Graduate Certificate in Data Science

Graduate Certificate in Data Science

POSTGRADUATE

Are you ready to become a highly knowledgeable data scientist?

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

Not applicable*

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$17,280 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Data science is an emerging area that drives economic growth, public policy and corporate strategy.

Data scientists manage large collections of data to extrapolate insights that benefit businesses and society.

As a data scientist, you'll work with many different programming languages, including R and Python, and will look for order and patterns in data. Using these trends, you'll influence a business' bottom-line using analytical techniques, such as machine learning, deep learning and text analysis. 

Gain practical skills that allow you to handle data through the analysis lifecycle, from access and processing to modelling and visualisation. Learn about fundamental statistical concepts and build on this with sampling and hypothesis testing methods. Using open source software, you’ll have the skills to turn complex, real-world data into meaningful information.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Data Science at RMIT?

Expert educators

Learn from professionals and academics who share their knowledge, research and experience.

Industry input

Learn with the assurance of our Industry Advisory Committee, who guarantee course material remains relevant and evolves according to sector needs.

Graduate job-ready

Acquire the professional skills and experience to build your career as a data scientist in a broad array of positions.

What's next for Tanyya

Find out what's next for Tanyya

Learn how Data Science student Tanyya turned a lifelong interest in patterns into an internship at ANZ, and what she loves about Melbourne.

Glasses and laptop on a desk

Study entirely online

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is also available via online delivery.

Find out more

Please note: this graduate certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

As a student of data science, you'll explore engaging subjects, including data theory and the latest processing tools from an industry perspective.

Upon completion of this course, you'll have a new set of practical skills applicable to roles in a range of fields.

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Learning and teaching

You'll learn about applied mathematical and statistical knowledge and methodologies, how to use critical analysis to solve a range of data science problems, analyse problems, use a range of communication skills to interpret data and insights and be able to reflect on your practice. 

Your learning involves a varied mix of study modes, such as project work, seminars, online and flexible learning. 

Assessment methods

Assessment in this course includes assignments and projects, reflective journals, assessed tutorials and presentations and self or peer assessment.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT Capabilities

The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.

As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.

The Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) for this course is made up of employers and industry professionals.

They ensure that the course content remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and the needs of graduate employers. The committee provides feedback on the course, the changing needs of industry, and provides input into the design of new courses.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate of Data Sciences comprises four core subjects.

In this certificate, you will explore Python and its uses with data science, applied analytics, and data wrangling, visualisation and communication.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Program code: GC173
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
GC173
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
Plan code
GC173
CRICOS
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC173OX
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC173OX
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Excellent opportunities exist for graduates. You may be qualified for roles such as: 

  • Analytics specialist
  • Business intelligence analyst
  • Business intelligence development
  • Data analyst or architect
  • Data engineer, miner or scientist
  • Web analyst
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RMIT has enduring links with the information and communications technology industry, both within Australia and internationally. Our Industry Advisory Committee is made up of employers and industry professionals, who have contributed to the development and ongoing improvement to the course content. Their participation means the course is relevant to your needs as a graduate so you can best fit into the job market. Industry contributes to our seminars, marketing events, industry awards and scholarships.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent

OR

  • you may also be considered if you have a minimum five years (full-time equivalent) of work experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent

OR

  • you may also be considered if you have a minimum five years (full-time equivalent) of work experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Learn more about RMIT undergraduate programs

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Find out if you might be eligible

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science can continue their studies in the Master of Data Science or the Master of Analytics and receive full credit for their completed studies.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$17,280* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships
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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Explore scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information