OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATE
Data Science Course
NQF Level 5, 185 Credits (SAQA ID: 118708)
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per year
Part 1 Theory Modules
Runs with Part 2
Theory Exam
Part 2 Practical Training
Runs with Part 1
Workbook, Observation & Assessment
Part 3 Workplace Modules
External or Onsite
Observation & Logbook
External Integrated Summative Assessment
EISA
Admission Requirements
📚 Qualification Structure
This 185-credit programme is built on three components: Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules, and Work Experience Modules. Zaio's additional ZT (Theory) and ZP (Practical) modules ensure graduates are ready for modern data science roles — far beyond the QCTO baseline.
1. Knowledge Modules (66 Credits)
Foundation in data science theory and advanced analytics.
Core QCTO Modules
- 251102-001-00-KM-01: Introduction to Data Science and Data Analysis (6 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-02: Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations (4 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-03: Computers and Computing Systems (4 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-04: Computing Theory (2 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-05: Basic Statistics for Data Analytics (10 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-06: Statistics Essentials for Data Analytics (4 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-07: Data Science and Data Analysis (12 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-08: Data Analysis and Visualisation (16 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-09: Governance, Legislation and Ethics (3 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-10: Design Thinking and Innovation (4 Credits)
- 251102-001-00-KM-11: 4IR and Future Skills (1 Credit)
Zaio Theory Modules (ZTDS) – Beyond QCTO
- ZTDS001: Introduction to Programming using Python
- ZTDS002: Evolution of Software Development (Assembly → AI Assisted Coding)
- ZTDS003: Introduction to LLMs
- ZTDS004: Prompt & Context Engineering with Cursor
- ZTDS005: Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
- ZTDS006: NumPy & Pandas for Data Wrangling
- ZTDS007: SQL for Data Scientists
- ZTDS008: GitHub for Version Control & Collaboration
- ZTDS009: Matplotlib for Visualization
- ZTDS010: ChatGPT for Debugging
- ZTDS011: RAG & Agentic AI with LangChain
- ZTDS012: Machine Learning Foundations
- ZTDS013: AI for Business Automation Solutions
🚀 What Makes Zaio Different?
Our data science programme prepares you for immediate impact in analytics roles:
AI-Enhanced Analytics
Learn to leverage AI and machine learning for advanced data insights.
Modern Tech Stack
Master the latest data science tools and cloud platforms.
Beyond the Curriculum
You'll master tools that most junior devs won't touch until years into their careers.
Professional Edge
With personal branding, GitHub projects, and deployment experience, you won't just be a graduate — you'll be a complete professional.
Start your journey as a data scientist or upskill for the digital age.
Our graduates become versatile data professionals, ready to extract insights and drive decisions in data-driven organizations.
Tech career paths
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Research Analyst
- Data Scientist
- AI Engineer
Maximise performance in your career
- Data Team Lead
- Chief Data Officer (CDO)
- Analytics Manager
- Product Manager
- Business Analyst
- Research Director
Universal skills that enhance any role
- Data-driven thinking
- Statistical analysis
- Problem-solving
- Technical communication
- Collaboration
- Continuous learning
- Critical thinking
Our Flexible Tuition Options
We provide a direct path to a high-paying career, with less risk. We designed our tuition options to ensure more people can access the education needed to launch a career in tech.
Finance up to 100% of your qualification
Finance up to 100% of your qualification with our funding partnerships
Starting from
- ✓24/7 Support
- ✓Certificate upon completion
Upfront Payment
Pay upfront and get started immediately
- ✓24/7 Support
- ✓Certificate upon completion
Note: EISA exam fee not included (R6000). Financing terms: Same as first year. Speak to a consultant for more information.
Our Alumni work at companies like Amazon, Takealot, and Vodacom
Our alumni of students means everything to us and we're grateful to have placed designers in Entelect, FNB, Yoyo and more amazing teams around the world
✨ Prestige + Practicality
The Zaio QCTO Data Science Programme combines national accreditation with cutting-edge analytics skills, preparing you to drive data-driven decisions in any industry.
Regulatory Information
Zaio Institute of Technology has been accredited, and quality assured by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), Accreditation Number: 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328 valid for 5 years.
Integrated Formative Assessment:
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.
Integrated summative assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.
The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites in a simulated environment and conducted by an assessor(s) registered with the relevant AQP.