Study a Graduate Certificate or Masters in Data Science and learn to transform big data into powerful insights.
From flexible study modes to accelerated learning, discover everything you need to know about studying Data Science at UC.
Ready to unlock the power of data to uncover insights, predict trends, and make data-driven decisions? Master the art of data science with UC.
Become a data specialist ready to interpret, analyse, and communicate the fascinating findings hidden within data in as little as 4 months of full-time study.
Study 100% online with reduced fees*
Study the Graduate Certificate in Data Science when you want, where you want, via our convenient 100% online and self-paced study mode. Whether you choose to study a grad cert or a master's, domestic students may be eligible to secure a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)* making your course more affordable. Plus, domestic students can also defer the remainder of their course fees via the FEE-HELP program.
Learn the fundamentals of data science
Immerse yourself in the essentials of data science to take you from rookie to data guru as you explore:
- Statistics and data visualisation
- Data preparation and analysis
- Deciphering complex data sets and data lifecycles
- Manage macro and micro data sets
Gain transferable skills
Graduate in high demand with the potential to earn impressive salaries and work across a variety of industries that engage with data from retail banking to entertainment, marketing, healthcare, and more.
*Commonwealth Supported Places available for domestic students. Conditions apply. UC's Graduate Certificate in Data Science is offered 100% online for domestic students.
4 months, full-time
8 months, part-time
3 February 2025
28 July 2025
Save on your course fees
CSP supported course
*Fees are indexed annually and subject to change.
Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
2 years, full-time
3 February 2025
28 July 2025
Save on your course fees
CSP supported course
*Fees are indexed annually and subject to change.
Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about the UC's Postgraduate Data Sciences courses.
Study data science your way with flexible learning options: online*, on-campus, or a blend of both.
Unlock trends from complex data sets, transforming raw data into quantified insights.
Solve complex data problems across the entire data science lifecycle, from data-driven strategies to statistics and visualisations.
Master the tools to work with big data systems, from Tableau and R to Python.
Build versatile data science skills that are transferable across industries like finance, healthcare, technology, and more.
Learn from data science experts with hands-on, real-world projects and industry-relevant experience.
Expand your data science network across a variety of industries that rely on data-driven insights.
*Online study mode is only available to domestic students studying the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
Take a look at the units you'll study while undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
- Data Capture and Preparations G (11520)
- Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualisation G (11517)
- Introduction to Data Science G (11516)
- Introduction to Statistics G (6554)
Curious about your future study pattern? Explore your example study pattern and discover how you could complete in as little as 4 months.
Our online Graduate Certificate in Data Science also serves as a pathway to the Master of Data Science. After you have successfully completed your Graduate Certificate in Data Science, you'd only need to complete 10 specialised data science units to obtain your Masters qualification.
The course page below provides more information, including your future course structure with credit applied for completed units.
The world is witnessing a skyrocketing demand for data-centric skills. The predicted job market growth for data scientists is 11% over the next 5 years^. With UC's postgraduate Data Science courses, you can elevate, you can elevate your knowledge and progress your career towards data-based roles such as:
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Computer Network Analyst
- Consultant
- Marketing Analyst
- Social Media Manager
- Statistician
- Software Developer
Applicants must have an Australian Bachelor's qualification in any field or equivalent. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be awarded for ten years of experience or more (terms and conditions apply).
Assumed knowledge
Year 12 mathematics and functional knowledge of using computer systems.
Alternative admission pathways
Applicants must have an Australian Bachelor’s degree in any field or equivalent.
Study your course with reduced fees.
A course with Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) means the Australian Government has subsidised a portion of your degree, reducing the total balance you are required to pay (known as the student contribution amount).
The CSP amount is determined by the course you are undertaking and the industry you'll be working in after graduation.
Some students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may be eligible to apply to defer payment of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government's FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP schemes.
Visit our fees page for useful information about eligibility and how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP once you have enrolled in a course.
