Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 429150
- Program code 3959
- CRICOS code 093085J
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $25,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $53,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $168,500*
Fees
Fees
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Cutting-edge technology
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Industry aligned
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In-demand skills
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- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
If you’re thinking about studying data science, you’re probably already aware of its power to shape our world. As billions of devices feed data to central databases, businesses and governments need experts to interpret that data. Data scientists and analysts have become some of the most in-demand professionals globally, with the unique skills to unlock hidden insights within data to improve prediction and decision-making.
UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions will prepare you to compile, interpret, and act on data in ways that make a big impact. This three-year degree combines training in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, and business decision-making with communication skills. You’ll gain the theoretical and practical skills required to enter the field of data analysis, where networking, decision-making, strategic thinking, and attention to detail are essential.
You’ll graduate career-ready with a globally recognised degree from a global top 20 university*. Leverage the expertise of three of the best schools in Australia, including the #1 School of Mathematics and Statistics; the School of Computer Science and Engineering, and the #3 School of Economics. Exciting job opportunities, new learning experiences, and high earning potential are just a few reasons to study data and technology.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
Key features
In-demand skills and specialist expertise
Harness the power of three disciplines – Science, Engineering and Business – in the Bachelor of Data Science & Decisions. You’ll gain valuable, transferable skills in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions, and communication, and choose one of three majors: quantitative, business, or computational data science.
Benefit from industry experience before you graduate
Fast-track your career with real-world experience. Through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), you’ll have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at Information Technology (IT) companies, start-ups, government departments, and biomedical and biotechnology companies. You’ll gain professional skills and connections, as well as course credit.
Gain a competitive edge with an industry-aligned degree
This degree was designed to meet the growing demand for data scientists and analysts. Our graduates demonstrate skills in programming languages, problem-solving, and processing, interpreting, and presenting data using qualitative and quantitative techniques. It will equip you with specialist skills in mathematics, computer science, and business to meet the soaring demands of the industry.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Study at a global top 20 university*
Graduate with a widely-respected degree from a prestigious Go8 university, ranked equal 19th globally*. UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia (#31 in the world) for Engineering and Technology and #1 in Australia (#44 in the world) for Mathematics**.
Unlock exceptional career opportunities
Set yourself apart with a UNSW degree, where graduates earn some of the highest salaries among Go8 universities^. Recognised as Australia’s Most Employable Graduates,^^ our hands-on, career-focused approach ensures you leave with the skills and experience employers want.
Join a thriving data science community
Through our Data Science Peer Mentoring Program, you’ll get the opportunity to meet others in the data science community. You can join one of the 16 clubs and societies within the Faculty of Science to grow your network and make lifelong friends, or one of our 300+ clubs and societies university-wide.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
^Highest graduate median salaries of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022)
^^Most employable graduates (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020,2021,2022,2023)
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Extension 1
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions is a three-year full-time degree that can be completed part-time. The program comprises:
- Core courses
- A data science major
- General education courses
- Free elective courses
This degree explores the methods for organising, modelling and analysing large and complex data for businesses, governments, or other organisations. You’ll study core foundational knowledge combined with a specialisation in quantitative, computational or business data science. When you graduate, you’ll have specialist skills in mathematics, computer science and business to meet the growing demand for data scientists and analysts.
Full program structure
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions contains a total of 144 UOC, which can be completed in three years with full-time study (part-time options available). Students must complete:
Majors
- Computational Data Science – 66 UOC
- Business Data Science – 72 UOC
- Quantitative Data Science – 66 UOC
Core courses – 120 UOC
- COMP1511 - Programming Fundamentals (6 UOC)
- COMP2521 - Data Structures and Algorithms (6 UOC)
- DATA1001 - Introduction to Data Science and Decisions (6 UOC)
- ECON1101 - Microeconomics 1 (6 UOC)
- MATH1131 - Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
- MATH1141 - Higher Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
- MATH1231 - Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)
- MATH1241 - Higher Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)
- ECON2112 - Game Theory and Business Strategy (6 UOC)
- MATH2501 - Linear Algebra (6 UOC)
- MATH2601 - Higher Linear Algebra (6 UOC)
- MATH2801 - Theory of Statistics (6 UOC)
- MATH2901 - Higher Theory of Statistics (6 UOC)
- COMP3311 - Database Systems (6 UOC)
- DATA3001 - Data Science and Decisions in Practice (6 UOC)
- ECON3203 - Econometric Theory and Methods (6 UOC)
Free electives – 12 UOC
- any course (see handbook for details)
General education – 12 UOC
any General Education course (see handbook for details)
Data Science and Decisions majors
Business Data Science
This major focuses on econometrics and business applications of data science. It involves examining the methods for organising, modelling and analysing large and complex data relevant to businesses, governments, or other organisations. The information from the data analysis is intended to improve business decisions and inform policies.
Quantitative Data Science
This major revolves around mathematical and statistical methods to interpret, understand and predict data. The information gleaned from the data analysis is intended to improve business decisions and inform policies.
Computational Data Science
This major investigates statistics, computer science, mathematics, and machine learning to identify trends and make predictions based on large data sets. This specialisation enables further study into the manipulation and management of data.
Future careers
The demand for data scientists and analysts is soaring, with job growth expected to rise by 23% for data analysts and 11% for data scientists over the next five years*. This degree equips you with the essential programming languages, problem-solving abilities, and skills in processing, interpreting, and presenting data using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. You'll graduate ready to hit the ground running, with a wealth of career opportunities in Australia and around the world.
The era of Big Data
With quintillion bytes of data generated every day, we’re in the era of big data. Social media, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, and artificial intelligence are driving trends in data and influencing the role of data scientists. The increasing need for people who can interpret and understand data means that data scientists and analysts are in very high demand across a range of industries.
What does a career in this field look like?
Data science is a multidisciplinary field of study that blends mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication. Data scientists translate user data into insights that help companies understand their audience and personalise their products or services. Uncovering new insights and predicting trends has become vital in the retail, environmental, not-for-profit, IT, and professional services sectors.
Career opportunities in data science span many industries, from start-ups to established corporations, including Coles, AirBnB, Spotify, Netflix, and Greenpeace, to name a few. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products for the market, determine warehouse or retail employee schedules, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases.
Potential roles
Explore the potential industries and roles based on different Data Science and Decisions disciplines.
Business Data Science
- Business Reporting And Analytics Manager
- Data Analyst
- Data Migration Specialist
- Market Intelligence Manager
- Pricing Analyst
- Technical Business Analyst
Quantitative Data Science
- Data Consultant
- Data Mining Engineer
- E-Commerce Data Analytics Specialist
- Statistician
- Predictive Model Data Scientist
- Quantitative Researcher
Computational Data Science
- Big Data Developer
- Business Information Analyst
- Computational Data Researcher
- Computational Scientist
- Data Warehouse Architect
*Data from Seek, August 2024
Our alumni
"My favourite part about the Data Science and Decisions degree was that I could customise it to fit my interests. I got to pick electives from a pool that contains everything from software construction to calculus to economic game theory. This allowed me to follow my passion for mathematics while also building on my newly discovered love of coding, and then get to throw a bit of economics into the mix!"
Jessica Boyle
Consultant, Data Assurance, PwC
"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."
Saksham Yadav
Innovation Manager at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CEO of The Adecco Group (Australia/NZ) for one month (2021)
"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.”
Serena Xu
Data Graduate
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2024.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
