IBM Data Science (Free Audit)
IBM Data Science (Free Audit) is a beginner-level online course from edX in Data Science. It is structured in 3 modules with 3 stated learning outcomes, over 80 hours. It is free to enrol. Learners rate it 4.6/5 from 12.4K ratings on edX, with 420K enrolled.
Part of our Data Science courses collection, where we compare it against 26 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | edX |
| Duration | 80 hours |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Projects | 3 hands-on projects |
| Instructor | IBM |
| Rating | 4.6★ (12.4K reviews) |
| Learners | 420K |
| Price | Free |
About this course
IBM Data Science (Free Audit) is a beginner-level course hosted on edX. It runs for 80 hours and is self-paced. The course is taught by IBM and carries a 4.6 rating from 12,400 reviews. Learners can audit the course for free, which means no certificate is issued unless a separate upgrade is purchased.
The module list starts with Foundations, which spends 30 hours on the question "What is data science." This section introduces the data science methodology and the role of data in decision-making. The next module, Tools, also runs 30 hours and covers Python and SQL. Learners write scripts, query databases, and handle basic data wrangling. The final module, Analysis, runs 20 hours and focuses on data analysis and visualization, teaching how to present findings with charts and graphs.
By the end of the course, a learner can write simple Python programs, query a database with SQL, and produce a basic chart or graph from a dataset. These are entry-level skills that can support a junior data-entry or analytics-assistant role, but they do not cover machine learning models, statistical testing, or advanced analytics.
This course is best for someone who wants a gentle first look at data science without paying. Learners who need a certificate for job applications may prefer the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera, which costs ₹3,999 and includes a credential. Those who want deeper Python work may look at the Free Data Science with Python course on freeCodeCamp, which is also free and runs 300 hours.
Free options include the IBM Data Science course itself and the Free Data Science with Python course on freeCodeCamp. Both are self-paced and carry no certificate unless upgraded.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
3 modulesThe 3-part outline edX publishes for this course, across 80 hours.
Module 1 · Foundations 30h · 14 lessons
What is data science
Module 2 · Tools 30h · 16 lessons
Python, SQL
Module 3 · Analysis 20h · 10 lessons
Visualization
What learners rate it
Rated 4.6/5 by 12.4K learners on edX (checked 7 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by edX from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on edX →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from edX course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 7 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBM Data Science (Free Audit) This |
|
4.6★ | Free | 80 hours | Quickest to finish (80 hours) |
| Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate |
 Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹3,999 | 6 months | Highest rated (4.8★ from 181.6K reviews) |
| Deep Learning Specialization |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | ₹4,299 | 3 months | For learners past the basics · 3 months |
| Python for Data Science | Learn Python Online | Udacity | Udacity | 4.8★ | Check price | 3 months | Beginner-friendly · 3 months |
Where Data Science leads
Roles we map to Data Science on CoursesGlobal. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by edX.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data scientists.
Common questions
Is IBM Data Science (Free Audit) free?
Yes. edX lists it as free to enrol.
How long does IBM Data Science (Free Audit) take?
edX lists it at 80 hours. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is IBM Data Science (Free Audit) suitable for beginners?
Yes. edX lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does IBM Data Science (Free Audit) cover?
It is organised into 3 modules, starting with Foundations and going on to Tools, Analysis. The full outline is on this page.
Who teaches IBM Data Science (Free Audit)?
IBM, as listed by edX.