Graduate Diploma in Data Science

Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is a strong demand for data scientists.

This is expected to drive future growth in the data science workforce, with an annual growth rate of 2.4% between 2016-17 and 2021-22 (which is stronger than the 1.5% per annum growth forecast for the entire Australian labour force)1.

Vast volumes of data are generated every day around the globe.

The need to make sense of it has given rise to the revolutionary area of ‘Big Data’, and to a new career of ‘data scientist’.

Data scientists find patterns, making meaning and drawing value from the seeming chaos.

Taught by leading researchers you will learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends and to generate data management strategies.

This graduate diploma is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master).

Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification.

If you decide to exit this qualification having completed the first four courses you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Data Science.

If you finish this graduate diploma and want to do further study, consider going on to the Master of Data Science.

2Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work:

Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018

Entry requirements

Applicants to the Graduate Diploma in Data Science will normally have:

• A Bachelor degree in Information Technology, or in Mathematics from a recognised higher education institution; OR
• A completed Graduate Certificate in Data Science or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution

In the Graduate Diploma in Data Science you will learn current techniques in data science, and how to apply this knowledge professionally. You will develop:

• cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems in data science
• cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas
• specialised technical and creative skills in data science
• communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts
• communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

Research institutes and centres

UniSA is home to several research centres:

• Advanced Computing Research Centre
• Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
• Future Industries Institute
• Institute for Telecommunications Research
• Phenomics and Bioinformatics Research Centre

Your career

The field of data science is evolving at a rapid rate. It will continue to grow as savvy business leaders integrate analytics into every facet of their organisation. Analytics, science, data, and reasoning are becoming embedded into decision-making processes, every day and everywhere in the business world1. Careers to consider:

• data scientist: understanding interfaces, data migrations, big data and databases; taking the lead in processing raw data and determining the best types of analysis; mining large volumes of data to understand user behaviours and interactions; communicating data findings to IT leadership and business leaders to promote innovation
• big data visualiser: using visualisation software to analyse data, drawing implications and communicating findings; providing input on database requirements for reporting/analytics; acquiring, managing and documenting data (e.g. geo-spatial); creating visualisations from data or GIS data analysis
• business data analyst: working with stakeholders, analysts and senior management to understand business strategy and the questions that need to be asked; identifying research needs; designing experiments and making recommendations based on results; driving complex analytics projects to support the business
• information security analyst: reporting and producing recommendations to prevent security incidents; security control monitoring; implementing new security technology, methods and techniques; championing security best practice; reviewing systems for security disks and compliance issues
• data engineer: managing data workflows, pipelines, and ETL processes, preparing ‘big data’ infrastructure, working with data scientists and analysts
• machine learning analyst: building and implementing machine learning models, developing production software through systems in big data production pipeline, working with recommendation systems, developing customer analytics solutions

1 Deloitte analytics trends 2016

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

You will also benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:

• Workshops
• One-on-one mentoring
• Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
• Access to a global pool of expert advisers
• Small funding stipends
• Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons