University of Canberra

Graduate Certificate in Data Science

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Develop foundational data science skills in statistics, data analysis, preparation and visualisation through a 12-credit-point postgraduate qualification.

Course overview

The University of Canberra's Graduate Certificate in Data Science is a 12-credit-point postgraduate course designed to build foundational skills in working with data. Domestic students can study on campus or online, with the course completed in 0.5 years full-time or the part-time equivalent.

Build knowledge across statistics, data science, exploratory data analysis, visualisation and data preparation. Studies develop the ability to identify patterns and anomalies, interpret data and communicate findings to different audiences.

The course comprises four required units: Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Data Science, Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualisation and Data Capture and Preparations. Learning also considers the ethical and technological implications of data analysis and reporting.

Graduates can apply data science skills across industries including health, education, business and technology. Published career outcomes include data scientist, data engineer, data analyst and statistician. The qualification can also provide credit towards the University of Canberra's Master of Data Science and other postgraduate technology courses.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Intake
15th February, 2027
9th August, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must pass 12 credit points from the units listed below to complete the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Each unit is valued at three credit points.

Required

Students must pass 12 credit points as follows:

  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Introduction to Data Science
  • Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualisation
  • Data Capture and Preparations

Entry requirements

  • Applicants must have an Australian Bachelor's degree in any field or equivalent.

You can use professional experience and prior learning to enter into a postgraduate qualification at UC through their Professional Pathway Entry program. If you have significant work experience or hold industry-recognised qualifications, this program could be your route to bypass undergraduate study and accelerate your career.

Assumed knowledge

Year 12 mathematics and functional knowledge of using computer systems.

English language requirements

  • An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Develop specialised knowledge of data science principles, concepts, and tools.
  • Critically analyse and interpret mathematical and statistical data and other data science information to investigate and solve complex problems.
  • Evaluate and apply common programming, modelling, data management, data visualisation, and data mining tools as appropriate to the data, task and/or environment.
  • Communicate theoretical and technical data science concepts, information, and ideas to a variety of audiences using appropriate media.

Career outcomes

  • Data Scientist
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Statistician

Fees and CSP

Average full-course fee in 2027: From $18,516 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The average full-course fee is calculated based on a full-time study load of 48 credit points. The final student contribution may vary depending on the specialisation and units selected.

2027 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) unit fees include:

  • Standard 3-credit-point Mathematics or Statistics unit: $613
  • Standard 3-credit-point Computing or Science unit: $1,235
  • Standard 3-credit-point Economics or Commerce unit: $2,253

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas the units relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.