The Harvard Business Review has labelled data science the "sexiest job of the 21st century".

We're creating more than 2.5 exabytes of data every day. Someone needs to make sense of it all.

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is an ideal starting point if you’re interested in joining this booming industry and don't have a background in computer science or statistics.

Your first step towards a new career

Through this course you’ll develop fundamental skills in both computer science and statistics, so you can keep pace with the rapidly changing demands of a data-driven job market – and world.

You’ll be shown how to use statistical tools, techniques and methods along with in-depth analysis and evaluation, learning to solve real-world problems in the data realm.

Option to transition into the Master of Data Science

When you successfully complete the Graduate Diploma, you can supercharge your qualification by enrolling in the Master of Data Science (subject to meeting the requirements).

You’ll receive course credit, meaning that you can complete both the Graduate Diploma and the Master of Data Science in just 2.5 years.

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is a 100-point course, made up of:

• Core statistics subjects (50 points)
• Core computer science subjects (50 points).

In the course, you'll cover:

• Statistical modelling and inference
• Algorithms, machine learning and data mining
• Database systems
• Using a range of methods to conduct analyses
• Reporting on analytical findings.

Tailoring the course to you

Your subjects will be tailored to you, depending on your previous academic background.

You'll be allocated to one of four streams (Engineering and Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or Commerce and Arts).

You will be automatically assessed for credit (advanced standing) during the selection process. If you've already studied some of the core subjects (or their equivalents), you may be granted exemptions. In these cases, you'll take additional subjects to yield 100 points in total (50 points of statistics subjects and 50 points of computer science subjects).

This course is the perfect preparation for the Master of Data Science.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Diploma with a weighted average mark of above 65%, you'll be eligible to apply for the Master of Data Science, receiving up to 50 credit points of advanced standing. This means that you can complete both the Graduate Diploma in Data Science and the Master of Data Science in just 2.5 years of study.

Career outcomes

Data science graduates go on to work as: data scientists and analysts, business intelligence analysts, software engineers, data infrastructure engineers, and statisticians.

Employers in this field include:

• Consulting firms such as EY, KPMG and Accenture
• Financial services companies including ANZ, CBA and NAB
• IT corporates such as IBM, Microsoft and Telstra
• Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have a broad education in the use of statistical and computational tools to make sense of big data. Additionally, you'll develop the following technical and professional skills:

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to engage with unfamiliar problems and identify relevant solution strategies
• Analytical skills: the ability to construct and express logical arguments and to work in abstract or general terms to increase the clarity and efficiency of analysis
• Time management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments
• Programming and computing skills: the ability to use statistical computing packages and implement algorithms.

To be considered for entry, you must have completed: An undergraduate degree in any discipline.

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.