Bachelor of Data Science

Undergraduate degree

Prepare for a thriving career in data science. Learn how information is created, processed and analysed to generate insights and inform strategic decisions.

Burwood

65.8 ATAR lowest selection rank ?

Student access and equity

60 Deakin guaranteed ATAR ?

Check if you are eligible and how to apply

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Online

NP ATAR lowest selection rank ?

Student access and equity

60 Deakin guaranteed ATAR ?

Check if you are eligible and how to apply

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Course overview

Propel yourself into a thriving field with Deakin's Bachelor of Data Science.

With every click, swipe, search, share and stream data is created at a phenomenal rate. Its volume and complexity give rise to considerable opportunities as businesses strive to harness the power of big data to remain competitive. Throughout this course you will explore the entire lifecycle of data. You will develop a deep understanding of how information is created, gathered, processed, and analysed as well as how it is used to generate insights and inform strategic decisions.

You will study innovative course content covering the latest data science trends and insights. This ensures you graduate with a specialist, technical and highly relevant skill set that is sought after by employers across the globe. Explore different analytical methods, tools and techniques as you learn key concepts and deep dive into advanced topics in machine learning, AI and predictive analytics.

Want to hone your analytical skills for a rewarding career in data science?

Designed in collaboration with industry, the Bachelor of Data Science gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You’ll explore fundamental concepts across maths, stats and programming at the beginning of the course, before diving into more advanced topics in data wrangling, capture and mining; machine learning; deep learning and AI. You’ll also have opportunities to undertake a professional placement and to work in teams with an industry partner, tackling authentic business challenges using real-world data sets as part of a capstone project in your final year. These real-world learning opportunities enable you to deepen your knowledge as well as your technical and problem-solving skills building your preparedness to enter the workforce and hit the ground running.

To differentiate your studies and focus your career towards the area that interests you most, you will also have the opportunity to undertake minor studies in a topic of your choosing.

Read More

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Data Science
Year

2025 course information

VTAC code
1400511361 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400611361 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
9190110532 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
S379
CRICOS code?
109274B Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Data Science, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • 17 credit points of core units
  • 3 credit points of data science capstone units
  • and one of:
    • a minor (4 credit points) OR
    • four open elective units (4 credit points)
  • maximum 10 credit points at level 1
  • minimum 6 credit points at level 3.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

17

Core units

3

Capstone units

4

Minor/Elective units

24

Total

Core

Year 1 - Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Safety Induction Program (0 credit points)
  • Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points)
  • Computer Systems
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Year 1 - Trimester 2

  • Database Fundamentals
  • Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Object-Oriented Development
  • Linear Algebra for Data Analysis

  • Year 2 - Trimester 1

  • Computer Networks and Communication
  • Data Wrangling
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

    Year 2 - Trimester 2

  • Professional Practice in Information Technology #
  • Feature Generation and Engineering
  • Data Capture Technologies
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)


    Year 3 - Trimester 1

  • Natural Language Processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

    Year 3 - Trimester 2

  • Deep Learning
  • Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)

    Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:

  • Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^
  • IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+
  • OR

  • Professional Practice (2 credit points)^+
  • ^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2 and Trimester 3

    # Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)

    + Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology.

    It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above.  Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.

    Electives

    Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. You may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).

    Minor sequences

    Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Equipment requirements

    The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.

    Course duration

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

    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.

    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.

    Participation requirements

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    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.

    Work experience

    This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.

    Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

    For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

    Academic requirements

    Current or recent secondary education

    If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    Year 12 prerequisite subjects

    • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL

    ATAR

    • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

    Higher education

    If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

    Vocational education

    If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

    • completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
    • at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

    Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
    • IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 30 in any English, any Information Technology or any Mathematics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $8,185 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. 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 on our Current students fees website.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Data Science with our pathways finder.

    Further study options

    The Bachelor of Data Science and Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) may be used as further study pathways into a postgraduate preservice teaching qualification through the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching and the Master of Teaching, which has options for Primary and Secondary teaching.

    A Bachelor of Data Science may also lead to a Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) or Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) in order to pursue a research pathway to Higher Degree by Research.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Data professionals are in high demand as organisations increasingly rely on skilled specialists to unlock hidden patterns in big data. This provides meaningful insights that inform decisions, drive business growth and increase their strategic advantage in the competitive business world.

    No longer found solely amongst the big tech giants, data analysts are needed across every industry, opening a world of opportunities for your career.

    As a graduate, you will have the skills, knowledge and industry connections to build a varied and sustainable career as a data analyst, data scientist, business strategist, data engineer, data architect, data visualisation specialist, information analyst or reporting analyst in the public and private sectors. Depending on your chosen industry or sector, you could be optimising digital marketing campaigns, developing new and innovative products and services, predicting customer sales patterns, or increasing productivity in areas such as sales or supply chain management.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities Develop a broad and coherent knowledge of data science, with detailed knowledge of the data analytics principles and approaches and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice.

    Communication

    Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through data science, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.

    Digital literacy

    Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of data science to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions.

    Critical thinking

    Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of data science.

    Problem solving

    Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from data science to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems.

    Self-management

    Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of data science with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.

    Teamwork

    Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from data science to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions.

    Global citizenship

    Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of data science, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures.