Course overview

With every click, swipe, search, share and stream data is created. The rate of data generation is phenomenal and its sheer volume and complexity gives rise to considerable opportunity as businesses strive to harness the power of big data to remain competitive. Throughout the Bachelor of Data Science you will explore the entire lifecycle of data to develop a deep understanding of how information is created, gathered, processed, analysed and used to generate insights and inform strategic decisions.

This course provides you with an opportunity to propel yourself into the thriving field of data science. You will study innovative course content covering the latest data science trends, insights and emerging topics to ensure 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 as part of studies and to work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges using real-world data sets as part of a capstone project in your final year. These genuine learning opportunities enable you to deepen your knowledge, 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’ll also have the opportunity to undertake minor studies in a topic of your choosing.

Course structure

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

• Seventeen (17) credit points of core units
• 3 credit points of Data Science capstone units
• And one of:
  • A minor (4 credit points) OR
  • Four elective units (4 credit points)
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• level 1 - maximum of 10 credit points
• levels 2 and 3 - minimum of 14 credit points over both levels

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.

Additional course information

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the School of Information Technology's website.

Course duration - additional information

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

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 where you will be required to undertake a minimum of 100 hours in industry, providing professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Alternatively, high achieving students may have the opportunity to undertake an extended full-time paid industry-based learning placement

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

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Entry pathways

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.

Careers

Career outcomes

Skilled data professionals are in high demand as organisations increasingly rely on skilled specialists to unlock hidden patterns in big data to provide meaningful insights to make better-informed 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 what industry or sector you choose to find employment, you could be optimising digital marketing campaigns, develop new and innovative products and services, predict customer sales patterns, or increase productivity in areas such as sales or supply chain management.