Emelie Dahlskold, 15 January, 2025 | Students interacting with a digital media wall at E block, Kelvin Grove
The demand for skilled data scientists is skyrocketing in today's data-driven world.
Whether you're looking to start your journey with a bachelor's degree, advance your career with a master's, or gain specialised knowledge through a graduate certificate, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) offers a range of data science courses tailored to meet your needs.
Let's explore the various pathways and how they align with the Australian job market and recent career trends.
Why Study Data Science?
Data science is a multidisciplinary field that combines statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract meaningful insights from data. With the rise of big data, businesses across all sectors are seeking professionals who can analyse and interpret complex datasets to drive decision-making and innovation.
QUT's Data Science Programs
- Undergraduate Bachelor in Data Science: QUT's Bachelor of Data Science program provides a solid foundation in data analysis, machine learning, and data visualisation. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to tackle real-world problems and make data-driven decisions. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as data analyst, data engineer, and business intelligence analyst.
- Postgraduate Master in Data Science: For those looking to deepen their expertise, QUT offers a Master of Data Science. This program covers advanced topics such as predictive analytics, big data technologies, and artificial intelligence. Students can choose from various specialisations, including health data science and business analytics, to tailor their studies to their career goals.
- Postgraduate Grad Cert in Data Science: The Graduate Certificate in Data Science at QUT is perfect for professionals seeking to upskill or pivot their careers. This program focuses on essential data science skills, including statistical analysis, trust and artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. It's an excellent option for those who want to gain a competitive edge in the job market without committing to a full degree program.
- Double and vertical degrees: QUT's flexible and wide range of courses allow you to combine two areas of interest into a powerful double degree. At QUT, you can combine your Bachelor of Data Science with undergraduate business, law and science degrees. If you're ready to accelerate your learning, consider a vertical double degree with the Master of Data Science, to graduate with a postgraduate qualification and advanced knowledge in your specialist field, making you highly employable.
The Australian Job Market for Data Scientists
Australia's job market for data scientists is thriving. According to recent reports, the demand for data science professionals is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.
For instance, the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 report estimates that by 2027, the demand for AI and machine learning specialists will increase by 40%, and for data analysts, scientists, engineers, BI analysts, and other big data and database professionals will grow by 30%–35%. The Data Science Hiring Trends Report: 2025 Outlook highlights the resilience and growth of the data science job market, emphasising the increasing allocation of resources towards data-driven roles.
Industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology are particularly keen on hiring data experts to leverage data for strategic advantage.
Key Skills and Career Opportunities
Data Analysis and Visualisation
Skills in tools like Python, R, and Tableau are highly sought after. Bachelor of Data Science students explore Data Visualisation in the first semester of their second year.
Machine Learning and AI
Expertise in machine learning algorithms and AI applications can open doors to roles in cutting-edge tech companies. At QUT, Bachelor of Data Science students study Machine Learning in their final year, and Master of Data Science students dive into the topic in the second semester.
Business Intelligence
Understanding how to translate data insights into business strategies is valuable. Bachelor of Data Science students explore Data Analytics for Business Insights in the second year, while Master of Data Science students at QUT can specialise and advance their studies in Information Systems Analytics.
Why Choose QUT?
QUT stands out for its industry connections, practical learning approach, and world-leading research through the Centre for Data Science. We collaborate with leading companies to ensure that our courses align with industry needs, providing students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
QUT graduates are recognised nationally as highly skilled emerging professionals. All our Bachelor of Data Science students participate in a work-integrated learning (WIL) project led by an academic and an industry partner. This provides valuable real‑world experience and industry connections, making QUT’s program unique in Queensland.
What's Next?
Whether you're just starting your academic journey or looking to advance your career, QUT's data science programs offer the flexibility and expertise you need to succeed. With the growing demand for data science professionals in Australia, now is the perfect time to invest in your education and unlock new career opportunities.
Ready to take the next step? Explore QUT's data science courses today:
