Graduate Certificate in Data Science

You will produce evidence-based visualisations of data to inform leadership decisions and organisational initiatives. You will also demonstrate advanced ICT strategies to analyse business practices and system functionality to optimise business performance. The analytical skills you develop will help you evaluate business practices and investment strategies to solve complex problems in business improvement projects. Graduates of this course have the ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets to produce clear, evidence-based conclusions that support organisational decision-making and optimise business performance. Through hands-on and practical learning, you will also build ethical judgment, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to data-informed projects.

Skills and tools in this course:

1. Data visualisation.
2. Reflect on social and ethical data science issues, including how these relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
3. Business analysis expertise.
4. Employ appropriate data science methods to derive insights from data.
5. Data-driven decision-making.
6. Communicate professionally in oral and written form.

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science gives you the skills to turn data into insight and make decisions that drive organisational impact. Designed for professionals looking to enter or pivot into the data science field, this course covers core topics such as data mining, modelling and visualisation, helping you clearly communicate insights.

You will gain hands-on experience with industry tools like SQL, Tableau and Jupyter Notebook, building practical skills that make you job-ready by graduation.

Delivered in a fully online context over six months, this course offers flexible entry pathways and prepares you for roles in data analysis and decision support. Graduates can also continue into the Master of Information Technology with credit for completed units, giving them the opportunity to advance their career further.

Recommended study pattern

You must complete a total of 48 credit points. 

Core units

Introduction to Data Science (IFQ509)

Core option

Choose one of the following

Programming Fundamentals (IFQ581)

Rapid Web Development with Databases (IFQ582)

Data Science Option Unit

Choose one of the following

Data Analytics for Strategic Decision-Makers (IFQ619)

Introduction to Statistics for Data Science (MXQ500)

Foundational Data Science Option Units

Choose one of the following

Machine Learning (IFQ580)

Programming Fundamentals (IFQ581)

Rapid Web Development with Databases (IFQ582)

Systems Innovation and Design (IFQ585)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science, students must complete a total of 48 credit points.

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

Indicative total fee $4,500

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.

QUT Online is a leading Australian university known for practical, real-world learning, strong industry connections, and global recognition. QUT equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make an impact in their careers and communities. Wherever you are, through Open Universities Australia, you can study flexible online programs. You’ll earn a respected qualification, gain career-ready skills, and benefit from a university experience that combines academic excellence with practical, real-world applications.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

15

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

12

• A completed bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline; or
• A completed diploma (or higher qualification) in any discipline and two years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience as an analyst and/or in the information technology field; or
• Five years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience as an analyst and/or in the information technology field.

Five years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience as an analyst and/or in the information technology field.