Bachelor of Data Science (Honours)
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) |
| Deakin course code | S479 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS course code | 109275A Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- 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
Explore the entire lifecycle of data to develop a deep understanding of how information is used to generate insights that inform strategic business decisions. During the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours), you will have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement or work in teams with an industry partner to tackle authentic business challenges using real-world data sets. Hone your skills through focused studies in your area of interest and complete a research project in your final year.
Propel yourself into the thriving field of data science. You will study the latest data science trends, insights and emerging topics to ensure you graduate with a highly relevant skill-set that is sought-after by employers across the globe. Explore different analytical methods, tools and techniques as you learn key concepts and deep dive into advanced topics in machine learning, AI and predictive analytics.
Want to hone your analytical skills for a rewarding career in data science?
The Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) gives you ample opportunity to sharpen your skill set under the guidance and direction of our supportive teaching staff. You’ll explore fundamental concepts across maths, stats and programming at the beginning of the course, before diving into more advanced topics in data wrangling, capture and mining; machine learning; deep learning and AI. You can focus your studies towards your area of interest by undertaking minor studies in a topic of your choosing. In your final year, culminate your knowledge through the completion of an honours research project.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, 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.
Career opportunities
Data analysts and scientists are ranked in the top ten fastest growing jobs globally, with a 30% growth predicted over the next 5 years.# This courses provide you with the cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to stand out in this booming industry.
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 what industry or sector you choose to find employment, 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.
Graduates from the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) are highly sought after by employers for their investigative, exploratory and lateral thinking approach to complex data challenges. By undertaking a focused research project in your final year of study, you will acquire advanced technical expertise in your chosen specialisation. Plus you will have the skills to become a creative, solutions-driven professional in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of data science.
#Future of Jobs Report 2023 Image: World Economic Forum
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 may require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a laptop or desktop computer. 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.
Alternative exit
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a coherent and advanced knowledge of data science, with detailed knowledge of the data analytics principles and approaches and knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies for professional practice and research. |
| Communication | Communicate in a professional context incorporating research-driven perspective 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.
|
| Digital literacy | Identify, select and use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks, and tools from the field of data science to generate, manage, process and share digital resources for research and practice. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with research and practice in data science. |
| Problem solving | Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from data science to understand requirements and design, implement, operate, and evaluate innovative solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Self-management | Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in research and 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. |
| Teamwork | Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from data science practice and research to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions. |
| Global citizenship | Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in research and practice in the field of data science, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) students must pass 32 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 17 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of data science capstone units
- 4 credit points of data science research training capstone units
- 8 credit points which may comprise of:
- 2 minors (8 credit points)
- 1 minor (4 credit points) and 4 credit points of open elective units
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 or above
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Minors
Refer to the details of each minor sequence for availability.
- Cloud Technologies
- Cyber Security
- Cyber Security Analytics
- Education
- Embedded Systems
- Finance
- Full Stack Development
- Health Analytics
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technologies Research
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Retail Management
- Security Management
- Sports Analytics
- Sustainability and Environmental Science
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
Students wishing to complete two minor sequences in the Bachelor of Data Science (Honours) cannot count more than 2 units in common for both minor sequences.
Course structure
Core
Year 1 - Trimester 1
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points) |
| SIT010 | Safety Induction Program (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 ^ |
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 ^ |
| SIT306 | IT Placements and Industry Experience ^+ |
OR
| SIT344 | Professional Practice (2 credit points)^+ |
Year 4 - Trimester 1
| SIT723 | Research Techniques and Applications (2 credit points) (Research Training capstone)^ |
Plus 2 open electives or minor units (2 credit points)
Year 4 - Trimester 2
2 open electives or minor units (2 credit points)
Plus two (2) credit points from the following Research Training capstone options:
| SIT724 | Research Project (2 credit points)^ |
OR
| SIT746 | Research Project (Advanced) (2 credit points)^* |
^ 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.
* Entry to SIT746 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
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.
