Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Data Science, an applicant must:
- hold a Bachelor degree in Information Technology, or in Mathematics from a recognised higher education institution OR
- have a minimum of three years professional experience.
Applicants with a Bachelor degree from fields other than Information Technology or Mathematics, plus a minimum of 1 years professional experience, are also encouraged to apply and will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Degree overview
- Study at the No.1 university in SA for I.T. facilities1 and learning resources in I.T.2.
- Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is an increase in demand for data science skills3.
- Learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends, and to generate data management strategies.
- Complete coursework designed with industry including the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia and one of the leaders in business analytics software – SAS.
- On-campus and online study options available.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
3Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018
Snapshot
Take your career journey into the revolutionary field of big data.
There’s currently high demand for data scientists1, and this graduate certificate will prepare you for the workplace, or to study towards a master degree.
Vast volumes of data are generated every day around the globe. The need to make sense of it has given rise to the revolutionary area of ‘Big Data’, and to a new career of ‘data scientist’. Data scientists find patterns, making meaning and drawing value from the seeming chaos.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification.
If you finish this graduate certificate and want to do further study, consider going on to the Graduate Diploma in Data Science or the Master of Data Science.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
1Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018
What you'll learn
In the Graduate Certificate in Data Science you will gain an understanding of core concepts in information technology and statistics. You will develop:
- cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems in data science
- cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas
- specialised technical and creative skills in data science
- communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts
- communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- continuous assessment
- assignments
- examinations
- practicals
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Data Science
UniSA’s Graduate Certificate in Data Science gives you current knowledge of data science techniques and research. It caters for students with a mathematics or an IT background, with courses tailored for both.
Taught by leading researchers you will learn to analyse and solve complex problems involving large volumes of data. You will also develop specialised technical skills in generating statistics and manipulating large databases. You will develop skills in data and statistics through courses such as:
- Big Data Basics
- Relational Databases and Warehouses; or Business Intelligence and Analysis (students with a mathematics background)
- Statistical Programming for Data Science
- Statistics for Data Science
- Probabilities and Data (students with an IT background)
This qualification can be studied on-campus, online or a combination of both. Once you have been accepted into the program you can select your mode of study.
Real-world connections
Research institutes and centres
UniSA is home to several research institutes, concentrations and centres including:
- Future Industries Institute
- Industrial AI
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
All have industry-standard facilities, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Services, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Study at UniSA
Hear from Master of Data Science student, Richard Shanahan
Your career
The field of data science field is evolving at a rapid rate. It will continue to grow as savvy business leaders integrate analytics into every facet of their organisation. Analytics, science, data, and reasoning are becoming embedded into decision-making processes, every day and everywhere in the business world1.
Careers to consider:
- data scientist: understanding interfaces, data migrations, big data and databases; taking the lead in processing raw data and determining the best types of analysis; mining large volumes of data to understand user behaviours and interactions; communicating data findings to IT leadership and business leaders to promote innovation
- big data visualiser: using visualisation software to analyse data, drawing implications and communicating findings; providing input on database requirements for reporting/analytics; acquiring, managing and documenting data (e.g. geo-spatial); creating visualisations from data or GIS data analysis
- business data analyst: working with stakeholders, analysts and senior management to understand business strategy and the questions that need to be asked; identifying research needs; designing experiments and making recommendations based on results; driving complex analytics projects to support the business
- information security analyst: reporting and recommendations to prevent security incidents; security control monitoring; implementing new security technology, methods and techniques; championing security best practice; reviewing systems for security risks and compliance issues
- data engineer: managing data workflows, pipelines, and ETL processes, preparing ‘big data’ infrastructure, working with data scientists and analysts
- machine learning analyst: building and implementing machine learning models, developing production software through systems in big data production pipeline, working with recommendation systems, developing customer analytics solutions
1Deloitte analytics trends 2016
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will also benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:
- Workshops
- One-on-one mentoring
- Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
- Access to a global pool of expert advisers
- Small funding stipends
- Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons
Your program director
I am the Program Director for Master of Data Science and a lecturer at the University of South Australia. My research interests and experience include quantitative finance, financial risk management and environmental modelling.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
It's only early days in my professional career, but already the skills I developed through my coursework have given me an edge in my current role. I really enjoyed the exposure to the 'nuts and bolts' of Data Science techniques with my study, from crafting machine learning algorithms by hand, to working with industry on real world problems with advanced technology stacks.
Richard Shanahan
Master of Data Science
