The minimum entry requirement for both Specialist Diploma courses is similar. Prior knowledge of programming is not a requirement in both courses.

There is no coding for the Specialist Diploma in Business Analytics, whereas the Specialist Diploma in Data Science for Business will expose participants to available packages that can perform AI and automated machine learning with minimum coding.

The choice you make will depend on your job aspirations and job role.

The Specialist Diploma in Business Analytics provides training in the tools and techniques of business intelligence which enables you to know what happened in the past in order to draw insights to improve an organisation’s performance, understand their customers better and identify areas for improvement. It delves deep into data mining techniques with statistical concepts that transform data into business insights for day-to-day decision making. Those who wish to acquire skills in data preparation, data modeling, data mining fundamentals with step-by-step know-how, should apply for the SDBA course. Someone who wants to work as a Data Analyst / Senior Data Analyst, Business Analyst / Senior Business Analyst would benefit from this course.

The Specialist Diploma in Data Science for Business enhances the skills and knowledge of participants in the area of advanced analytics such as augmented analytics, automated machine learning and data driven storytelling. It targets diploma graduates and those working in the industry who have had a couple of years of domain work experience and wish to acquire skills in data science. The use of advanced data analytics tools lowers the technology barrier for things like scripting and coding – this is helpful for business domain professionals with low-tech skills as it enables them to undertake data science projects more easily. This approach helps to bridge the data skills gap and enables business users to undertake some basic data science work. AI and machine learning concepts are also emphasised to equip participants with predictive modelling competencies and to operationalise the models. Those who want to jumpstart in the area of data science and wish to pick up the fundamental skills easily should choose SDDSB.

Based on the Singapore Skills Framework Job Roles (ICT), graduates of both programmes will be able to take on similar job roles as Data Analyst / Senior Data Analyst, Business Analyst / Senior Business Analyst. You would have expanded capabilities in data mining if you take up the Specialist Diploma in Business Analytics; and in predictive modelling if you take up the Specialist Diploma in Data Science for Business.

Both programmes enable you to undertake work as a data / business analyst. Both courses are complementary in nature and help you to expand your skillsets. To be a full-fledged data scientist you will need to progress after completing these specialist diploma courses to take up advanced university courses.

Data Storytelling is an essential data science skill that everyone needs. Data driven story telling focuses on how to identify suitable storylines, leverage analogies and examples, and deploy productive storyboards with memorable visual representations to communicate findings. You will learn through case studies and learn from experienced guest speakers on how to tell your data story with clarity.

Yes, you will receive exemption for the Data Visualization subject. Also, as AI and machine learning concepts are covered in depth in the Specialist Diploma in Data Science for Business, you will gain useful skills in predictive modelling to forecast future outcomes.