Bachelor of Data Science
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Data Science |
| Course credit points | 24 |
| Deakin course code | S379 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2023 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 109274B Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of minor sequences
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
With every click, swipe, search, share, and stream data is generated at a phenomenal rate. Its volume and complexity create considerable opportunities as businesses seek to harness the power of big data to remain competitive. In the Bachelor of Data Science, you will explore the full lifecycle of data. Through 120+ hours of hands-on placement with clients such as Singapore Airlines, ANZ, and Barwon Water learn how this information can be used to generate insights and inform strategic decisions.
Build expertise in a growing field through innovative course content that reflects current trends in data science. Use state of the art industry relevant software and tools in high-tech facilities, such as Deakin’s Data Science Lab. Explore analytical methods, tools and techniques while building knowledge in areas including machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive analytics. Graduate with specialised technical skills that are highly valued across industries.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Data Science is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This course is recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
Career opportunities
Data professionals are in high demand as organisations increasingly rely on skilled specialists to unlock hidden patterns in big data. This provides meaningful insights that inform decisions, drive business growth and increase their strategic advantage in the competitive business world.
No longer found solely amongst the big tech giants, data analysts are needed across every industry, opening a world of opportunities for your career.
As a graduate, you will have the skills, knowledge and industry connections to build a varied and sustainable career as a data analyst, data scientist, business strategist, data engineer, data architect, data visualisation specialist, information analyst or reporting analyst in the public and private sectors. Depending on your chosen industry or sector, you could be optimising digital marketing campaigns, developing new and innovative products and services, predicting customer sales patterns, or increasing productivity in areas such as sales or supply chain management.
Participation requirements
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Equipment requirements
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop a broad and coherent knowledge of data science, with detailed knowledge of the data analytics principles and approaches and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice. |
| Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through data science, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of data science to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions. |
| Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of data science. |
| Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from data science to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of data science with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
| Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from data science to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions. |
| Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of data science, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Data Science you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 17 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of capstone units
- 4 credit points - one of:
- 1 minor (4 credit points)
- 4 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Minors
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
- Cloud Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Education
- Embedded Systems
- Finance
- Full Stack Development
- Health Analytics
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing Technology
- Psychology
- Security Management
- Sports Analytics
- Sustainability and Environmental Science
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
Course structure
Core units
You are required to complete 17 core units plus three credit points of capstone units (these are essential units for this degree).
In your first trimester you must also complete two 0-credit point units which are compulsory for this degree.
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| STP010 | Career Tools for Employability (0 credit points) |
| SIT111 | Computer Systems |
| SIT192 | Discrete Mathematics |
| SIT112 | Introduction to Data Science and Artificial Intelligence |
| SIT102 | Introduction to Programming |
Year 1 - Trimester 2
| SIT103 | Database Fundamentals |
| SIT191 | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis |
| SIT232 | Object-Oriented Development |
| SIT292 | Linear Algebra for Data Analysis |
Year 2 - Trimester 1
| SIT202 | Computer Networks and Communication |
| SIT220 | Data Wrangling |
| SIT221 | Data Structures and Algorithms |
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 2 - Trimester 2
| SIT223 | Professional Practice in Information Technology # |
| SIT343 | Feature Generation and Engineering |
| SIT225 | Data Capture Technologies |
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 1
| SIT330 | Natural Language Processing |
| SIT307 | Machine Learning |
| SIT374 | Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^ (capstone) |
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Year 3 - Trimester 2
| SIT319 | Deep Learning |
Plus 1 minor or open elective unit (1 credit point)
Plus 2 credit points from the following capstone options:
| SIT378 | Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^ (capstone) |
| SIT306 | IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+ (capstone) |
OR
| SIT344 | Professional Practice (2 credit points)^+ (capstone) |
^ Offered in Trimester 1, Trimester 2 and Trimester 3
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
+ Students must have completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit) and SIT223 Professional Practice in Information Technology.
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Open electives
Choose four open elective units from across the University, including from a completely different study area (subject to meeting unit prerequisites). Alternatively, these electives may be used to complete a minor sequence.
Work experience
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
For more information visit SEBE Work Integrated Learning.
Details of minor sequences
Cloud Technologies
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000011
Overview
In today’s data-driven digital world, cloud technologies are an area of significant business interest and their adoption and integration into business practices is growing at a rapid pace. This minor focuses on providing you with the knowledge, skills and expertise required to construct solutions using virtualisation, enterprise networks, system security and cloud infrastructure.
Units
| SIT233 | Cloud Computing |
| SIT226 | Cloud Automation Technologies |
| SIT323 | Cloud Native Application Development |
| SIT314 | Software Architecture and Scalability for Internet-Of-Things |
Cyber Security
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000015
Overview
This minor sequence provides an insight into cyber security and equips you with skills in secure coding, security management and ethical hacking. In today's digital world, cyber security threats are a major challenge across many sectors. As cyberattacks become everyday occurrences, IT professionals with the ability to identify, analyse and manage cyber security challenges are in increasing demand globally.
Units
| SIT182 | Real World Practices for Cyber Security |
| SIT218 | Secure Coding |
| SIT284 | Cyber Security Management |
| SIT379 | Ethical Hacking |
Education
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-A310007
Overview
Explore topics like the sociology, politics and policy of education, the history and philosophy of education, how psychology is applied to the work of educators to better understand how people learn and become motivated, and how we teach each other about inclusivity and diversity.
