Why Study / Key Benefits

The Graduate Certificate of Data Science is designed for graduates who want to expand their knowledge of computer science and data analytics. The course focuses on managing, interpreting and visualising datasets and includes project-based learning.

Key benefits include:

• Develop foundational practical skills in data preparation, visualisation and data analysis.
• Learn how to work with big data and data-management technologies.
• Develop programming and application-development knowledge.
• Gain exposure to cloud engineering.
• Learn how data can support data-driven decision-making.
• Complete a technology design project.
• Study advanced threats involving AI and data security.
• Use the qualification as the first stage of Swinburne's nested Master of Data Science pathway.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme contains 100 credit points made up entirely of eight core units.

The current core units are:

1. Creating Web Applications – COS60004 – 12.5 credit points
2. Introduction to Data Science – COS60008 – 12.5 credit points
3. Data Management for the Big Data Age – COS60009 – 12.5 credit points
4. Technology Design Project – COS60011 – 12.5 credit points
5. Programming Principles and Practices – COS60018 – 12.5 credit points
6. Cloud Engineering – COS80001 – 12.5 credit points
7. Data Visualisation – COS80025 – 12.5 credit points
8. Advanced Threats in AI and Data Security – CYB70006 – 12.5 credit points.

The curriculum therefore covers:

• Data science fundamentals
• Data preparation and management
• Big data
• Data visualisation
• Programming
• Web application development
• Cloud engineering
• Technology design and project work
• AI and data security
• Practical data analysis.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Graduate Certificate of Data Science does not have separately named specialisations.

Its principal disciplinary areas are:

• Data Science
• Data Analytics
• Computer Science
• Big Data
• Data Visualisation
• Programming
• Cloud Engineering
• AI and Data Security.

Programme Highlights

• 12-month postgraduate qualification.
• 100 credit points.
• Eight core units.
• No separate specialisation requirement.
• Practical focus on data preparation, management, interpretation and visualisation.
• Programming and web application development.
• Cloud engineering.
• Big-data management.
• AI and data-security content.
• Project-based technology design learning.
• Nested pathway into the Master of Data Science.
• CRICOS registered for international students under CRICOS code 099118A.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne specifically identifies the following potential career outcomes:

• Data engineer
• Junior data scientist
• Junior data analyst

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Course code: GC-DATASC.
• CRICOS code: 099118A.
• Current published 2027 starts: 1 March 2027 and 2 August 2027.
• Current application deadlines: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027.
• Current campus: Hawthorn.
• International Student visa holders in Australia must study full-time and on campus.
• The programme can lead into Swinburne's Master of Data Science through the nested programme structure.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed case by case.
• Meeting minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant visa is the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Enrol in an eligible registered course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity if required by the Department.
• Comply with all Student visa conditions.

For this programme, Swinburne states that international students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.

Work rights:

• Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
• The unlimited-work exception for master's by research and doctoral students does not apply to this Graduate Certificate.
• Students can generally work unlimited hours when their course is not in session, subject to their visa conditions.