Develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career path.
AU$38,400 (2024 annual)
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.
Undertake a one-year industry placement, gaining hands-on experience, developing in-demand skills and creating professional networks.
Range of career-focussed subjects offered, providing you with the flexibility to design your own learning journey.
Develop your ability to analyse and manage large amounts of data from various sources and evaluate their insights and solutions.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 boot camp 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.
There are 3 majors and 8 minors to choose from, enabling you to design your own study to achieve your study and career goals.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
The Bachelor of Data Science (Professional) is conditionally provisionally accredited at a professional level by the Australian Computer Society, which accredits Information and Communication Technology related programs that are offered by Australian universities, both onshore and offshore.
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.
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.
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 the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (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 75% (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.
You can gain entry to this degree 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.
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 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$165,120.
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.