Units
To complete a minor sequence in education studies, select any four (4) credit points from below, including no more than one (1) credit point at level one, and at least one (1) credit point at level 3.
| EDU101 | Education, Knowledge and Society |
| EDU102 | From Aristotle to ATARS: The History, Philosophy and Future of Education |
| EDU202 | Educators and Learners |
| EDU204 | Literacy, Numeracy and Multi-Tier Systems of Supports (MTSS) Across the Curriculum |
| EDU210 | The Brain and Learning |
| EDU301 | Culture, Diversity and Participation in Education |
| EDU302 | Education and Humanitarian Development |
| EDU303 | Education, Communication and Technology |
Embedded Systems
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000005
Overview
This minor will focus on developing solutions that use hardware, software, sensors, actuators, prototyping platforms and systems software. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems in smart homes, the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics.
Units
| SIT122 | Robotics Studio |
| SIT225 | Data Capture Technologies |
| SIT210 | Embedded Systems Development |
| SIT329 | Advanced Embedded Systems |
Finance
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-M30005
Overview
This minor will provide students with an understanding of the basic principles of business finance and the operation of money and capital markets. The minor integrates analytical rigour with practical relevance, preparing graduates for a wide range of professional roles in finance and related fields.
Units
| MAF101 | Fundamentals of Finance |
| MAF203 | Corporate Finance |
| MAF306 | International Finance and Investment |
| MAF307 | Equities and Investment Analysis |
Full Stack Development
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000012
Overview
Web development is one of the fastest-growing careers in today’s economy, with growing demand for full stack web developers who are proficient in both frontend and backend web development. Throughout this minor sequence, you will explore responsive web apps, full stack development across frontend applications and backend services, and mobile programming for Android and iOS.
Units
| SIT120 | Introduction to Responsive Web Apps |
| SIT331 | Full Stack Development: Secure Backend Services |
| SIT313 | Full Stack Development: Secure Frontend Applications |
| SIT305 | Mobile Application Development |
Health Analytics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000017
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in health data analysis, enabling students to have the specific domain knowledge to work with field experts and to introduce the use of data science tools in the area. Students who are interested in the field of health and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor. Unit HSH302 Policy, Politics and Health is recommended as an elective for those wanting to extend their studies in this area.
Units
| HBS107 | Understanding Health |
| HBS108 | Health Information and Data |
| HSH205 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1 |
| HSH216 | Epidemiology and Biostatistics 2 |
Human Resource Management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-M30012
Overview
This minor will equip students with the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to perform basic workplace tasks in human resource management. Human resource management is a critical area that is relevant to all organisations, it encompasses employees working effectively within and for organisations.
Units
| MMM132 | Managing People and Organisations |
| MMH231 | Human Resource Practice |
| MMH350 | Workplace Conflict Resolution |
| MMH349 | Employment Relations |
Marketing Technology
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-M30008
Overview
This minor introduces you to the tools and platforms behind today’s digital experiences, from apps and websites to data dashboards and automation. You’ll learn how organisations use technology to understand customers, deliver personalised content, and stay competitive in a fast-moving digital world.
Units
| MMK101 | Marketing Innovation |
| MMK290 | Marketing Technology |
| MMK295 | Digital Content Marketing |
| MMK351 | Customer Experience |
Psychology
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000019
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in psychology, enabling students to have the specific domain knowledge to work with field experts and to introduce the use of data science tools in psychology. Students who are interested in the field of psychology and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.
Units
| HPS104 | Foundations of Psychological Science |
| HPS117 | Introduction to Psychology: Biopsychosocial Perspectives |
| HPS201 | Psychology Research Methods (Introductory) |
| HPS301 | Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate) |
Security Management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000003
Overview
The security management minor will give you the opportunity to use your learned managerial and cyber security skills to assist companies in their planning, governance and change policies, ensuring their resilience and defence of related threats.
Units
Four units from:
| MIS211 | Cyber Security and Governance |
| MMH356 | Leading Change |
| MMM132 | Managing People and Organisations |
| SIT182 | Real World Practices for Cyber Security |
| SIT284 | Cyber Security Management |
Sports Analytics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Unit set code
MN-S000020
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in sports and exercise data analysis, enabling students to have the specific domain knowledge to work with field experts and to introduce the use of data science tools in sports and exercise. Students who are interested in the field of sports and exercise and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.
Units
| HSE010 | Exercise and Sport Laboratory Safety (0 credit points) |
| HSE104 | Research Methods and Data Analysis in Exercise and Sport |
| HSE202 | Biomechanics |
| HSE311 | Applied Sports Science 1 |
| HSE314 | Applied Sports Science 2 |
Sustainability and Environmental Science
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Unit set code
MN-S000021
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in sustainability and environmental science, enabling students to have the specific domain knowledge to work with field experts and to introduce the use of data science tools in the area. Students who are interested in the field of sustainability and environmental science and want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.
Units
| SLE101 | Environmental Techniques and Monitoring |
| SLE121 | Environmental Sustainability |
| SLE207 | Environmental Planning and Impact Assessment |
| SLE245 | Marine Geographic Information Systems |
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000009
Overview
Virtual and augmented reality technologies are revolutionising business processes, disrupting the way companies work with complex data sets, and enhancing educational and training practices. They contribute to novel therapies and treatments, and allow access to opportunities despite physical and geographical restrictions. They have also redefined the way we represent and interact with digital media - whether it be our holiday souvenir snapshots, or the latest interactive gaming experience.
Units
| SIT183 | Interactive Application Design for Virtual and Augmented Reality |
| SIT283 | Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality |
| SIT253 | Content Creation for Interactive Experiences |
| SIT383 | Assembling Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences |
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Other learning experiences
You will have the opportunity to participate in a range of extra-curricular learning opportunities, such as internal and external competitions and challenges, industry projects within the Deakin Incubator Group, and international study tours.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.