Graduate Diploma in Data Science
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
Program Code
LGDS
SATAC Code
4GD100 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
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
Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is a strong demand for data scientists. This is expected to drive future growth in the data science workforce, with an annual growth rate of 2.4% between 2016-17 and 2021-22 (which is stronger than the 1.5% per annum growth forecast for the entire Australian labour force)1.
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.
Taught by leading researchers you will learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends and to generate data management strategies.
This graduate diploma 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 decide to exit this qualification having completed the first four courses you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. If you finish this graduate diploma and want to do further study, consider going on to 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.
2Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018
In the Graduate Diploma in Data Science you will learn current techniques in data science, and how to apply this knowledge professionally. You will develop:
With UniSA’s Graduate Diploma in Data Science you’ll develop current knowledge of data science techniques and research. It caters for students with a mathematics or an IT background, with courses tailored for both. You will learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends, and how to generate data management strategies. Your studies will also include courses in complex areas of data analytics such as:
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.
The field of data science 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:
1 Deloitte analytics trends 2016
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.
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
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.
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:
Dr Nick Fewster-Young is the Program Director of Data Science, and is active teaching in the discipline and statistics since he started here in 2016. He completed his PhD at University of New South Wales in 2014, and is still an active researcher in the field of Dynamical Systems, and statistics, in particular investigating real world applications in terms of mathematical formulations and providing understanding and the validity of the models in terms of qualitative and quantitative results. Real world applications in the fields of quantum physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical engineering and cancer research with several publications in high profiled international journals in the field of Dynamical Systems, and statistics relating to educational studies and learning in Higher Education.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.
Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.