Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science provides students with a solid understanding of the knowledge and skills of data science methods, tools and fundamental concepts. Students with a Bachelor degree are eligible to apply for this degree. The Bachelor degree is not required to be related to data science, mathematics, IT or computer science. This course allows students to undertake a specialised sequence of units so that they can upskill or refresh their professional data science knowledge, or prepare to become a professional moving into a career in the data science. By completing this course, students will acquire basic but essential knowledge and skills in data science, creating a solid foundation to continue their progression into the data science industry, or to further study for a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree in data science. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, students may choose to further progress to higher-level courses in data science, IT or computer science.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Completion of an AQF Level 7 qualification, such as an approved three-year undergraduate degree, which includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
A three-year post-secondary higher education qualification (equivalent to Australian Year 12) plus a minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience in data science or cognate roles; or
Successful completion of the SPI Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP); or
Other qualifications combined with relevant professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Relevance of Qualifications:

Qualifications presented for admission should have been obtained no more than 5 years prior to the commencement of the program at SPI.
Applicants with qualifications older than 5 years are required to provide a statement demonstrating: the continued relevance and applicability of the student's prior knowledge to the proposed study at SPI, or engagement in continuous learning or professional development since obtaining the last qualification, or any relevant work experience related to the field of study.

English Language Proficiency (International Applicants):

IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no band below 50; or
TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79, including minimum scores of 21 (Writing), 13 (Reading), 12 (Listening), 18 (Speaking); or
TOEFL PBT: Overall score of 550, including 4.5 in Writing; or
Other English language tests recognised as equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5.
English test results must be valid and taken no more than three (3) years prior to commencement.

English Language Proficiency (Domestic Applicants):

English as a First Language – Applicants must hold citizenship or long-term residency (minimum of 10 years) in an English-speaking country recognised by SPI and have completed secondary or higher education in that country.
English Not as a First Language – Applicants are required to provide a valid English proficiency certificate as proof of English language competency.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

This program equips you with practical, industry-relevant data skills for entry-level and transitional roles in data and analytics across a wide range of industries. Career opportunities include: Software Developer (average salary $75,000 – $110,000), Cybersecurity Analyst (average salary $80,000 – $120,000), UX/UI Designer (average salary $75,000 – $115,000), Data Analyst (average salary $70,000 – $105,000), Systems Analyst (average salary $85,000 – $125,000), and AI Specialist (average salary $95,000 – $150,000).

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units4 units

MDS601

Programming Foundations for Data Science

Develops foundational programming skills required for data analysis and data-driven problem solving.

MDS602

Mathematical Foundations for Data Science

Covers essential mathematical and statistical concepts that underpin data science techniques and models.

MDS603

Data Science Methodology

Introduces structured approaches to data analysis, including problem formulation, data preparation, modelling, and evaluation.

MDS604

Database Systems and Infrastructure

Explores database design, data storage, and infrastructure concepts required to manage and work with large datasets effectively.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree in data science, IT, or computer science to apply?

No. The Bachelor degree is not required to be related to data science, mathematics, IT or computer science. Students with any Bachelor degree are eligible to apply for this course.

Can I use this Graduate Certificate as a pathway to a higher degree?

Yes. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, students may choose to further progress to higher-level courses in data science, IT or computer science, such as a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree in data science, subject to eligibility.

How long does it take to complete the Graduate Certificate in Data Science?

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is designed to be completed in 6 months of full-time study. The course comprises 24 credit points delivered through four compulsory units of 6 credit points each.

What are the English language requirements for international applicants?

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 (no band below 6.0), PTE Academic with an overall score of 58 (no band below 50), TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 79, TOEFL PBT with an overall score of 550, or other equivalent tests. English test results must be valid and taken no more than three (3) years prior to commencement.

Are there any additional membership benefits for students enrolled at SPI?

Yes. All SPI students can access a complimentary membership with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) — Australia's largest tech association — gaining industry connections, career resources, and professional development opportunities while they study.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 2 business days.

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Graduate Certificate in Data Science