Data Science

Find the key to innovation, by analysing big data to predict future trends and inform industry decisions.

ATAR

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.

Credit

A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Outline

Outline

Data scientists collate and analyse large volumes of data and communicate their findings to a range of audiences. Their ability to use big data to predict future trends is becoming an essential part of decision making in business and government.

Data sets are being generated at an unprecedented rate and data availability will continue to increase. Every industry is using large volumes of data – from predicting weather patterns and optimising harvesting in agriculture, to improving patient diagnosis in the health industry, to enhancing the management of remote infrastructure in mining.

As a multidisciplinary major science, data science combines studies in computing, emerging internet technologies, media and statistics. You will gain a foundation in programming and statistics, which will form the basis of higher-level studies in data mining, data security and computer simulation.

Throughout the course, you'll build your capacity to extract, analyse and visualise large volumes of data, and communicate analytical outcomes to various audiences. You’ll graduate equipped to enter a range of industries where data science is key to innovation.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

See our handbook for more course information.

How this course will make you industry ready

Curtin's industry links enables this course to benefit from an industry advisory group providing guidance on course content. The advisory group comprises representatives from the resources sector, management consulting, data analytics services and spatial data product developers, and enterprises such as Optika Solutions and PwC.

What jobs can the Data Science course lead to?

Careers

• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Financial analyst
• Econometrician
• Bioinformatician

Industries

• Technology
• Business
• Banking and finance
• Mining and energy resources
• Agriculture and environment
• Supply chain logistics
• Geographic information science
• Media and communication
• Health
• Arts

Further study

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security
• Master of Science (Computer Science)
• Master of Predictive Analytics
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

What you'll learn

• have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in Data Science that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of Data Science, GC1
• can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to Data Science, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within Data Science, GC2
• understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in Data Science using digital technologies, GC3
• can gather and interpret relevant data within Data Science to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with Data Science, and how these impact upon the practice of Data Science, GC4
• understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of Data Science, GC5
• display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

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Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

Recently left high school

Work and life experience

TAFE or apprenticeship

Current or previous University experience

I’m not sure

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

• Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
• Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

• Guaranteed ATAR 70 This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 70
• Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Desirable WACE subjects

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

• UniReady If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
• Certificate IV + English Competency The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.
• STAT entry

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.