Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent.

Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 096383G
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student studies on computer and laptop in classroom

Demand for data scientists continues to grow as organisations in industries from science to health to business and beyond seek specialists who can extract meaning and insights from rapidly expanding data streams available in today's workplace.

Seek.com.au projects there will be 12.4 percent jobs growth for data scientists over the next five years, and data science professionals with postgraduate qualifications can expect annual salaries of around $130,000.

UNE's Graduate Diploma of Data Science will expand your skills so you can solve complex and challenging problems, innovate and gain competitive advantages by building intelligent systems and bringing structure to large and diverse data sets.

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Data Science with UNE?

If you have a bachelor degree in an area other than data science, statistics or computing, our course will equip you with the in-depth technical skills to future proof your career in this booming profession.

Whether you already work with data and want to upskill, or you have a different background and wish to change direction our graduate diploma will provide you with the required knowledge and practical skills to analyse and manage data and to solve complex and challenging problems. Our course will also enable you to pursue a range of data science careers or continue to further studies.

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

What makes our course different?

Our course extends your knowledge beyond being able to apply technologies, to really understanding how they work. You will hone your skills in areas critical to data science such as statistics, software development and database development.

You will have opportunities to:

  • Choose from a broad range of relevant units, allowing you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and career goals.
  • Work with industry-leading programming languages such as R, Python and Matlab.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge and skills in developing sophisticated data systems such as databases, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • Hone your communication skills to more effectively gather requirements for data analysis strategies and present complex scientific concepts to collaborators and expert audiences.
  • Apply your knowledge of data science, statistics and software development to real-world problems.
  • Study online or on campus in Armidale, allowing you to balance your studies with your other work and personal commitments.
  • Continue your studies by progressing to the Master of Data Science.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

You can apply for this course if you have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Inherent Requirements

You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points including a minimum of 24 credit points at 400-level or above.

24 credit points

Complete the following units:

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level or above from the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$22,712*
International
$33,829*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$7,455*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 30%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2023. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

Data science is a rapidly growing area of employment with outstanding career opportunities for professionals with postgraduate qualifications. You could consider positions such as:  

  • data scientist 
  • business intelligence analyst 
  • data engineer or architect 
  • data strategist 
  • healthcare data manager 
  • research scientist. 
Other career information

Demand for qualified data science professionals is growing rapidly in Australia and worldwide. Seek.com.au projects there will be 12.4 per cent jobs growth for data scientists over the next five years in Australia, and graduates can expect annual salaries of around $130,000.  

Course outcomes

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is designed for students with a Bachelor degree in an area other than data science, statistics or computing and who wish to obtain qualifications in data science. The aim of the course is to enable students to build competencies in a range of areas critical to data science. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a range of data science related career paths or articulate into further studies in the data science area.
  1. understand the key tools, methods and theories used in data science to an advanced level of depth and sophistication;
  2. synthesise information from data and understand the lifecycle of data within an organisation;
  3. apply problem solving skills and specialist knowledge in statistics and software development to implement data analysis solutions for real-world problems;
  4. communicate effectively with expert and non-expert audiences to understand issues and gather requirements for the development of data analysis strategies and related systems within an organisation;
  5. evaluate information from a range of sources, such as peer-reviewed literature and technical documentation, to understand current developments in the area of data science; and
  6. understand and communicate the ethical and legal issues that relate to the practice of data science.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will understand scientific practice and have sophisticated knowledge of the methods, theories and technologies in data science.

Communication Skills

Graduates will be able to effectively communicate complex ideas and issues to a variety of audiences in order to implement data analysis solutions and present scientific outcomes. Communication skills are developed through a combination of class participation, independent learning and group work.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to apply specialist knowledge in areas of data science, statistics and software development to solve challenging problems. Problem solving is embedded throughout the course and rigorously assessed through structured and open-ended tasks.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to evaluate information from a range of sources, including peer-reviewed literature and technical documentation, to develop their insight within the data science discipline. This key attribute is developed through class participation and individual assessment.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will have a deep understanding of the ethical responsibilities related to the practice of data science. They will be able to assess the impact of their actions on the community and behave in a socially responsible manner in a professional environment. This awareness is developed incrementally within the course to give graduates an appreciation of the ethical and social issues that surround the different aspects of data science.

Lifelong Learning

Data science is a very rapidly expanding field of study. Students will be provided with fundamental skills which enable them to supplement their knowledge and adapt to the use of new software environments, technologies and tools. This will be taught and practised by providing core skills and exposing students to a variety of techniques, environments and specialised systems.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will have the ability to operate individually with a high level of autonomy and effectively as part of a team. These skills are developed through individual assessment, group tasks and class participation.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

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Why study with us?

Testimonial placeholder icon of a university graduate

I always enjoyed studying statistics unit at UNE, and there are some very good statistics lecturers who inspired me greatly.

Qin Liu

Why study with us?

UNE graduate smiles in UNE campus courtyard

Joining UNE was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made. It allowed me to explore so much and gave me the best international platform to stand tall in my field.

Wasana Welikala, UNE graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.