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Self-paced data literacy courses from the ODI

Build essential data skills and practical expertise - at a pace that’s right for you

Inspired by the ODI’s research, frameworks and tools, our CPD-accredited, self-paced courses enable you to get value from data, by applying critical thinking and practical skills. With an AI tutoring assistant, interactive content, and hands-on assignments, you can comfortably develop your data literacy at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want.

Start with a free bite-sized course to develop foundational skills, then advance your career and build effective data practices into your work on one of our professional programs.

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How our self-paced courses work.

Our courses will help you apply data skills, tools and frameworks in ways that make a positive impact in your work, because each online module is designed for active engagement and authentic action.

What you learn and how you learn it is based on a decade of ODI research and action - working with, training and advising data-intensive organisations like Google, Barclays and the Singapore Government.  

Each ODI self-paced course includes:

  • Interactive, mobile-friendly content.
  • Accessible materials that use simple, non-technical language.
  • An AI tutoring assistant.
  • Hands-on exercises.
  • Support from the ODI team (professional programmes only)
  • Knowledge checks and quizzes.
  • 6-month access to the content and our learning platform.
  • A certificate of achievement from the Open Data Institute.

Purchase a self-paced course

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Strategic Data Skills (self-paced)

A comprehensive course designed for individuals seeking to work strategically with data without delving into complex programming concepts.

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Understanding Data Ethics & AI

Knowledge and tools to understand the realm of data ethics and apply them effectively in professional settings. Examine data ethics within your professional practice.

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Building a Healthy Data Ecosystem (micro-course)
Upskill in the foundations of data and learn how to embed a robust and efficient data infrastructure.
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Organising and Validating Data (micro-course)
Learn best practices to clean data, improve its quality, accuracy and reliability. Gain confidence in working and managing data.
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An Introduction to Data Analysis (micro-course)
Learn the basics of how to analyse data. Evaluate data from different sources ensuring quality.
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Telling Stories with Data
(micro-course)
Develop the ability to communicate complex data findings effectively. Craft compelling narratives using storytelling techniques.
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The Foundations of Ethical Decision Making (micro-course)
Explore different ethical frameworks, their strengths, their weaknesses and application to AI
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Legal and Regulatory Frameworks (micro-course)
Learn about the pivotal regulations across all phases of the data lifecycle, with a particular emphasis on emerging AI regulations.
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Ethics and Personal Data
(micro-course)
Develop the skills to handle personal data responsibly. Mitigate the risks whilst maintaining the utility of data.
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Ethics in Data Collection
(micro-course)
Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the intricate terrain of data collection with ethics and integrity.
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Bias and Fairness in Data and AI (micro-course)
Develop your understanding of bias in data and algorithms and actively identify instances of bias in real-world datasets.
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Transparency and Explainability in Data (micro-course)
Learn to implement techniques for developing AI models that are explainable and interpretable.
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Tools and Frameworks in Evaluating Ethical Data Practices (micro-course)
Practical tools and frameworks to assess and enhance ethical data practices.

So what are the benefits of self-paced learning?

1. Flexibility
Flexibility: Self-paced courses offer flexibility in terms of when and where learners can access the course materials. Learners can study at their own pace, fitting their learning around their personal and professional commitments. This flexibility is especially valuable for individuals who have work or family responsibilities, allowing them to balance their various obligations more effectively.
2. Self-paced learning
Self-paced learning: In online courses, learners have the freedom to progress through the course material at their preferred speed. They can spend more time on challenging concepts or quickly move through familiar topics. This personalised approach to learning enables individuals to focus on their specific needs and learning preferences, maximising their understanding and retention of the content.
3. Accessibility
Accessibility: Self-paced courses make education and professional development more accessible to a wider range of learners. Learners from different time zones, with varying work schedules, or with physical limitations can participate in courses without being bound by specific lesson times or physical attendance requirements. This inclusivity promotes equal opportunities for education and allows individuals to learn from anywhere in the world.
4. Increased engagement
Increased engagement: Some learners may feel more comfortable and engaged in an asynchronous learning environment. They have the opportunity to reflect on the material, produce work, and ask questions without time pressure. This can lead to deeper understanding, critical thinking, and active participation, as learners have more time to process information and formulate thoughtful responses.
5. Improved self-discipline and time management
Improved self-discipline and time management: Self-paced courses require learners to take responsibility for managing their time effectively. This can help individuals develop valuable skills in self-discipline, organisation, and time management, which are essential for success in various aspects of life.

Inspired by data pioneers, built for you

At a time when businesses are trying to get value from AI and data it’s more important than ever to understand the landscape, filter out the noise and set a clear direction.

The Open Data Institute is a world-leading research and training institution founded by the creator of the web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and AI pioneer Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt. Our research, training and practical work helps people, companies and governments build data infrastructure that benefits all.

More than 52,000 people worldwide have developed their data literacy using the ODI’s self-guided training.

Created by a team of data specialists and learning designers, the Strategic Data Skills course will guide you as you turn theory into practice, and as you step-up to play a strategic role in helping your organisation get value from data.

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Register your interest in our self-paced courses

Take the first step towards continuous professional development

Would you like to develop data skills across your whole team or organisation?


Our courses can be run for groups of up to 14 people. And, we can tailor our content to your context and needs. We can work with you to identify the data skills required across your business, creating training that meets your organisation’s needs. Our training approaches include: E-learning, Interactive and virtual workshops, Games and Blended learning programmes.

Contact our Data Skills Experts to discuss how we can improve your organisations data literacy.