Graduate Diploma in Data Science (Online)

Duration

As little as 16 months

Courses

8 courses

Study intakes

January, March, May, July, September and October

Study mode

100% Online

Program code

5646

Completion time dependent on individual study path, RPL, leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.

What you will study

UNSW’s Graduate Diploma in Data Science program is comprised of five core courses, plus the choice of three electives.

 

 

Career pathways 

Whether you’re upskilling or looking to enhance your career, the online Graduate Diploma in Data Science will give you foundational data science skills essential to decision-making in the modern business world.  

Download your program guide to find out more about how the Graduate Diploma in Data Science can help you enhance your career and shape the future through innovation and strategic decision making.  

Download guide

 

 

As a graduate of the online Graduate Diploma in Data Science from UNSW, you may progress into roles such as:

 

The UNSW Online experience

We are here to support you, every step of the way, to graduate from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment has been designed to seamlessly fit into your already busy schedule and you’ll be able to access course resources on any device, at any time.

We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments.

Our academics are some of the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you can expect your learning experience to be the same high standard as that of our on-campus students.

Throughout your study journey, you will be able to turn to your Student Success Advisor, who is committed to assisting you from enrolment through to graduation. They are on-hand for all non-academic queries by phone or email.

You will also have access to Career Success – a curated, self-paced module that provides a framework for thinking about and taking action to implement an effective career plan. Through Career Success, you will have access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach, and guides on crafting the perfect LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter.

Core courses
  • Foundations of Data Science
  • Principles of Programming
  • Statistical Inference for Data Scientists
  • Regression Analysis for Data Scientists
  • Data Mining and Machine Learning

 

 

 

 

Elective courses

Plus, choose three available elective courses, ensuring pre-requisites are met and courses are available:

  • Big Data Management  
  • Data Visualisation and Communication  
  • Multivariate Analysis for Data Scientists  
  • Neural Networks, Deep Learning  
  • Decision Making in Analytics  
  • Data and Ethics
  • Bayesian Inference and Computation
  • Database Systems
  • Strategic Decision Making
PREREQUISITE COURSES
  • Principles of Programming is a prerequisite for Data Mining & Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Deep Learning & Big Data Management.
  • Foundations of Data Science is a prerequisite for Regression Analysis for Data Scientists, Data Visualisation and Communication & Multivariate Analysis for Data Scientists and Decision Making in Analytics. 
  • Statistical Inference for Data Scientists is a prerequisite for Regression Analysis for Data Scientists & Multivariate Analysis for Data Scientists.

Entry requirements

General admission requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Data Science, you must have either:

  1. Completed the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (7446) with a WAM of 65 or higher OR 
  2. Completed an undergraduate degree in data science or cognate discipline (e.g., computer science, economics, mathematics, statistics) AND have sufficient data science background as indicated by an average mark of 70 or above across a minimum of three Level III courses in mathematics and/or statistics and/or computer science and/or econometrics, OR
  3. Completed a degree in a non-cognate discipline AND have sufficient data science background as indicated by at least five years of experience in a data science or data analytics role.

Advanced standing or exemption can be granted in the program for cases where core courses were completed in a prior program.

Enquire now Apply now

 

 

 

Related program

Prefer less statistics, machine learning and programming? Perhaps the Graduate Diploma in Analytics is for you.

Learn more

 

Frequently asked questions

What can I do with a Graduate Diploma in Data Science online from UNSW?

With a Graduate Diploma in Data Science from UNSW Online, you’ll gain industry-demanded foundational skills in data science, including statistical inference, data visualisation, data storytelling, programming and decision-making. This program not only equips you to make strategic, data-driven decisions in modern business environments, but also offers a fast-tracked pathway to a Master of Data Science. Designed for flexibility, it allows you to upskill or pivot your career while studying 100% online, supported by world-class academics and tailored career resources.

What is the difference between the Graduate Diploma and the Master of Data Science online?

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science consists of eight courses, including five core subjects and three electives, and can be completed in as little as 16 months. It provides foundation skills and serves as a fast-tracked pathway to the Master of Data Science. The Master’s program, on the other hand, includes additional advanced courses, offering a more comprehensive exploration of data science, making it ideal for those seeking deeper expertise and broader career opportunities.

Can I enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Data Science online without a background in data science?

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Data Science, you must have either:

  1. Completed the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (7446) with a WAM of 65 or higher OR
  2. Completed an undergraduate degree in data science or cognate discipline (e.g., computer science, economics, mathematics, statistics) AND have sufficient data science background as indicated by an average mark of 70 or above across a minimum of three Level III courses in mathematics and/or statistics and/or computer science and/or econometrics, OR
  3. Completed a degree in a non-cognate discipline AND have sufficient data science background as indicated by at least five years of experience in a data science or data analytics role.
How long does it take to complete the Graduate Diploma in Data Science online?

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is designed for flexibility, with six study blocks, or hexamesters, offered per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks, with orientation time beforehand, allowing you to focus on one course per block. This 100% online program consists of eight courses and can be completed in as little as 16 months, part-time (15 - 20 hours a week study commitment). Completion time may vary based on your study path, recognition of prior learning (RPL) and course availability.

What courses are included in the Graduate Diploma in Data Science online?

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science includes five core courses: Foundations of Data Science, Principles of Programming, Statistical Inference for Data Scientists, Regression Analysis for Data Scientists and Data Mining and Machine Learning.

In addition, you’ll select three electives from options such as Big Data Management, Data Visualisation and Communication, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, Strategic Decision Making and more, depending on prerequisites and course availability.

This combination ensures a comprehensive and customisable learning experience.

Is the Graduate Diploma in Data Science online a pathway into the Master of Data Science online?

Yes, the Graduate Diploma in Data Science serves as an articulation pathway to the UNSW Master of Data Science online. By continuing your studies, you can apply credit from the courses completed in the diploma towards your master’s degree and further deepen your expertise in data science. Students require a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or higher in order to articulate.

What support will I receive while studying online?

As a UNSW Online student, you’ll receive comprehensive online student support, including personalised guidance from a dedicated Student Success Advisor. You’ll also gain access to the UNSW Career Success platform with exclusive tools including resume builders, LinkedIn optimisation, Career AI and CaseCoach. You will also have access to academic facilitators and wellness services, and be provided with online opportunities to network with peers and UNSW staff, ensuring a successful and enriching learning experience.

Can a data science major become a software engineer?

Yes, a data science major can transition into a software engineering role, particularly if they hold a strong foundation in programming, algorithms and data systems. The Graduate Diploma in Data Science at UNSW equips you with these in-demand skills, including proficiency in tools like Python, SQL and R, as well as experience in developing algorithms and working with data infrastructure. These capabilities not only prepare you for software engineering roles, but also open pathways to roles such as data engineer or machine learning engineer.

What does data science do?

Data science focuses on collecting, analysing and interpreting large datasets to solve complex problems and enable informed decision-making. Through the Graduate Diploma in Data Science online at UNSW, you’ll gain practical skills in programming, statistics, machine learning and data visualisation, equipping you to tackle real-world challenges across industries like finance, healthcare, technology and marketing. With the growing demand for professionals who can transform data into actionable insights, data science offers a dynamic and future-ready career path.