Highlights

  • This new course has been specifically designed and built from the ground up as a specialist data science degree – the only one of its kind in Queensland.
  • Be at the forefront of one of, if not the most highly-rated careers of contemporary times. 
  • Develop the knowledge and skills demanded by employers in emergent roles. 
  • Analyse and interrogate data across a multitude of industries to provide meaningful insights. 
  • Learn from the researchers at the leading edge of this specialist field. 
  • QUT is Australia's top research institution for Data Mining and Analysis (Australian Research Magazine 2024).

Highlights

  • This new course has been specifically designed and built from the ground up as a specialist data science degree – the only one of its kind in Queensland.
  • QUT is Australia's top research institution for Data Mining and Analysis (Australian Research Magazine 2024).
  • Be at the forefront of one of, if not the most highly-rated careers of contemporary times. 
  • Develop the knowledge and skills demanded by employers in emergent roles. 
  • Analyse and interrogate data across a multitude of industries to provide meaningful insights. 
  • Learn from the researchers at the leading edge of this specialist field. 

Applications are open for 2025

Secure your spot now

Mark your calendar, as the on-time application closing date for the upcoming semester is fast approaching.

Ready to apply?

Guarantee a place in your course

For this course, if you have completed an AQF diploma or higher, or receive an ATAR or selection rank of 84.00 or higher and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in 2025.

View our course offers

Why choose this course?

Across the world, we are collecting unprecedented amounts of data. It’s the new currency. However, simply having access to that data means very little if we cannot derive meaningful insights from it. We need skilled data scientists to understand and interpret the data, create and communicate meaningful insights, use it ethically, and understand its limitations.

A significant and accelerating challenge for modern business is managing fast incoming, voluminous and varied data that are increasingly being relied on to make decisions. This course includes an entire unit addressing the emerging frameworks in modern data management. 

Outside the business world, data science is increasingly at the core of new scientific and technological breakthroughs. The structure of our data science course recognises the rapidly developing importance of data-driven discovery in science and technology by providing options to minors in complementary studies like computational and simulation science, which will equip you to operate at the forefront of this field.

Data scientist careers have grown by 492 per cent from 2015 to 2019 (Burning Glass Technologies, National Skills Commission Analysis, 2020). They are widely acknowledged as one of the most desirable careers not just in Australia but globally. 

Discover our new suite vertical degrees: Master of Data Analytics

Real-world learning

Real-world data science is frequently a collaborative effort, where the use of online collaborative tools including open source technologies for data processing and sharing play an important role.

You will be encouraged to become an independent learner through discussion, debate and interaction with peers and teaching staff, independent studies and self-reflection.

You will apply theoretical frameworks to real-world problems, so you can make clear connections between what is learned in the classroom and your future practice as a data science professional.

Learning opportunities and environments include: 

  • use of industry case studies and data sets
  • use of industry software applications and tools
  • use of authentic assessment tasks 
  • incorporation of industry-based projects 
  • opportunities to engage with industry guest speakers and leading data science researchers in both face-to-face and online environments 
  • availability of internships. 

Learn from the best

As an acknowledged leader in data science research and through our Centre of Data Science, QUT is well-placed to provide you with the expertise at the forefront of this exciting discipline.

Your unit coordinators and lecturers in the course are also leading researchers in the Centre for Data Science.

You will be learning from the experts with extensive industry contacts and many years of real-world experience in solving complex challenges and problems. 

Explore this course

What to expect

This course covers the theory and the practical tools for data acquisition, storage, management, processing, analysis and visualisation.  Ethical considerations, communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills are all given detailed coverage.

Your course progression has been carefully crafted to cater for the diversity of specialist mathematics skills, to scaffold your development in coding, particularly in data science-relevant languages, and to prepare you for a rewarding career in data science.

In addition, a suite of four-unit minor offerings is available so you can specialise in a number of complementary areas, including Optimisation and Stochastic Modelling, Computational and Simulation Science, and Information Systems.

In your third year, your studies will culminate in the Data Science Capstone Project, where you’ll work with an industry partner to solve a significant real-world problem using real-world data sets. This will synthesise your knowledge and techniques in solving complex authentic problems, and build your preparedness to enter the industry.

