Graduate Certificate
in Data Science (Applied) Online
8 months part-time
GCDSA
Eligible for Fee-HELP. Learn more
Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Oct
Online
Course Overview
Learn fundamental data science skills while you keep working.
Take advantage of the freedom that 100% online study brings and learn on your terms, apply now in less than 15 minutes and graduate in less than a year.
Check out our data science certificate entry requirements and curriculum to start your journey towards becoming a versatile and highly employable data scientist.
Why study data science with us?
Hands-on training
Learn the latest R and Python tricks from leaders in the data science field.
Maximise potential
Obtain only the must-have skills to maximise your earning potential.
World-class education
A qualification from a top 1% university worldwide unlocks your future*.
Endless possibilities
Continue onto our masters program or finish with a graduate certificate. It’s your choice.
Workforce-ready
Learn all the fundamental data science skills in only eight months - while you keep working.
Expert help
Our expert tutors are dedicated to your success. Learn, grow, and develop your skills under their guidance.
Real-world languages and tools
Python
Known as a Swiss Army knife of the coding world, Python is the most popular and easy to use programming language that demands the highest salaries. You will learn Python programming in this program
R & RStudio
Our data certification will teach you to master the most powerful tools in R that will allow you to turn raw data into insights. Learn how to wrangle, analyse and visualise data using R in the course ‘Data taming, modelling, and visualisation’.
NumPy
NumPy is an important linear algebra library in Python that data science and machine learning packages depend on. During your online-date science program, you will become familiar with how to build multidimensional arrays and high-level mathematical functions throughout this program.
Pandas
Pandas is another Python software library used for data manipulation and analysis. Our postgraduate data science coursework covers how to explore, clean, transform, visualise and learning from data using Pandas.
Matplotlib
Matplotlib is used to create high-quality graphs, charts, and figures – an essential component of data science. Learn how to use Matplotlib in ‘Foundations of computer sciences – Python A’.
Flexible online learning for data science
Studying data science online gives you the freedom to study on your terms.
Six week teaching periods: Upskill faster by completing one data science subject every six weeks.
The University of Adelaide has partnered with Boundless Learning, a leading global learning company, to deliver this degree 100% online. The Partnership has been established to deliver the very best experience and learning outcomes to all our students. Students will be awarded a University of Adelaide qualification and this degree meets the University's highest quality standards.
*QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022.
What skills will I gain?
What skills will I gain?
At the completion of the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied), you will be able to:
- use data science technologies and best practices to inform organisational change
- use the principles of big data and data science analysis to solve real-world problems
- use best-practice techniques to provide context-aware data analysis, machine learning and optimisation
- understand the implications and issues involved in the social and ethical aspects of data science
- effectively articulate the significance of data using data analysis, presentation and visualisation techniques.
*QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022.
Meet our alumni:
'I've become highly visible at work because I can marry our business needs with the technical. I'm the glue.'
Nazzeef Nazri, MDS Online Student and Data & Analytics Manager.
What will my data science assignments be?
All assessments and coursework are 100% online. Types of assessments include:
- analysis
- case studies
- plans
- discussion board discussions
- practical projects
- quizzes.
Download the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied) brochure for more information.
Contact us now
Contact us now
Get your questions answered
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.
Data science career paths and opportunities
The tech giants like IBM, Amazon and Microsoft hire the most data scientists in the world. With access to massive volumes of data, they are well-placed to innovate AI, automation and machine learning to maintain their competitive advantage.
Insights from big data can lead to major financial benefits, revealing both untapped opportunities and hidden risks. Consultants and financial institutes hire data scientists to help serve clients, automate tasks and enhance cost efficiencies.
Data science jobs in the government sector are growing, as leaders continue to acknowledge the economic, environmental and social benefits that data can offer. Fraud detection, tax compliance, weather prediction, smart cities and intelligence all require specialist skills in data science.
Graduate Certificate in Data Science program information
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Data taming, modelling, and visualisation - DATA 7201OL
This data science course is a practical introduction to finding relationships in data using statistical methods and the principles of taming and tidying data. Throughout the six weeks, you will become familiar with:
- exploratory data analysis using R and RStudio
- relationships between variables
- data types
- transforming data
- principal component analysis
- fitting linear models
- prediction with linear models
- multiple linear regression
- categorical and quantitative predictors
- dealing with messy data
- real-world prediction using linear models.
