Join a rapidly expanding field and take steps toward a career as a data scientist.
AU$38,400 (2024 annual)
Build in-demand skills, choose your area of study and follow your passion in the emerging and expansive field of data science.
RMIT's Bachelor of Data Science will develop skills in data analytics, statistics, computer science, machine learning, programming, mathematics, and data wrangling that will enable you to be central to business decision-making, corporate strategy and government planning.
You will gain strong problem-solving skills, and learn how to effectively communicate your work to technical and non-technical audiences, work independently or as a team, and factor in relevant standards, ethical and legal considerations to your projects.
Using cutting-edge technologies, you will learn how to analyse and manage large amounts of data from various sources and evaluate their insights and solutions. You will gain hands-on experience using Python and R programming languages.
Personalise your degree to suit your career aspirations, selecting from a wide range of majors and minors. Major in advanced data science, cyber security or enterprise systems. Specialise in AI, data analysis, cloud computing, mixed reality, software development and blockchain.
Gain industry experience and connections while you study through work integrated learning experiences. Opportunities include capstone projects, case studies and programming studios.
Engage with leading academics, teachers, guest lecturers and subject matter experts with strong industry connections.
Gain in-demand skills and experience through work integrated learning opportunities, capstone projects, and programming bootcamps and studios.
Develop your ability to analyse and manage big data from various sources, evaluating their insights and solutions.
The teaching approach in this degree is designed to foster your development as an independent learner so you will be able to extend your capabilities once you graduate.
In your first year, you will complete innovative data science bootcamp and studio subjects in RMIT's Bootcamp2Studio model, developing a comprehensive knowledge of programming and gaining career-ready experience.
You will learn through a broad mix of study modes, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practical and laboratory classes, using face-to-face, online, and other flexible delivery mechanisms.
Assessment will be through a combination of exams, tests, quizzes, essays, reports, assignments, projects, presentations, and laboratory assessments.
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.
In the Bootcamp2Studio model, you will undertake up to six weeks of intensive, focused learning across a programming bootcamp.
Next, you'll spend nine weeks learning in a studio model. Here, you'll explore your project more deeply, working both in groups and independently to solve real-world challenges.
Through this hybrid form of teaching, you'll build transferable skills in problem solving and teamwork, learn to adapt to new projects, technologies and settings quickly, and be exposed to professional practice and standards that prepare you for your future workplace.
The School of Computing Technologies has strong links with the data science profession and related areas of business, governement and industry, in Australia and internationally.
Data science experts contributed to the initial development of this data science course and continue to provide input to improve the degree. Their involvement ensures the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of employers.
Learn and be inspired by academics with strong research backgrounds and links to industry, as well as sessional teachers, guest lecturers and industry practitioners.
Engage with industry through work integrated learning (WIL) experiences, which will enable you to learn, apply and demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a workplace setting (real or simulated) and receive feedback from data scientists working in industry.
WIL opportunities include completing an industry capstone project, where you will apply your data science knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research-based or industry-sponsored project. You will also complete a case studies in data science subject where you will receive feedback from data scientists working in industry.
RMIT has global work, exchange and study experiences to suit every student at every stage of study and life.
The Global Experience Office (GEO) can help you find out what funding is available, where to go and how to get credited for your overseas studies.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
In your first year, you will complete five core data science subjects to give you the foundation that you need to succeed in your chosen career path. The subjects include, mathematics for computing, artificial intelligence, data science, programming and cyber security.
You will also complete two innovative programming bootcamp and studio subjects, which will allow you to develop your programming skills through practical, project-based work.
After you have completed your first year, the direction you take is in your hands as you choose which majors, minors and subjects you want to undertake. You can choose one or more minors from diverse data science fields of study, or just focus on the individual subjects and electives that interest you most.
Majors include:
Minors include:
In your second year, you will complete a data science case study which will teach you the end-to-end process of approaching a data science problem.
In your third year, you will complete a capstone project with industry, providing you with hands-on, practical experience analysing data in a business setting.
You will also choose two subjects, with options including one from machine learning or data mining, and the other from STEM for sustainable development or cyber-physical-biological systems.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Data scientists are some of the most highly sought after and highly paid professionals in the world.
As a graduate of this data science degree, you will have the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to pursue an interesting and flexible data science career in a range of data-driven industries and organisations.
Jobs in this in-demand field are vast and may include:
You may also choose to pursue further study with the Master of Data Science, Master of Analytics or Masters of Statistics and Operations Research for higher-level training in data science or related fields.
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
AND
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
or equivalent studies.
This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).
This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.
If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.
Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
This degree provides current Year 12 applicants with the opportunity to apply for an early conditional offer through RMIT’s Early Offer program. Applications must be submitted by 17 September. To find out more and apply, visit Early Offer program.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, Maths: General Mathematics, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 8 points.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
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.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
Options for further study include;
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Data Science with two semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Information Technology, including MATH2200 Introduction to Probability and Statistics and COSC2391 Further Programming.
Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
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.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
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.
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.
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 2024 is $351.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
For students commencing a technology-related degree; worth $5,000.
For students who identify as a woman commencing a Bachelor in computer science, data science, information technology or software engineering; worth $5,000 per year.
For commencing computer science, data science, information technology or software engineering students from diverse backgrounds; worth up to $60,000.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$38,400.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$120,960.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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.
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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
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.
