Bachelor of Data Science (Professional)

Overview

The Bachelor of Data Science (Professional) has been designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills to succeed in this rapidly growing industry.

This degree comprises three years of study followed by a one-year industry internship in the final year of study, organised with the assistance of the School of Computing Technologies. Your time spent learning in an industry context provides a unique opportunity to develop your professional and technical skills while creating and extending your professional network.

As a student of this RMIT data science degree, you'll build a mix of skills in data analytics, statistics and computer science that will enable you to be central to business decision-making, corporate strategy and government planning.

With an extensive range of career-focussed majors, minors and subjects to choose from, you will have the freedom to customise your degree to suit your study and career goals. Study options include machine learning, data wrangling, AI, gaming, blockchain and data security.

Bootcamp2Studio

Gain practical experience and real-world skills with our six week intensive programming bootcamp, followed by nine weeks in a studio setting where you’ll enhance your skills further.

Why study data science at RMIT?

Internship opportunity

Undertake a one-year industry placement, gaining hands-on experience, developing in-demand skills and creating professional networks.

Flexible degree

Range of career-focussed subjects offered, providing you with the flexibility to design your own learning journey.

Make data-driven decisions

Develop your ability to analyse and manage large amounts of data from various sources and evaluate their insights and solutions.

Future-focussed study

In the second year of your degree, you will choose from between three majors and eight minors, allowing you to explore the subjects you’re most passionate about.

Majors

Advanced Data Science

Cyber Security

Enterprise Systems Development

Minors

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Blockchain Technologies
Cloud Computing
Creative Computing
Cyber Assurance
Enterprise Systems Development
Data Analysis
Bioinformatics

Details

In the Bachelor of Data Science (Professional), you will develop enhanced skills in problem-solving, critical thinking and communication that will carry you through an interesting and flexible career in a range of industries and organisations.

Expand all sections

How you will learn

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.

You will learn through a broad mix of study modes, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, boot camps, studios and practical classes, using face-to-face, online, and other flexible delivery mechanisms.

You will be assessed through a combination of exams, tests, quizzes, essays, reports, assignments, projects, presentations, and laboratory assessments.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

Learn more about blended learning at RMIT

Bootcamp2studio model

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.

Industry connections

The Bachelor of Data Science (Professional) has strong links with the data science profession and related areas of business and industry, both in Australia and internationally.

The School of Computing Technologies has a very strong Industry Advisory Committee, with members including staff from major IT companies with global and local presence. The committee provides feedback and input into the curriculum, ensuring the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of employers.

You will actively engage with industry throughout your degree, developing close ties with industry and creating a professional network.

In your first year, you will undertake innovative programming bootcamp and studio subjects in RMIT's Bootcamp2Studio model, gaining practical, hands-on experience.

In your second year, one of your subjects will include a work integrated learning experience, where you are assessed in a simulated workplace context, and receive feedback from industry.

In your third year, you will complete a capstone project, which will enable you to apply your data science knowledge to plan and execute a substantial research-based or industry-sponsored project.

In your final year, you will undertake a one-year industry internship, where you will gain practical, hands-on experience, develop your skills in a workplace setting and make valuable industry connections.

International opportunities

Global work, exchange and study experiences

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.

Explore global opportunities

Learning outcomes

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.

Electives and course plan

Year 1

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 boot camp and studio subjects, which will allow you to develop your programming skills through practical, project-based work.

Years 2 and 3

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.

There are 3 majors and 8 minors to choose from, enabling you to design your own study to achieve your study and career goals.

Majors include:

Advanced Data Science
Cyber Security
Enterprise System Development

Minors include:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Blockchain Technologies
Cloud Computing
Creative Computing
Cyber Assurance
Enterprise Systems Development
Data Analysis
Bioinformatics

In your third year, you will undertake 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.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you will undertake a one-year industry internship, where you will gain practical, hands-on experience, develop your skills in a workplace setting and make valuable industry connections. You will receive assistance finding an internship.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Data Science (Professional)

Program code: BP348

Title

Location

Duration

Plan code

CRICOS

Bachelor of Data Science (Professional)

City Campus

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

BP348

110804D

Location

City Campus

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Plan code

BP348

CRICOS

110804D

View plan

Bachelor of Data Science (Professional)

City Campus

4 years full-time

BP348

110804D

Location

City Campus

Duration

4 years full-time

Plan code

BP348

CRICOS

110804D

View plan

VTAC code

If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.

Plan BP348 - 3200311241

*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

We live in a data-driven world. This career-focussed degree will prepare you for jobs that are growing or yet to be defined.

Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Data Science (Professional), you will have the skills required to pursue a career as a data scientist in public and private organisations.

Depending on the majors, minors and subjects you choose, roles you may be suitable for include:

Data Scientist
Data Analyst
Data Architect
Data Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Social Media Analyst.

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.

Admissions

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics.or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

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.

Selection criteria by applicant type

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.

Expand all sections

I am an applicant with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)

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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 25 in any Information Technology, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 8 points.

Regional adjustments

RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR.
Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

I am an applicant with Vocational Education and Training study

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:

Advanced Diploma: 81
Diploma: 72
Certificate IV: 54

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

I am an applicant with Higher Education study

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program

Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

Personal statement

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.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

I am an applicant with Work and Life Experience

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.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program

Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

Additional information

Expand all sections

ATAR profile

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.

View ATAR profile

Student profile

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

View student profile

*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.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

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.

Explore pathway finder

Expand all sections

Pathway options

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Find out if you might be eligible

Further study

When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Fees

Expand all sections

Fee summary

2023 indicative fees

In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.

Additional expenses

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
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

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.

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.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

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.

Commonwealth supported places

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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 2023. 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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2023 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)	Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture	$4,124 per standard year $515 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	$8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science	$11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture	$15,142 per standard year $1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP.
Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

Fee assistance

HECS-HELP Loans

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.

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.

Additional expenses

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 2023 is $326.

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.

Scholarships

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