The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions is a unique multidisciplinary program which will equip students with skills in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions, and communication.
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions trains graduates to meet the growing demand for Data Scientists and Analysts in the Sydney region, nationally and internationally.
Students undertaking the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions (program 3959; UAC code: 429150) will benefit from the expertise of educators across three different Schools at UNSW: Mathematics and Statistics; Computer Science and Engineering; and the UNSW Business School.
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions can also be combined with studying Law (program 4795, opens in a new window).
We also offer a range of Masters-level Data Science programs. Please see our Postgraduate Coursework Programs webpage for more information on these.
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
Please visit the UNSW Degree Finder, opens in a new window for all admissions and entry details. This website provides information about ATARs and the relevant Lowest Selection Rank for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions.
Structure of the degree
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions (3959; UAC code: 429150) is a three-year program, comprising a central core course requirement and featuring three separate streams of study: Quantitative Data Science, Computational Data Science, and Business Data Science.
See the UNSW Handbook entry, opens in a new window for the most up to date information about courses.
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions comprises:
| Core courses: 72 Units of Credit (UOC), opens in a new window | A major: 48 UOC |
| Free electives: 12 UOC | General Education: 12 UOC |
- Core courses: 72 Units of Credit (UOC), opens in a new window
- Free electives: 12 UOC
- A major: 48 UOC
- General Education: 12 UOC
See below for core courses and courses by stream.
Data Science streams
Business Data Science focuses on econometrics and business applications of data science.
Quantitative Data Science revolves around mathematical and statistical methods to interpret, understand and predict data.
Computational Data Science enables further study into manipulation and management of data.
UNSW Data Science Society
Connect with the UNSW Data Science Society, opens in a new window (DataSoc), a student-run group that organises a variety of social, career, and educational events throughout the year, creating an active and engaged community.
Check out their video, opens in a new window addressing some common questions about the degree.
Honours in Quantitative Data Science
The Honours in Quantitative Data Science is intended for students who have completed the Quantitative Data Science stream in the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions.
An Honours year allows you to expand your knowledge and proficiency in data science, and gives you exposure to advanced coursework and research. It provides you with a taste of cutting-edge research topics and establishes a foundation for postgraduate study.
An Honours degree demonstrates that you have mastered a range of skills that are coveted by employers, including research skills, technical writing and oral presentations skills. It also shows that you have focus, perseverance, and creativity!
Data Science Engagement
View our programs and student support opportunities.
More information
Students of Data Science and Decisions
Jessica Boyle
"My favourite part about the Data Science and Decisions degree is that I can customise it to fit my interests.
I get to pick electives from a pool that contains everything from Software Construction to Calculus to Economic Game Theory. This has allowed me to follow my passion for mathematics while also building on my newly discovered love of coding and then I get to throw a bit of economics into the mix!
The combination of courses available in this degree has taught me so many practical skills relevant to being a Data Scientist and I can't wait to test them out on real-world problems when I graduate."
Serena Xu
“My experience of the Data Science degree has been fabulous so far. I have learnt so many interesting things on a large variety of topics from computer science, maths and economics/business. They have all been incredibly interesting and fascinating, broadening up an entire new way of thinking for me.
One of the highlights of the program is the vast scope of knowledge that we are exposed to, which I believe is incredibly useful in the modern world. We live in a world of technology, which revolves around economics, but is all underpinned by maths and numbers. This program covers all three major areas, which are incredibly useful to contribute to society."
Saksham Yadav
"The data science program at UNSW has provided me with a solid foundation in advanced mathematics and computer science, as well as the opportunity to pursue elective courses in physics. Knowledge of these three fields has proven invaluable to my career as they are fundamental to almost every industry."
Careers in Data Science
Data scientists and analysts use their skills to make discoveries and gain new insights through exploring data. The soaring demand for employees with qualifications in data science and analysis means that career opportunities abound across a range of areas.