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
Work experience
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. 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 cyber-attacks 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 |
Cyber Security Analytics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000016
Overview
In today's digital world, cyber security threats are a major challenge across many sectors. As cyber-attacks become everyday occurrences, IT professionals with the ability to identify, analyse and manage cyber security challenges are in increasing demand globally. This minor sequence provides an insight into the analysis of data associated with cyber security attacks.
Units
| SIT182 | Real World Practices for Cyber Security |
| SIT282 | Computer Forensics and Investigations |
| SIT384 | Cyber Security Analytics |
Plus one (1) unit from:
| SIT326 | Advanced Network Analytics and Forensics |
| SIT327 | Network Forensics |
Education
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-A000066
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) units 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 |
| EDU201 | Educational Psychology |
| EDU202 | Educators and Learners |
| EDU203 | Literacy, Numeracy and Education |
| 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. This knowledge is extended into practical application in domestic and international equity and debt markets.
Units
| MAF101 | Fundamentals of Finance |
Plus three (3) units from:
| MAF203 | Business Finance |
| MAF202 | Banking and Financial Institutions |
| 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. There is growing demand for full stack web developers who are proficient in both front-end and back-end 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, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using 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. 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 in order 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 | Management |
Plus three (3) units from:
| MMH230 | Fundamentals of Human Resource Management |
| MMH231 | Human Resource Practice |
| MMH232 | Human Resource Development |
| MMH349 | Employment Relations |
Information Technologies Research
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000018
Overview
This minor provides students with hands on experience in research and publishing scientific papers. This minor is designed to help support students aiming to pursue a research higher degree.
Units
| SLE761 | Professional Research Practice |
| SIT718 | Real World Analytics |
| SIT747 | Research Project (Publication) (2 credit points)+ |
+ Entry to SIT747 is subject to specific unit entry requirements.
Marketing
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-M30008
Overview
This minor focusses on developing discipline knowledge and industry-relevant practices in marketing. There is a strong focus on industry-relevant insights, the latest marketing practices, future market trends and strategy development in an ever-changing business landscape. The knowledge and skills developed within the marketing minor are complementary to anyone looking to better understand drivers to successful business outcomes, irrespective of which sector a business may sit within.
Units
| MMK101 | Marketing Fundamentals |
Plus three (3) units from:
| MMK251 | Services Marketing |
| MMK266 | Consumer Behaviour |
| MMK295 | Integrated Marketing Communications in the Digital Age |
| MMK368 | Business Marketing |
Psychology
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000019
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in psychology, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools in psychology. Students who are interested in the field of psychology and who want to work as a data scientist in this area are encouraged to do this minor.
Units
| HPS104 | Foundations of Psychological Science |
| HPS111 | Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour |
| HPS201 | Psychology Research Methods (Introductory) |
| HPS301 | Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate) |
Retail Management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-M30009
Overview
This minor provides you with an understanding of what underpins management and operations in today’s retailing sector. Retail business are finding it increasingly difficult to compete without adopting innovation. More and more, new retailers (e.g. Amazon) are impacting the retail landscape at the expense of more traditional bricks and mortar stores. The minor places a strong emphasis on the dynamic nature of retailing highlighting evolving trends driven by the increasing prevalence of digital marketing technologies. These technologies are changing every aspect of the retailing landscape.
Units
| MMK101 | Marketing Fundamentals |
Plus three (3) units from:
| MMK217 | Retail Management |
| MIS313 | Strategic Supply Chain Management |
| MMK280 | Brand Management |
| MMK317 | Advanced Retail Management |
Security Management
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000003
Overview
This 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 | Change Management |
| MMM132 | Management |
| SIT182 | Real World Practices for Cyber Security |
| SIT284 | Cyber Security Management |
Sports Analytics
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Unit set code
MN-S000020
Overview
This minor provides specialisation in sports and exercise data analysis, which will enable students to have specific domain knowledge to work with the experts of the field and introduce using data science tools in sports and exercise. Students who are interested in the field of sports and exercise and who 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), Online
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 field experts and to introduce the use of data science tools. 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
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
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
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.