One of the course’s core aims is to introduce R programming for data science applications through real-world case studies.
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Foundations of computer sciences – Python A - COMP SCI 7210OL
This computer science course will develop your coding and problem-solving skills with a focus on data science principles. You will learn algorithm design and programming concepts such as:
- data selection
- iteration and functional decomposition
- data abstraction and organisation.
You will complete this data science course with the confidence to apply fundamental software development skills including Python programming language, debugging, testing, and other fundamentals of programming practice.
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Applied data science - DATA 7202OL
An introduction to the role and application of data science in modern organisations and societies, this course includes processes for data collection, analysis, verification and validation. Case studies will be used to demonstrate current best practice and common pitfalls.
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Human and ethical factors in computer science - COMP SCI 7212OL
The way data scientists build models can have major real-life implications. Failing to proactively address ethical concerns can result in competitive, financial, and even legal risks to individuals, companies and institutions. Ethics is a growing concern in computing with questions arising from the collection and use of data, how algorithms interact with people and the expanding use of AI. In this course, you will learn the tools you need to reason about ethical questions and apply ethics in your work.
Learn how to reason through ethical dilemmas, where your responsibilities lie as a computer professional, and how to apply lessons from famous case studies to your workplace.
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Applied Data Science and Mathematics - MATHS 7203OL*
*Please note that students wanting to move onto the Master of Data Science who have not completed Mathematical Methods Level 2 (or equivalent) to Senior Secondary Certificate level will be required to complete Applied Data Science and Mathematics (MATHS 7203OL), instead of Applied Data Science. Your Enrolment Advisor will be able to advise on the best path for you depending on your background.
In this course you will be introduced to the role and application of data science in modern organisations and societies and the fundamental mathematical tools used by data scientists. The course includes processes for data collection, analysis, verification and validation. The mathematical tools include functions and graphs, basic concepts of calculus, probability and statistics.
Academic entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied), you will need to meet the following requirement:
A completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (7.0 GPA scale).
What kind of maths background do I need?
While there is no requirement to have a mathematical background to enter the Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied), it is important to have a solid grasp of core mathematical concepts if you wish to move onto the Master of Data Science (Applied) at a later stage. Students who would like the option to enrol into the Master of Data Science (Applied) and have not completed Mathematical Methods Level 2 (or equivalent) to Senior Secondary Certificate level are advised to complete Applied Data Science and Mathematics (MATHS 7203OL) in their first carousel, instead of Applied Data Science. In this course you will be introduced to the role and application of data science in modern organisations and societies and the fundamental mathematical tools used by data scientists.
Your Enrolment Advisor will be able to advise on the best path for you depending on your background.
English language requirements
In order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for our 100% online postgraduate programs, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English Language requirements.
Typically, if English is your first language you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You will also not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (visa status) or hold a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English-speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
To learn more, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information about these requirements, including acceptable English language tests.
We also recommend that you speak to an Enrolment Advisor to discuss options that are specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a call here.
What is the total cost?
The total cost of the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied) is $17,628 or $4,407 per course (2025 fees).
Find more information on fees for domestic students, including annual fees and fee increases, in the Fees (domestic students) section.
Is there FEE-HELP available?
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible for a HELP loan. You must also be enrolled in a postgraduate program with the University of Adelaide by the enrolment deadline (census), and have not reached the HELP loan limit. Once you have been offered a place in a University of Adelaide online program, you will be able to apply for a HELP loan as a part of the enrolment process. Please see our FAQs section for further details.
Get in touch
Get in touch
Our Expert Advisors are available
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.
Download a brochure now
Download a brochure now
Request a Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied) brochure to learn more about:
- the University of Adelaide
- instructor profiles
- pathway options
- online learning experience
- course content and learning outcomes
- assessments and more.
Apply now
Create an account to start your application
Applying for the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science is a quick and easy process. Find out if your application was successful in as soon as 2-5 days.
Want to better understand the application process?
Book a 1:1 call now with our enrolment advisors and we can walk you through the application process — from how to meet the entry requirements through to enrolling in your first subject.
