Accreditation
Postgraduate programmes awarded by Woolf, with credits in ECTS and levels on the European Qualifications Framework.
Degrees awarded by Woolf
Academic recognition
The Data Science Institute is a college of Woolf. Our postgraduate programmes in data science, machine learning and AI are awarded by Woolf, a higher education institution licensed in Malta by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA). Each programme gives its credits in ECTS and its level on the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), for example 90 ECTS, EQF level 7.
Clear credit and level
Every programme states its ECTS credits and EQF level, so other institutions and employers can see what was studied and at what level. Recognition of credits for further study is at the receiving institution's discretion.
Structured academic pathways
Progress from postgraduate certificates to diplomas and master's degrees with a clear and structured pathway, ensuring that each qualification builds toward your long-term academic and career aspirations.
Our academic programmes, as part of Woolf
The Data Science Institute is a college of Woolf, and our academic programmes are awarded by Woolf. All students on these programmes are registered with Woolf. Curriculum and content are approved by Woolf, and all faculty are approved by and contracted with Woolf.
Recognition in Ireland
DSI's postgraduate programmes are awarded by Woolf, a Higher Education Institution licensed in Malta. Their level in Ireland is set by NARIC Ireland, the Irish ENIC-NARIC centre at QQI, which compares Maltese qualifications with the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). DSI's programmes are not validated by QQI.
Woolf, licensed in Malta
Woolf is a Higher Education Institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA), licence 2019-015.
Check DSI's status with WoolfMaster's degrees
NARIC Ireland advises that a Maltese master's degree is comparable to a Masters Degree at NFQ Level 9.
NARIC Ireland recordPostgraduate diplomas
NARIC Ireland advises that a Maltese postgraduate diploma is comparable to a Post-Graduate Diploma at NFQ Level 9.
NARIC Ireland recordPostgraduate certificates
NARIC Ireland advises that a Maltese postgraduate certificate is comparable to an award at NFQ Level 9.
NARIC Ireland recordDoctoral degrees
NARIC Ireland advises that a Maltese Doctoral Degree / Doctor of Philosophy is comparable to a Doctoral Degree at NFQ Level 10.
NARIC Ireland recordGovernment-funded places
DSI programmes have been approved for government-funded places in Ireland under Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1.
Fees and fundingWhy choose a Data Science Institute postgraduate programme?
Bootcamps and non-credit courses can be a quick way to pick up new knowledge. The Data Science Institute's postgraduate programmes, awarded by Woolf, combine academic rigour with practical relevance. Studying with us, you are investing in:
Long-term academic and professional growth
Our qualifications are designed to equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to advance in your current role or transition into new opportunities.
Opportunities for further study and career advancement
With a focus on both academic and practical excellence, our programmes provide the foundation for doctoral studies or professional growth in fields at the cutting edge of innovation.
A formal academic award
Your qualification is awarded by Woolf and states its ECTS credits and EQF level, giving employers and institutions a clear record of what you achieved.
Credibility with employers and institutions
A postgraduate award from a DSI programme is evidence of advanced, applied study, formally assessed throughout.
What are European ECTS credits?
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standardised framework used across Europe to facilitate the transfer and recognition of academic qualifications. Designed to promote international transparency and mobility, ECTS credits quantify the workload required to complete courses, making it easier for students to pursue further education or professional opportunities in different countries.
Credit definition
One ECTS credit typically corresponds to 25-30 hours of total student workload, including lectures, assignments, and independent study.
Academic pathways
ECTS allows for seamless progression between programs and institutions, enabling students to combine credits from different universities to achieve their educational goals.
Global recognition
ECTS credits are a common measure of study, used across European higher education. They describe workload, not quality or accreditation; how another institution treats them is at its discretion.
Transparency and quality
By standardising academic benchmarks, ECTS ensures consistent quality and clearly defined learning outcomes, helping students and institutions align their expectations.
Accreditation questions
What is DSI's relationship with Woolf?
The Data Science Institute is a college of Woolf. DSI's postgraduate programmes in data science and AI are awarded by Woolf, a higher education institution licensed in Malta by the MFHEA (licence 2019-015), and carry ECTS credits at EQF level 7.
Are DSI's programmes accredited by QQI?
No. DSI's academic programmes are not validated by QQI. They are awarded by Woolf, a higher education institution licensed by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (licence 2019-015). NARIC Ireland, the Irish ENIC-NARIC centre at QQI, advises that Maltese master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas are comparable to awards at NFQ Level 9.
Is a DSI qualification recognised in Ireland?
NARIC Ireland advises that Maltese master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas are comparable to awards at NFQ Level 9, Maltese postgraduate certificates to an award at NFQ Level 9, and Maltese doctoral degrees to a Doctoral Degree at NFQ Level 10. The records are linked under Recognition in Ireland on this page.
Have DSI programmes received government funding in Ireland?
Yes. The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science (AI & ML) has been approved for Springboard+ funded places each year since 2022–23, including 2026–27. The Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science ran funded cohorts under Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 in 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Who awards DSI's postgraduate qualifications?
Woolf. All students on DSI's academic programmes are registered with Woolf, all curriculum and content are approved by Woolf, and all faculty are approved by and contracted with Woolf.
Are the CADA, CPDA and CPDS certifications awarded by Woolf?
No. CADA, CPDA and CPDS are professional certifications defined, examined and awarded by the Data Science Institute. Each has a published specification and an independent examination. They are separate from DSI's academic programmes.
Is DSI a university?
No. DSI is a college of Woolf. Woolf is the higher education institution that awards the degrees.