Study location	Netherlands, Maastricht
Type	Summer Courses, Full-time
Nominal duration	1 week (2 ECTS)
Study language	English
Course code	MSS2023

Tuition fee	€599 one-time Early Bird Discount: €549,00. Valid until 17 February 2025.

Entry qualification	Enrolled as an undergraduate student or holder of an undergraduate diploma, including those pursuing advanced studies or professional careers. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English The language of the course is English, so we expect a fluent level and the ability to follow and participate in class.

More information	maastrichtsummerschool.nl

Overview

Course Description
In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, the ability to effectively harness data and communicate its insights is a game-changer skill every professional and student must have. “Data Visualization & Storytelling” is a comprehensive course designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s complex data-driven world. This highly practical course provides the theoretical background as well as deep dive into the fusion of data visualization and storytelling, two critical competencies that not only facilitate information dissemination but also set you on the path to becoming a clearer communicator and an invaluable asset to any organization. Whether you are a young professional looking to advance in your current role, a seasoned professional wanting to transform your career potential or a university student seeking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, this course is your gateway to success. Upon completing this course, you’ll be equipped with the tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary to present data with impact, influence decision-makers, and advance your career to new heights.

Goals
By the end of the course, you have:
• Foundations of Data Visualization: Discover the principles of effective data visualization, from understanding data types to selecting the right visualization techniques.
• Storytelling for Impact: Learn the art of crafting compelling narratives from data insights that resonate with stakeholders.
• Tools and Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with leading data visualization tools and software to bring your ideas to life.
• Real-World Applications: Explore case studies and practical exercises that bridge theory and practice, preparing you to apply your skills in professional scenarios.
• Career Advancement Strategies: Understand how mastering data visualization and storytelling can unlock new career opportunities, enhance your professional profile, and make you an asset in any industry.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential mentors, expanding your professional network and learning from those who have already harnessed these skills for career success.

Recommend Literature
• Rego, Felipe. Sketch Your Data: A Sketchbook to Help You Plan and Design Your Data Visualization & Storytelling Ideas. Seattle: Self-Published, 2024.
• Knaflic, Cole Nussbaumer. Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals. Chicago: Wiley, 2015.
• Yau, Nathan. Data Points: Visualization That Means Something. New York: Wiley, 2013. Few, Stephen. Information Dashboard Design: Displaying Data for At-aGlance Monitoring. Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, 2013.
• Yau, Nathan. Visualize This: The FlowingData Guide to Design, Visualization, and Statistics. Indianapolis: Wiley, 2011.
• Tufte, Edward R. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press, 2001.

Teaching Methods
Interactive Class, Lectures, Presentations

Assessment Methods
Assignment, Attendance, Presentation

Course Coordinators
Felipe Rego

Programme structure

On days 1 and 2 participants will learn and apply fundamental data visualization concepts, get exposure to organization-level data maturity that supports best practices, and decompose real-world case studies for effective data storytelling. On days 3 and 4, participants will uncover design principles to transform their approach, learn storytelling techniques applied to data, get a hands-on overview of software options, and practical exercises. Day 5 will see participants build a data visualization solution / portfolio using modern tools (Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Google Looker Studio or PowerPoint