Graduate Certificate in Data Science

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science can:

1. Communicate specialised knowledge, concepts and skills to a variety of audiences in the field of data science.
2. Analyse and evaluate complex problems to generate creative solutions.
3. Demonstrate management skills by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating data science tasks.

This course is focused on establishing a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics and computer science/programming methods/tools that are central to data science.

Data Science is an inter-disciplinary field, drawing on mathematics, statistics, and computer science, that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. Data Science is a significant area of growth and potential employment in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. This course provides the necessary foundations in the disciplines of mathematics, statistics and computer science, and develops student knowledge and skills in some of the key tools and techniques relevant to data science.

Students who complete this course will be able to articulate directly into the second semester of the Master of Data Science course.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Programming Principles
• Biostatistics
• Mathematical Fundamentals

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Exit points

Students are required to complete 60 credit points.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $14,350

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

Explore ECU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any 

of the following:

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no 

individual band less than 6.0).

• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by 

ECU.

• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or 

higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years 

relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.

• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted 

by ECU.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options: 

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE. 

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)