Relational Databases & Data Modelling Overview

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Overview Learning objectives What you’ll learn Key facts FAQs What our customers say Get in touch

Learn essential skills

Understand the structure of relational databases and learn how to model data effectively for use across business and technical systems. Our course introduces core topics including entity relationship diagrams, data normalisation and schema design, equipping you with the skills to design databases that support development, reporting and data integration.

Develop accurate data models and apply database design principles

Gain a working knowledge of how relational databases operate and how to organise data logically. You will learn to visualise data structures, apply normalisation techniques and interpret relational schemas to support scalable, efficient database design. These skills are essential for developers, analysts and professionals working with structured data environments.

Learning objectives

Explain the purpose and function of Database Management Systems
Identify key elements of data models including entities, attributes and relationships
Create and evaluate entity relationship diagrams
Apply normalisation techniques up to third normal form (3NF)
Convert conceptual models into relational schemas
Define and apply primary keys, foreign keys and other constraints
Understand the use of views and techniques for denormalising data
Use basic SQL commands to retrieve and update information in relational databasesShape

What you’ll learn

Over two days, you’ll gain practical knowledge of how to design and organise data within relational databases. This course introduces entity modelling, schema design, data normalisation and SQL fundamentals, giving you the skills needed to support database development, improve data quality and contribute to structured information management across systems.

System architecture insights

Explore how data moves through relational database systems by examining key architectural layers, including processing, schema and storage. Understand how each layer contributes to performance, scalability and reliability. You’ll also learn how to describe the function of a Database Management System (DBMS) and evaluate how architectural decisions influence database design, development processes, and long-term system integrity across different business environments.

Modelling complex relationships

Learn to model complex relationships within structured data environments, including handling many-to-many, recursive and arc relationships often found in real-world business processes. You will develop the skills to build clear and accurate entity relationship diagrams that reflect organisational needs. This knowledge ensures your database models support logical structure, technical clarity and alignment with practical use cases and business rules.

Keys and constraints in depth

Gain a deeper understanding of how keys and constraints support data integrity in relational databases. Learn to define and apply candidate keys, primary keys and foreign keys across related tables. You'll also cover attribute and entity constraints, helping you enforce data rules and eliminate inconsistencies. These principles are essential for reliable querying, accurate reporting and long-term database performance and maintainability.

Views and denormalisation

Understand how to simplify data access and optimise reporting through the use of views and denormalisation techniques. You will explore when to create database views and how to apply strategies such as pre-joined tables and derived fields. This module equips you to meet user and reporting needs while maintaining structured, scalable and well-performing relational databases within different business or technical contexts.

What’s included

Two-days of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
Interactive hands-on live labs
All relevant course materials

Key facts

Ideal for

IT professionals, software developers, analysts and anyone progressing into data-focused roles that require understanding relational data structures.

Prerequisites

No experience with databases is needed. Basic familiarity with IT terms and system concepts is useful but not mandatory.

Learning experience

Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.

FAQs

Our practical two-day course provides a clear foundation in relational database principles, data modelling techniques and SQL querying. It’s an excellent starting point if you are new to database design or looking to strengthen your understanding of how structured data supports business systems.

Will this course cover how to structure databases for business reporting?

Yes. You will learn how to model and organise data to support accurate and consistent reporting. From identifying key business entities to defining relationships and constraints, the course prepares you to design databases that deliver reliable information for business intelligence and decision-making processes.

Does this course teach how to handle complex data relationships?

Yes. You will explore advanced relationship types including many-to-many, sub-types and super-types, arc structures and recursive relationships. These modelling techniques are essential for designing relational databases that represent real-world processes effectively and provide a solid basis for data management and analysis.

Can this course help me if I am involved in database migration projects?

Yes. A strong understanding of entity modelling and relational structures is vital for successful migration work. The course provides the knowledge needed to interpret existing schemas, restructure them where required and design new data models that align with evolving business requirements and modern technologies.

What is the difference between entity modelling and relational modelling?

Entity modelling focuses on capturing real-world concepts, their attributes and the relationships between them. Relational modelling translates that conceptual design into tables, keys and constraints that a database can enforce. The course demonstrates how one informs the other and enables you to apply both effectively.

What our customers say

"I really enjoyed this course, it was clear the instructor had in-depth knowledge about the subject and was keen on answering questions / explaining problems thoroughly. I also appreciated learning about the principles, best practice standards, and the reasoning behind these."

Michaela, Data Scientist, Government

"Course was informative and well paced. Instructor was knowledgeable and explained the concept in a clear and well thought out manner."

Tony, Programmer, Academic

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