Data science is an ever-changing landscape and at the completion of this course, you’ll be ideally positioned to move with it, having developed a set of fundamental tools and techniques, and the critical thinking to play a leading role in transforming industry. 

Flexible delivery

Every unit of this course has been developed to be offered in online and on-campus environments. This is a digitally enhanced course where technology is integrated into all aspects of online and on-campus teaching, learning and assessment.

You will be able to access learning resources, activities and assessment remotely. Remote learners may be required to undertake key activities at designated locations, including some invigilated assessment such as at hosted assessment centres. 

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

As a graduate, you will be an agile problem-solver, capable of tackling real-world problems by applying the insights gained from extracting knowledge from data.  Your comprehensive knowledge of data science tools and techniques will be employed to design new solutions that drive progress and innovation, guided at all times by your appreciation of the ethical considerations concerning the use of data in decision-making.

You’ll be knowledgeable and experienced in selecting from, and applying, appropriate statistical, computational and modelling techniques including scalable approaches to big data and working with complex or unstructured data.

At the completion of this course, you will be confident in the use of appropriate tools to create pipelines for data acquisition, storage, management, processing, analysis and visualisation, and possess a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations underpinning each step. 

As a data science professional, your skills will be highly attuned, equipping you to effectively communicate your data-driven insights to broader audiences, expert and non-expert alike. You will be experienced at interacting effectively within and across teams, working independently, and appraising your own continuing professional development. 

Possible careers

  • Analytics consultant
  • Analytics manager
  • Analytics programmer
  • Biostatistician
  • Business analyst
  • Business intelligence specialist
  • Business strategist
  • Data analyst
  • Data architect
  • Data engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Data strategist
  • Data systems developer
  • Data-driven decision maker
  • Energy auditor
  • Information analyst
  • Logistics analyst
  • Management analyst
  • Market analyst
  • Performance analyst
  • Predictive modeller
  • Quantitative analyst
  • Risk analyst
  • Systems analyst
  • Systems programmer

Details and units

To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Data Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:

  • Core discipline units - 180 credit points
  • QUT You - 24 credit points
  • Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
        - a minor (48 credit points), plus
        - 36 credit points of option units.

To meet the course requirements of the Bachelor of Data Science, you must complete a total of 288 credit points, made up of:

  • Core discipline units - 180 credit points
  • QUT You - 24 credit points
  • Complementary studies - 84 credit points, made up of:
        - a minor (48 credit points), plus
        - 36 credit points of option units.

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
84.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2024.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
DS01
QTAC code
418871
CRICOS code
103170C
Delivery
  • Online
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Duration
3 years full-time
6 years part-time
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 84.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Advanced standing

If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2024

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 98.15
Selection rank 99.95
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 87.00
Selection rank 89.00
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 80.00
Selection rank 84.00

You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.

Other admission options

If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).

I completed my studies outside of Australia

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

I completed secondary school in Australia

Assumed knowledge
  • Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

ATAR/selection rank
84.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 84.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / IELTS One Skills Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT / Paper 79 16 16 21 18

Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2025 fees

2025: CSP $7,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $39,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: CSP $7,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2024 fees

2024: $36,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Find out more about undergraduate course fees

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Equity scholarships scheme

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

International Merit Scholarship

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Oodgeroo Noonuccal Undergraduate & Postgraduate Scholarship

The Oodgeroo Scholarship Program promotes the pursuit of Indigenous Australian studies by supporting the education of Indigenous Australians.

Scholarship eligibility
Indigenous Australian

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Applying guide

When you're preparing your application, make sure you have all the important information. This includes understanding the entry requirements, and checking if you're eligible for advanced standing (credit).

How to apply


QTAC code

You'll need to know this course's QTAC code when you apply through QTAC.


Ready to apply?

If you've already read about the best way to apply, you can apply directly through QTAC.

Apply now with QTAC

How to apply

Follow our step-by-step applying guide to make sure your application is complete, giving you the best chance of getting in.

How to apply


Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today.

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 or mba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

Ready to apply?

If you're ready for the next step, apply online today or contact our MBA Program Manager +61 468 575 146 (Brisbane),
(02) 6198 3098 (Canberra), emba@qut.edu.au

Apply now

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