Whether you’re interested in an undergraduate certificate, bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, UC has a variety of 100% online study options to suit your lifestyle and elevate your career aspirations. With fully remote, self-paced learning options for undergraduate and postgraduate study levels, you can build your knowledge when and where it suits you.
When you join our online community, you’ll get all the benefits of being a UC student, including access to resources, support and guidance. You’ll be able to connect with academics, tutors and other students to share skills, insights and make professional connections.
As the world continues to digitally evolve, so does the increase in data.
Data is everywhere! It's also essential in sectors such as marketing, health, government, and finance. Understanding the entire data lifecycle—from creation to analysis—ensures data is accurate, secure, and effectively used. This leads to better decision-making and outcomes while minimising risks.
Data science goes way beyond just maths and numbers. It can predict patterns, optimise marketing campaigns - it can even find anomalies in medical tests, assisting with early detection of health conditions.
Pretty cool, right?
If you're interested in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science but don't have a tech background, don't worry! We still encourage you to apply.
While technical skills and training are an advantage, they aren't essential. Our Data Science short course is designed to cater to a wider range of students with different backgrounds and experience.
Our certificate provides you with foundational skills across the entire data science lifecycle, including programming, data analysis, statistics, and more. Whether you’re from a non-technical field wanting to better your understanding of data or looking to pivot into a data science-related role, our Data Science course online structured approach and supportive resources will help you gain the necessary skills to succeed.
If you're interested in studying the Master of Data Science, you'll just need to have an Australian bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent. You'll also need to have assumed knowledge of Year 12 mathematics alongside a functional knowledge of using computer systems. Not sure if you qualify? Check out the course page for me details or speak to one of a team members.
Our CSP Supported* Data Science degrees equip you with skills highly sought after in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare and government. By graduation, you'll be able to move towards roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst and more.
You'll gain the skills critical for platforms such as Python and R programming. Plus, you'll build your understanding of how to visualise data and use machine learning to your advantage.
*Commonwealth Supported Places available for domestic students. Conditions apply.
If you're deciding which one to study between a Master of Data Science and a Graduate Certificate in Data Science, let's find which one is the best for you.
Your decision should be based on how deep you want to dive into the world of data.
The Graduate Certificate provides you with the foundational data science skills you'll need to get started.
Across four units, you'll build an introductory knowledge of data science, from programming, data analysis and visualisation. This course is perfect for you to upskilll quickly. With our fast-tracked option, you can complete your studies in as little as 4 months, full-time.
You'll graduate with the foundational knowledge to transition into a data-related role without committing to a full degree.
Plus, you can always choose this option if you want to keep your options open. You can always apply your completed units towards a Master of Data Science, saving you time later.
The Master of Data Science offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the field. Spanning over 1.5 to 2 years full-time, this course builds on the foundations laid by the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. It explores advanced topics such as machine learning, big data and statistical modelling.
This degree is ideal for those aiming to gain a deeper understanding of data science and pursue senior roles or academic research.
If you're wondering if you can work full-time alongside your studies - yes, it's possible!
UC postgraduate courses are designed for working professionals to manage various responsibilities. While it is achievable to work full-time and study full-time, you’ll need to be organised and ensure your workplace is flexible regarding exam periods and in-person placement requirements (depending on your course).
UC provides flexible study options to give students the ultimate work-life-study balance. Our Graduate Certificate in Data Science is offered 100% online. Online students are able to study entirely self-paced, with no in person or on campus requirements.
Online study at the University of Canberra will include on-demand lectures, live webinars and online discussions. You will have assignments, readings, and group projects with set deadlines, allowing you to manage your time flexibly.
Yes! At UC, you can accelerate your data science course timeline.
As well as the convenience of self-paced, online learning, you can complete your studies in as little as 4 months, full-time.
To give you the ultimate control, you can change your study mode and switch from part-time or full-time study at any point during your course.
Please note: your study time will differ from your course completion date, as you’ll have breaks between semesters.
Ready to master the art of data science? Download a brochure or speak to our staff via email or over the phone.
Have your questions answered, including:
- Whether this the right course for you
- How to apply
- Costs and fees
- Commencement date