Data Science

Study a Graduate Certificate or Masters in Data Science and transform big data into powerful insights.

Home
/
Future students
/
Study at UC
/
About our courses
/
Data Science

Download a course brochure

From flexible study modes to accelerated learning, discover everything you need to know about studying Data Science at UC.

Graduate Certificate in Data Science online course brochure

Study Data Science

Unlock the power of data to uncover insights, predict trends and make data-driven decisions.

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.

Fully online study option

UC's Graduate Certificate in Data Science is offered in a fully online and self-paced study mode. Our Master of Data Science can be studied partially online with some face-to-face requirements.

Reduced fees available

Whether you choose the graduate certificate or continue into a Master of Data Science, domestic students may be eligible to receive government funding through a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)*, reducing the course cost. Additional fee assistance is available 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.

*Conditions apply

Study level

Postgraduate

Delivery mode

Online
On Campus

Selection rank

Other entry criteria applies

Study duration

4 months, full-time
8 months, part-time

Intake dates

28 July 2025
16 February 2026

Course unit cost

Save on your course fees
CSP supported course

*Fees are indexed annually and subject to change.

Want to know more?

Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.

Study level

Postgraduate

Delivery mode

On Campus

Selection rank

Other entry criteria applies

Study duration

2 years, full-time

Intake dates

28 July 2025
16 February 2026

Course unit cost

Save on your course fees
CSP supported course

*Fees are indexed annually and subject to change.

Want to know more?

Schedule a call with our friendly team to learn more about UC's postgraduate data science courses.

Student studying Grad Cert in Data Science online on her laptop

Course highlights

  

Learn your way with online, on campus and blended study options.

  

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.

Data science course details

See what you’ll study in the Graduate Certificate in Data Science:

View course details to explore study pattern options, course content and more.

View course details

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 master's qualification.

The course page below provides more information, including your future course structure with credit applied for completed units.

View course details

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 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

^Data Scientist career profile, Seek 2025.

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.

Apply now

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.

Learn more

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. 

Visit FEE-HELP

Study data science online

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.

Learn more about online study

Data science course FAQs

As the world continues to digitally evolve, so does the increase in data.

From health, finance and government sectors to marketing and tech, organisations need people who can turn raw data into valuable insights. Data science helps predict trends, solve problems and make better decisions.

As the world becomes more digital, the demand for skilled data professionals keeps rising, holding significant importance to business growth.

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 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.

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.

If you're deciding between the Master of Data Science and the Graduate Certificate, consider the depth of study you're seeking. Your choice should reflect your goals and how extensively you want to build your expertise in the field.

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.

The graduate certificate is also a great way to keep your future study options open. You can apply your completed units towards a Master of Data Science, helping you fast-track your qualification 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. 

Our Graduate Certificate in Data Science is the most efficient option, which can be completed in just 4 months of full-time study.

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.

Contact UC about the Grad Cert in Data Science

Let's get learning

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