Study Data Science

The data science industry is constantly evolving, and the specialised knowledge is used around the world every day. Understanding data is vital to the success of any business and the science behind various data sets plays an important part in decision making through evidence-based research.

If you’re interested in updating your skills and staying on top of an ever-changing industry, the Graduate Certificate in Data Science will help you get there.

Equip yourself with the essential professional skills and knowledge to understand and engage with a variety of data generated from diverse industries and settings.

Your studies will focus on the latest industry developments, and you will acquire an understanding of data science. From foundational skills in data processing and visualisation to the construction of intricate descriptive and predictive models, you will acquire the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of this field.

Why study with us?

  • Keep up with a fast-paced industry - 75% of the fastest growing occupations require Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills.
  • Learn from some of the best in the field – our data science experts are specialists in fields such as science, mathematics, statistics, engineering and information technology. These experts will challenge you and help you build on your skills, so you can take on more senior roles in the data science industry.
  • Expand your career opportunities – apply the practical skills and knowledge that you gain during your studies to specialise in your current workplace, or up-skill to progress in your career path.
  • Further study options - seamlessly transition from the Graduate Certificate into the Master of Data Science.
  • 89.4% of our students find employment within four months of graduating. *Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-2022 - Postgraduate Science and Mathematics

Graduate Certificate in Data Science professional student at computer

$2346 Median advertised weekly income ? for Data Scientist positions
19.3% Projected employment growth ? for Data Science by 2033

What you will study

A Graduate Certificate in Data Science from the University of Newcastle will provide you with the specialised skills to extract and communicate information from data.  If you’re already a data scientist, or working in a related industry, this program will expand your practical skills and give you knowledge of the latest developments in the industry.

Your studies will incorporate understanding and analysing Big Data through statistical learning, classification, and dimension reduction methods to utilise the critical information within these enormous amounts of data.

Bringing together several key theories and technologies used in manipulating, storing, and analysing big data, you’ll also focus on visual explorations through formal analytical testing, modelling, and data mining methods.

While data exploration is important, scientific interrogation and evidence-based decision-making is critical. You’ll also learn to model real-world situations, think abstractly and manipulate, analyse, interpret, visualise and effectively communicate data.

You’ll focus on the following areas:

  • Data Wrangling and Visualisation
  • The Science of Data Interrogation
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Big Data

Analytical thinking and innovation, critical thinking and analysis, technology use, monitoring and control, technology design and programming and reasoning, problem-solving and ideation are all embedded within this degree, and are skills that have been identified as being in demand and emerging according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Certificate in Data Science might look like.

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Career

Career opportunities

After being coined the sexiest job of the 21st century, the growth in the interest around these types of roles is driven by the enormous job potential within this field.

Be at the forefront of an emerging field where companies are recognising the importance of the value of data and how this can be integrated into business strategy. This program offers a gateway to a world of diverse opportunities where you can leverage your expertise to drive innovation, make data-driven decisions, and propel organisations towards success in the data-driven era.

Expand your career options to take on roles like:

  • Big Data Specialist
  • Data Scientist
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Architect
  • Data and Insights Expert
  • GIS Specialist
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Researcher
  • Software Engineer

These are all emerging roles which have been identified as being in high demand in Australia according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020.

Application info

Applying for Graduate Certificate in Data Science

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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Admission to the program will be available for applicants who have

  • An AQF level 7 Bachelor degree or higher tertiary qualification OR
  • An AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a cognate area plus a minimum of one year relevant experience, OR
  • An AQF Level 5 Diploma in a cognate area plus a minimum of two years relevant experience, OR
  • At least 5 years relevant professional experience

To be considered for admission based wholly or partly on professional experience, applicants must be able to demonstrate that their professional experience involves accessing/analysing/interpreting data.

A background in Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Psychology, Computer Science, Health, Statistics and/or related field.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates