by world-class experts, will give you hands-on practice with key breeding operations using AlphaSimR. Developed by The University of Edinburgh and funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | Rolling deadlines, find out more in course info |
Multi-modal Data Science For Digital Health
The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge to critically appraise and develop decision-support systems for digital health. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | Rolling deadlines, find out more in course info |
Computer Vision for The Energy Sector
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge of techniques in machine learning and computer vision applied to the complex and time-consuming task of image/video analysis. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | Rolling deadlines, find out more in course info |
Data Science in Stratified Healthcare and Precision Medicine
This online course, created by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with leaders in the field of precision medicine, explores some of the different types of data and computational methods involved in stratified healthcare and precision medicine. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Using Data in the Tourism Industry
Discover how data can be used to drive business decisions in the tourism industry through this course created by Edinburgh Napier University and Scottish Enterprise. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Data Science for Colleges
This six-module free course, developed by the College Development Network (CDN) and the University of Stirling introduces teaching staff in colleges to the basics of data science. Funded by The Data Lab.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Youth Work Data Course
Acquire essential data skills for impact evaluation, community understanding, and effective planning. This course, run by Fife College, is designed for youth workers, managers, volunteers and anyone interested in developing their knowledge of data in a youth work setting.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | Rolling deadlines, find out more in course info |
The Power of Data in Farm Animal Practice
Discover the extraordinary power of data in livestock farming.
A free short course to help farming professionals upskill with confidence.
| Format: | Online course |
| Date: | On-demand |
Speak to one of our team to find out more about our online courses
Case studies showing what’s possible with data:
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Driving Value from Data Case Study: NatureScot Supporting a Net-Zero Future
Biodiversity and nature play a key part in meeting climate change and net zero goals. NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. They work to protect and restore nature by inspiring everyone to value our natural world. Philippa Vigano, Innovative Technologies Programme Manager, recently completed our…
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Data Leaders Case Study: Social Bite
Beginning life as a small café in Edinburgh in 2012, Social Bite has become an internationally renowned charity, supporting people facing homelessness or facing barriers to employment. In the last decade, it has also established several programmes, such as The Social Bite Village, free food provision, and globally renowned campaigns including Sleep in the Park.…
News about Professional Development:
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Join the Data for Entrepreneurs Pilot Programme
In collaboration with industry experts, The Data Lab is excited to announce the launch of its new course, “Data for Entrepreneurs.” This programme empowers aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the essential skills to succeed in today’s data-driven business landscape. The course features insights from industry leaders, including Steven Drost, Codebase CSO, and Chris Speed, Chair…
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AI and You! A recap of the Aberdeen Data Summit
In early November, The Data Lab hosted a captivating gathering in Aberdeen that delved deep into data and artificial intelligence. Titled ‘AI and You: How AI is shaping your Experience’, the fringe event was an extension of the larger Data Summit 2023 in Edinburgh. It brought together data professionals and enthusiasts at OneTech Hub to…
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Crafting a standout CV: 5 essential tips for students and job seekers
In today’s competitive job market, your CV is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. Sara Orr-Saiz (Student Placement Coordinator, The Data Lab) and Max Baczynski (Business Development Manager, The Data Lab Academy) run the employability skills programme for The Data Lab Academy. They help integrated masters and MSc students to…
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