Graduate Diploma of Data Science

2024 Deakin University Handbook

Year

2024 course information

Award granted Graduate Diploma of Data Science
Deakin course codeS677
Faculty

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
OnlineYes
Duration

2 years part-time

Course Map - enrolment planning tool

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2024.

This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2024.

Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin Online programs.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Modern organisations are placing increasing emphasis on the use of data to inform day-to-day operations and long-term strategic decisions, resulting in high demand for data scientists. This course equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to meet this demand and excel an area of high job growth.

The Graduate Diploma of Data Science covers modern data science concepts, statistical data analysis, descriptive analytics and machine learning to equip you with the theory, methodologies, techniques and tools of modern data science. Through this course, you will develop the ability to confidently work with any type of data, to identify trends, make predictions, draw conclusions, drive innovations, make decisions and share information that influences people. This course gives you essential skills in data analytics, enabling you to discover insights and support decision-making across a range of industries.

Indicative student workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course are prepared for professional employment across all sectors as data science specialists. Professionals with a solid knowledge in data science and strong skills for analysing and interpreting data in today's data-rich economy are in high demand and may find careers as data analysts, data scientists, analytics programmers, analytics managers, analytics consultants, business analysts, management advisors, management analysts, business advisors and strategists, marketing managers, market research analysts and marketing specialists.

Participation requirements

Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Pathways

Further study options:

Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Data Science, you could use the credit points you’ve earned to enter into further study, including:

Alternative exits

Graduate Certificate of Data Analytics (S576)

Fees and charges

The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.

One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes

Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

Develop specialised knowledge of data analytics concepts and technologies to solutions based on specifications and user requirements.

Communication

Communicate data analytical solutions as appropriate to the context to inform, motivate and effect change utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.

Digital literacy

Use digital media to locate, collect and evaluate information from technical channels and apply information to design approaches and solutions that meet user requirements.

Critical thinking

Use the frameworks of logical and analytical thinking to evaluate data analytics information, technical problems and user requirements, and develop approaches to identify solutions.

Problem solving

Design solutions for automating data analysis processes by investigating technical and business problems; design and propose alternative solutions that improve services and user experiences.

Self-management

Demonstrate the ability to work in a professional manner, learn autonomously and responsibly in order to identify and meet development needs.

Global citizenship

Engage in professional and ethical behaviour in the design of data analytics systems, in a global context, in collaboration with diverse communities and cultures.

Approved by Faculty Board 27 June 2019

Course rules

To complete the Graduate Diploma of Data Science students must attain 8 credit points.

The course is structured in two parts:

  • Part a: Fundamental Data Analytics Studies (4 credit points)
  • Part b: Core Data Science Studies (4 credit points)
  • DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit).

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit for Part a.

Course structure

Core

Mandatory unit for all entry levels

DAI001Academic Integrity Module (0 credit points)

Part A: Fundamental Data Analytics Studies

SIT718Real World Analytics

SIT731Data Wrangling

SIT787Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence

Plus one level 7 SIT or MIS coded unit#

Part B: Core Data Science Studies

SIT720Machine Learning

SIT741Statistical Data Analysis

SIT742Modern Data Science

Plus one level 7 SIT or MIS coded unit#

# Excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773, SIT774

Other course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Further information

Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.