Program Overview
Data Science Major (BSc Science)
Overview
Data scientists collate and analyse large volumes of data and communicate their findings to a range of audiences. Their ability to use big data to predict future trends is becoming an essential part of decision-making in business and government.
Data sets are being generated at an unprecedented rate and data availability will continue to increase. Every industry is using large volumes of data – from predicting weather patterns and optimising harvesting in agriculture, to improving patient diagnosis in the health industry and enhancing the management of remote infrastructure in mining.
As a multidisciplinary science, data science combines studies in computing, emerging internet technologies, media and statistics.
In this course, you will gain a foundation in programming and statistics, which will form the basis of higher-level studies in data mining, data security and computer simulation. And throughout your studies, you’ll build your capacity to extract, analyse and visualise large volumes of data and communicate analytical outcomes to various audiences.
When you graduate, you'll be equipped to enter a diversity of industries where data science is key to innovation.
This major is a Bachelor of Science (Science) degree and can also be studied as a Bachelor of Advanced Science degree.
Double degrees
You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Data Science as a double degree with Engineering, Arts, Commerce, Innovation and Law. (Various major combinations are available in the Engineering, Arts, Commerce and Innovation degrees.)
How this course will make you industry ready
Curtin's industry links enables this course to benefit from an industry advisory group providing guidance on course content. The advisory group comprises representatives from the resources sector, management consulting, data analytics services and spatial data product developers, and enterprises such as Optika Solutions and PwC.
What jobs can the Data Science course lead to?
Careers
- Data scientist
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Business intelligence analyst
- Financial analyst
- Bioinformatician
Industries
- Technology
- Business
- Economics
- Banking and finance
- Mining and energy
- Agriculture and environment
- Transport
- Supply chain logistics
- Geographic information science
- Media and communication
- Health and medical
- Sport and recreation
- Arts
Further qualifications
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security
- Master of Science (Computer Science)
- Master of Predictive Analytics)
- Master of Philosophy
- Doctor of Philosophy
What you'll learn
- have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in Data Science that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of Data Science, GC1
- can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to Data Science, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within Data Science, GC2
- understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in Data Science using digital technologies, GC3
- can gather and interpret relevant data within Data Science to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with Data Science, and how these impact upon the practice of Data Science, GC4
- understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of Data Science, GC5
- display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6
Admission criteria
What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.
Select an option that best suits you:
- Recently left high school
- Work and life experience
- TAFE or apprenticeship
- Current or previous University experience
- I’m not sure
You’re considered a high school leaver if you:
- Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
- Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.
ATAR pathway
- Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
- Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.
- Mathematics Methods ATAR
- Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects
High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.
- Mathematics Specialist ATAR
Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.
Alternative pathways
- UniReady
If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
- Certificate IV + English Competency
The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
How others gained admission
View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.
To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:
You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.
How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.
Pathways
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.
Pathways
- TAFE entry
To meet the entry criteria with VET studies you need to have:
- AQF Certificate IV – Separate evidence of English language proficiency is required
- Met the Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
- STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.
STAT is not accepted as an entry pathway, but may be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:
Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.
Curtin course switcher criteria
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses at Curtin. Please check our general admission criteria.
In addition, you need to have:
- Met Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent).
Prerequisite Information
The Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite can be met with one of the following Curtin unit: MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus MATH1016 Calculus 1
Higher education course switcher criteria
Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider. Please check our general admission criteria.
In addition, you need to have:
- Met the Mathematics Methods ATAR prerequisite (or equivalent)
English requirements
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
- Writing: 6
- Speaking: 6
- Reading: 6
- Listening: 6
- Overall band score: 6
Find your pathway to Curtin
Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.
Application Requirements
Unsure what option suits you?
We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.
Fees and scholarships
Please view the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree for indicative fees.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Other requirements and notes for this course
Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Credit for recognised learning (CRL)
Use your experience to get credit towards your degree
Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.
Submit an enquiry CRL search
Why study Data Science at Curtin?
World-ranked global university
Curtin ranks in the top 1% universities in the world, based on our ARWU ranking. (Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2024)
Advanced science major
High-performing students may study Data Science at Curtin as an Advanced Science major.
Double degree options
Extend your expertise by studying Data Science as a double degree with Engineering, Commerce, Law, Innovation or Arts.
Get the latest Curtin updates
For invitations to events, study tips and info on navigating your way to uni, join the Curtin community.
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Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Specialisations
Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:
- Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Chinese Language Specialisation
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital Design Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fashion Marketing Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Geography Specialisation
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- History Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Journalism Specialisation
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Professional Writing Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
Bachelor of Commerce Specialisations
Specialisations available from Humanities and Science:
- Actuarial Financial Mathematics Specialisation
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Anthropology and Sociology Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Chinese Language Specialisation
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital Design Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- English and Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Geography Specialisation
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- History Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Journalism Specialisation
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Professional Writing Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Surveying and Spatial Sciences Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
Bachelor of Innovation Specialisations
Specialisations available from Humanities, Science and the Centre for Aboriginal Studies:
- Advertising Design Specialisation
- Animation and Game Design Specialisation
- Asian Studies Specialisation
- Biological Diversity Minor
- Climate Change Science Minor
- Construction Management Specialisation
- Corporate Screen Production Specialisation
- Creative Writing Specialisation
- Design Thinking and Visual Communication Specialisation
- Designing Fashion Specialisation
- Digital and Social Media Specialisation
- Environmental Management Minor
- Environmental Planning Specialisation
- Fashion Design Specialisation
- Fine Art Specialisation
- Food Science Minor
- Forensic Studies Minor
- Geophysics Minor
- Geospatial Technology Minor
- Go Global – Internship Specialisation 1
- Go Practice – Internship Specialisation 1
- Graphic Design Specialisation
- Graphics Specialisation
- Illustration Specialisation
- Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies Specialisation
- Interior Architecture – Applied Interior Design Specialisation
- Interior Architecture Specialisation
- International Development Specialisation
- Landscape Restoration Minor
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management Specialisation
- Mapping and Land Planning Minor
- Metallurgy Minor
- Mining Minor
- Optimisation Minor
- Photography Specialisation
- Principles of Planning Specialisation
- Screen Production Specialisation
- Social Inclusion and Equity Specialisation
- Social Justice Specialisation
- Strategic Studies Specialisation
- Theatre Arts Specialisation
- Urban Design and Planning Specialisation
- Web Media Specialisation
- Web Presence Specialisation
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You are considered a domestic student if you are:
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