Data science courses

A data science course brings together elements of several disciplines, including mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering.  

The exact topics you’ll study will vary depending on your data science course, but may include:  

• Big data management 

• Machine learning and AI  

• Data mining 

• Programming languages  

• Statistics 

• Big data visualisation

Almost all industries need data scientists to guide their decision making, but there is a shortage of qualified candidates in Australia. You will likely find plenty of job opportunities after graduating from your data science course.  

Your earning potential will also be high, with data experts attracting an average salary of $93,000 to $120,000 a year.  

You’ll enjoy studying data science if you have an analytical mind, a strong attention to detail, and a passion for solving problems.

Data science is a broad discipline that includes aspects of mathematics, statistics, and software engineering.  

Data analytics is a task that sits within this discipline and refers specifically to the act of extracting information from datasets.  

If you work as a data scientist, you might do data analysis as part of your job, alongside other tasks such as building statistical models and algorithms. Or you might find work specifically as a data analyst, in which case your role will be narrower in focus.

It varies, so be sure to read the entry requirements on each course page for more information.   

If you only want to upskill in a specific area, consider enrolling in a single subject in data science. These are open to everyone and have no entry requirements.  

To get advice about your eligibility for an online data science course, book a chat with an Open Universities Australia student advisor.

With the right qualification, you could pursue work as a: 

• Data scientist  

• Data engineer 

• Machine learning engineer 

• Data architect  

• Software engineer 

• Business analyst  

• Data modeler

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

• Browse the options on this page.

• Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.

• Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.

2. Start your enrolment

• When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

• Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

• You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

  • Proof of identity

  • Your tax file number

  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI)

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

If you’re generally interested in data or information technology but not quite sure what course to choose, you may like to explore these other, related study areas: