Data Project Planning

Delivery type Study 100% online
Start January 2027, July 2027
Length 8 weeks (150 hours)
Price £995

About this course

Develop the professional skills needed to plan successful data projects, communicate data insights effectively and make informed, ethical decisions in data-driven environments.

Whether you're looking to progress as a data analyst or data scientist, strengthen your data project planning capabilities or improve how you communicate findings to stakeholders, this fully-online course will help you become a more confident and effective data professional.

Ideal for individuals who want to utilise their existing data skills to plan data projects, this course will help you to critically assess approaches and communicate findings to non-technical audiences, making evidence-based decisions.

Get course guide

This accessible, practical 15-credit module is delivered by a world top 100 (QS 2027) Russell Group university and developed by experts from the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA).

Teaching draws on expertise from across the University and includes perspectives from specialists in data science, data ethics, information literacy and professional data practice. Learners will engage with real-world examples from areas including healthcare, urban analytics, environmental challenges and consumer data.

Successful data projects require more than technical expertise. Many organisations have access to data, tools and talent, yet projects still fail to deliver value because of poor planning, unclear objectives, weak stakeholder engagement or ineffective communication. This course focuses on the professional skills that sit at the heart of successful data practice.

This course will help you to critically evaluate different approaches and methodologies to handling data, to scope and plan data projects effectively, and to use data storytelling techniques to engage a variety of stakeholders.

Why study with Leeds

World Top 100 University

Study at an internationally renowned Russell Group university, ranked 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2027.

Two students sat on a sofa reviewing a tablet screen.

100% online study

Study completely online and part-time, fitting your studies around your existing work and life commitments.

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Connected learning

Enjoy your studies in a world-class online learning environment, with regular live interactive sessions and global peer networking.

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Industry leader

This course is taught in conjunction with the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), a leading research institute dedicated to data-driven innovation.

Advance with purpose

This course provides recognised postgraduate credits that you'll be able to use to support your professional development. It’s designed to help you grow your expertise with purpose and continuity.

Entry requirements

You can join this course if you have at least six months’ experience working with data, such as analysing data, creating reports or dashboards, or managing data projects. This means your job title doesn't need to include the word "data" - many of our students come from finance, operations, marketing, policy, research and healthcare roles.

Our Admissions Team will be able to confirm your eligibility to study this course and clarify if further detail is needed to ensure your enrolment.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

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Learning outcomes

On completion of this 8-week course, you will be able to:

Utilise

Utilise your existing experience with data to deliver organisational data projects.
Communicate

Communicate your project findings effectively to a range of audiences.
Enhance

Enhance your data project planning skills with industry-relevant organisational frameworks and approaches.
Plan

Plan end-to-end data projects that deliver organisational value.
Apply

Apply ethical considerations to your work with data.

Your course leader

Jenny is a Data Science Lecturer at the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA), where she teaches across the MSc Data Science (Statistics), MSc Ethical AI and Society, and leads the Data Analytics for a Sustainable World module for Leeds International Summer School, as well as CPD courses including Getting Started with Data and Data Project Planning.

"We want to equip learners with the core foundational skills and confidence to recognize and question the assumptions, choices, and limitations behind any data science model. Building hands-on practice into every unit, so learners finish the module and contribute meaningfully to data-driven decisions in their work."

Jenny Sexton, Data Science Lecturer, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics.

Jenny Sexton, Data Science lecturer looking into the camera

Explore the curriculum

Explore the six, in-depth units that make up the curriculum of our Data Project Planning CPD course.

Project planning and problem definition

Learn how data projects develop from an initial idea through to delivery, using industry-relevant frameworks to define problems, establish objectives and structure your project planning.

Critical appraisal and evidence-based decision making

Develop the ability to critically evaluate methodologies, review literature and assess the strengths and limitations of different approaches to solving data challenges. Build the critical thinking skills needed for evidence-based decision-making in data projects.

Data communication and storytelling

Discover how to communicate complex findings clearly through presentations, reports and visual storytelling techniques designed for diverse audiences. Develop data communication skills that help turn technical findings into insights that support decision-making.

Professional ethics in data science

Examine the ethical responsibilities of data professionals and explore how ethical considerations influence project design, implementation and communication. Consider the role of ethics in data science and responsible decision-making throughout the data project lifecycle.

Professional development

Reflect on your own practice and identify opportunities to enhance your effectiveness, influence and career progression as a data professional. Develop the professional skills needed to work confidently on data projects and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Your professional development, continued

Explore additional courses that build on the skills you’ve gained here and support your ongoing professional development.

Key info