Program Overview

Bachelor of Data Science

The Bachelor of Data Science at Victoria University is a three-year undergraduate degree that equips students with the skills to identify, organize, and analyze big data to generate insights and tackle complex problems.

Overview

This data science degree teaches students to use specialized computational and statistical techniques to analyze big data. The program focuses on industry demand and provides students with hands-on experience in data analysis, data management, and decision-making.

Duration and Delivery

• Duration: 3 years
• Delivery mode: In person
• Location: Footscray Park
• Next start date: 16 February 2026

Fees

• Tuition: AU$17,500 per semester (2025 fees)
• Tuition: AU$18,400 per semester (2026 fees)

Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum entry criteria, which includes:

• Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) with a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English, and a study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).
• Alternatively, completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent) with IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Course Structure

The Bachelor of Data Science requires completion of 288 credit points of core units, including:

Year 1, Semester 1

• Introduction to Data Science (NIT1001, 12 credits)
• Web Development and CMS (NIT1101, 12 credits)
• Introduction to Programming (NIT1102, 12 credits)
• Computer Networks (NIT1104, 12 credits)

Year 1, Semester 2

• Introduction to Cyber Security (NIT1002, 12 credits)
• Introduction to Database Systems (NIT1201, 12 credits)
• Operating Systems (NIT1202, 12 credits)
• Introduction to Project Management (NIT1203, 12 credits)

Year 2, Semester 1

• Data Science Methods and Applications (NIT2002, 12 credits)
• Human-Centred Design (NIT2003, 12 credits)
• OOP Programming with Gen AI Co Pilot (NIT2004, 12 credits)
• Quantitative Analysis (NIT2005, 12 credits)

Year 2, Semester 2

• AI Driven Software Engineering with Structured Prompting (NIT2006, 12 credits)
• IT Profession and Ethics (NIT2201, 12 credits)
• Big Data (NIT2202, 12 credits)
• Machine Learning and Data Mining (NIT2251, 12 credits)

Year 3, Semester 1

• IT Capstone Project 1 (NIT3003, 12 credits)
• Data Analytics for ICT Business (NIT3007, 12 credits)
• AI-Assisted Platform Agnostic Application Development (NIT3009, 12 credits)
• Predictive Analysis (NIT3151, 12 credits)

Year 3, Semester 2

• IT Capstone Project 2 (NIT3004, 12 credits)
• AI-Enhanced Mobile Ecosystems (NIT3012, 12 credits)
• Data Analytics for Cyber Security (NIT3202, 12 credits)
• Advanced Data Science (NIT3251, 12 credits)

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze core data science concepts applicable across various fields.
2. Apply and evaluate appropriate data science principles, contemporary technologies, and emerging AI tools.
3. Synthesize decision-making methodologies to solve problems across a broad range of sectors.
4. Demonstrate ethical awareness and professionalism in data science practices.
5. Integrate technical, analytical, communication, managerial, and interpersonal skills to support solution design, development, and project management in data analytics practice.
6. Collaborate effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams to deliver inclusive, industry-relevant data science projects.

Industry-Focused Curriculum

The program provides a balance of theory and practical work, preparing students with expertise in using theories, tools, and numerous marketable technologies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Data analyst
• Data scientist
• Data analysis specialist
• Data engineer
• Data consultant
• Data systems developer
• Information security analyst
• Data visualization specialist
• Reporting analyst
• AI scientist
• AI engineer
• Business intelligence (BI) analyst
• Business intelligence specialist
• Market intelligence manager
• Data warehouse architect
• Statistician
• Mobile/web/cloud software developer

Further Studies

Graduates of the Bachelor of Data Science can articulate to many postgraduate courses with credits, including the Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence, Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security, Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security, and Master of Applied Information Technology, which has a pathway to PhD.