Course Overview

About This Course

Health Data Science (HDS) is the science and art of generating data-driven solutions through comprehension of complex real-world health problems, employing critical thinking and analytics to derive knowledge from big data. HDS is an emergent discipline, arising at the intersection of biostatistics, computer science, and health. The Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science covers the first part of the HDS pipeline concerned with comprehension of health context, statistical foundations, principles of programming, and data wrangling and management. Graduates can embark on further study in the Graduate Diploma or Master of Science in Health Data Science.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline
An undergraduate degree in a non-cognate discipline at honours level
An undergraduate degree in a non-cognate discipline and minimum one year (full-time) relevant work experience
Minimum three years (full-time) relevant work experience

Cognate disciplines include:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Optometry
Biomedical/biological science, Pharmacy, Public health, Veterinary science
Biology, Biochemistry, Statistics, Mathematical sciences, Computer science
Psychology, (Health) economics, Data science, Other (case-by-case basis)

Relevant experience is defined as:

Any (professional) position involving data acquisition, management or handling (e.g. database manager), or
Any (professional) position involving analytics (e.g. data analyst) and tertiary-level training, demonstrating capability in a cognate discipline
Exhibits potential to pursue postgraduate (level 8) studies

Evidence requirements:

A CV and an employer-provided statement of service in relation to professional experience

English language requirements:

Evidence of English proficiency may be required depending on educational background and citizenship
Acceptable evidence includes English language tests, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The role of a health data scientist is dynamic and always evolving as their work spans across any of the multiple stages of the health data pipeline. From designing and leading research studies and analysing data, through to building machine learning processes to understand complex health issues, a health data scientist's work draws on a multiplicity of skills. This program could lead to a career in:

Government departments of health (national, state or local)
Hospitals
Universities and research institutes
Pharmaceutical companies
Health insurance companies
Private data analytics consultancies

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACS

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science at UNSW?

For domestic students, the 2026 indicative full fee to complete the degree is $19,500. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are also available, with a 2026 indicative CSP fee to complete the degree of $5,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative full fee to complete the degree is $26,500. All fees are subject to annual review and may vary.

Can I study the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science online or part-time?

Yes, this program can be completed full-time or part-time, and is available on-campus at Kensington or fully online. Content is delivered through a combination of online readings, expert guest lectures, and practical hands-on tutorials.

What backgrounds are suitable for this program?

The program is suited to a wide range of backgrounds, including statisticians who want to build on current skills, clinicians or nurses who want to improve patient care quality, and programmers looking to formalise their on-the-job experience. Cognate disciplines include medicine, nursing, biomedical/biological science, statistics, computer science, data science, and more.

Can this Graduate Certificate lead to further study in Health Data Science?

Yes, graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science can embark on further study in the Graduate Diploma or Master of Science in Health Data Science at UNSW, allowing progression through the full health data science program suite.

Who delivers the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science program?

This program is delivered by the Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH), described as the leading Australian and international hub for health research using big data. The CBDRH brings together an interdisciplinary team with world-leading expertise in managing, manipulating, analysing, and visualising health big data across biomedical, clinical, and health services domains.

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 1 business days.

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Quick Tools

PR Points Calculator Visa Funds Calculator Compare Courses

Partner with Find the Courses