Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science provides students with a solid and extensive understanding of the techniques and practices of data science-related theories and applications, and equips them to meet the challenges of working in industries requiring specific data science knowledge and skills, such as data visualisation, deep learning, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence. The Graduate Diploma is designed for students with little or no background in data science but wishing to attain a post-graduate qualification in this area, or who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Students with a bachelor's degree in different disciplines or a GCDS (SPI credits recognised) are eligible to apply for this degree. By completing this course, students will acquire essential and specific data science skills, which will enhance their employment opportunities, assist in career development, and allow them to tackle work challenges relevant to data science. Upon completion, students may choose to progress to the higher-level Master of Data Science.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Academic Requirements (Domestic & International)

Completion of an AQF Level 7 qualification, such as an approved three-year undergraduate degree that includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
Completion of another recognised qualification with a combination of relevant education and professional experience, assessed on a case-by-case basis; or
Completion of the SPI Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Units completed in the Graduate Certificate may be credited towards the Graduate Diploma.

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 (Domestic)

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.

English Language Proficiency (International)

IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; or
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each subtest; or
TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79, including minimum scores of Writing: 21, Reading: 13, Listening: 12, Speaking: 18; or
TOEFL PBT: Overall score of 550, including a minimum of 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.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

This program prepares you for high-demand data science and analytics roles with industry-standard skills. 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 Units14 units

MDS601

Programming Foundations for Data Science

MDS602

Mathematical Foundations for Data Science

MDS603

Data Science Methodology

MDS604

Database Systems and Infrastructure

MDS605

Machine Learning and Data Mining

MDS606

Data Science Research and Ethics

MDS607

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation

MDS609

Business Intelligence and Analytics

MDS610

Decision Making for Analytics

MDS611

Data Visualisation and Tools

MDS612

Big Data Infrastructure and Processing

MDS613

Deep Learning

MDS614

Unstructured Data and Computer Vision

MDS615

Cloud Computing and Application Development

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the Graduate Diploma in Data Science and how many units do I need to complete?

To qualify for the award, students must complete a total of 48 credit points, comprising 5 compulsory units (30 credit points) and 3 elective units (18 credit points). The compulsory units cover Programming Foundations, Mathematical Foundations, Data Science Methodology, Database Systems and Infrastructure, and Machine Learning and Data Mining. Students then choose 3 elective units from a list of 9 options including topics such as Deep Learning, Cloud Computing, Business Intelligence, and Data Visualisation.

Can I get credit towards the Graduate Diploma if I have already completed the SPI Graduate Certificate in Data Science?

Yes. Students who have completed the SPI Graduate Certificate in Data Science are eligible to apply for the Graduate Diploma, and units completed in the Graduate Certificate may be credited towards the Graduate Diploma (SPI credits recognised).

What English language test scores do international applicants need to meet for entry into this course?

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following: IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each band; PTE Academic with an overall score of 58 and a minimum of 50 in each subtest; TOEFL iBT with an overall score of 79 (Writing: 21, Reading: 13, Listening: 12, Speaking: 18); TOEFL PBT with an overall score of 550 and a minimum of 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 years prior to commencement.

What career opportunities are available after completing the Graduate Diploma in Data Science?

This program prepares graduates for high-demand data science and analytics roles including Software Developer ($75,000–$110,000), Cybersecurity Analyst ($80,000–$120,000), UX/UI Designer ($75,000–$115,000), Data Analyst ($70,000–$105,000), Systems Analyst ($85,000–$125,000), and AI Specialist ($95,000–$150,000).

Is there a pathway to further study after completing this Graduate Diploma?

Yes. Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Data Science, students may choose to progress to the higher-level Master of Data Science. The qualification articulates to relevant Masters programs, subject to eligibility, accelerating postgraduate progression.

Application

How to Apply

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Step 01

Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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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 Diploma in Data Science