Australian residents
International students
ATAR:
Not required*
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
3 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
In person
Start dates:
24 February 2025
28 April 2025
28 July 2025

View all start dates
Application due dates:
View How to apply
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Overview

Become an expert in analysing trends for business success with Victoria University's Bachelor of Data Science – and launch a career perfectly aligned to industry demand.

With market information and technology evolving at great speed, skilled professionals are needed to transform data into actionable insights for business.

The Bachelor of Data Science is designed to meet this demand, equipping you with high-level understanding of predictive models and the related technology. Throughout your study, you will learn how to wrangle, analyse, visualise, predict, and find insights into data to solve a host of real-world problems.

You will gain targeted expertise in:

  • mathematics and statistics
  • exploratory data analysis
  • machine learning
  • regression
  • classification
  • clustering techniques
  • text analytics
  • image and speech processing.

Victoria University degrees are internationally recognised and help you find a satisfying career within and outside Australia.

Our industry-focused curriculum prepares you with practical expertise in using tools and numerous marketable technologies.

Specifically, the content includes:

  • data science fundamentals
  • machine learning and data mining
  • predictive analysis
  • advanced data science on applied NLP
  • contemporary computer vision and speech processing
  • time series, forecasting, anomaly detection, sentiment analysis, text analysis
  • IT profession and ethics in data science
  • data analytics for cyber security
  • software development
  • web and cloud application development.

We support women and diversity groups in data science. We are proud to be part of the following groups:

  • Stanford University Women in Data Science Networking
  • R Ladies network
  • CPA Australia Business Analytics.

amazon, cisco, microsoft and oracle logos

In addition to our undergrad and postgrad courses, we also have strong partnerships with leading companies in the industry. These include but not limited to AWS, Cisco, Microsoft and Oracle. Victoria University is an academy for a multitude of certification courses from these leading industries.  This means, as our students, you will have the opportunity to study certification courses taught by seasoned lecturers and research academics within the IT discipline with discounted certification examination fees. For more details, please visit the following links and contact your course chair.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

Careers in data science

The Bachelor of Data Science course is designed to meet industry demand and prepare you to pursue careers in the following roles:

  • data scientist
  • data analyst
  • business analyst
  • market research analyst
  • machine learning engineer
  • machine learning scientist
  • statistician
  • business intelligence (BI) specialist.

Graduates can be employed across a broad range of professional sectors, such as:

  • banking and finance
  • telecommunications
  • retail
  • government
  • planetary health research and applications.
Calculating a rewarding career

Calculating a rewarding career

Sarah's VU Business degree enabled her to achieve her accounting goals and get a head start in her career – well before graduation.

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Course structure

To attain the award of Bachelor of Data Science students will be required to complete

- 288 credit points of core units.

Year 1, Semester 1

Year 1, Semester 2

Year 2, Semester 1

Year 2, Semester 2

Year 3, Semester 1

Year 3, Semester 2

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

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

  1. Understand and apply a broad and coherent body of data science in a wide range of applications from the following areas: data modelling, data exploration, machine learning, data visualisation, business analytics, predictive analytics, data analytics for cybersecurity, IT profession and ethics, text mining and NLP;  
  2. Analyse and adapt the latest data science technologies with intellectual independence, self- learning capabilities and creativity to identify and solve real-world problems with sound decisions and judgement in a broad range of sectors including ICT, government, banking and finance, retail, education, health, social network and marketing;  
  3. Exhibit a range of technical, analytical, managerial, leadership and interpersonal skills; in depth understanding to the codes of ethics and conducts of data science professions; and  
  4. Exhibit a capacity to undertake IT design and development practice in an independent or collaborative environment with a strong industry focus; and the responsibility and accountability as a lifelong learner for their own learning and professional practice.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Why is ATAR not applicable?

You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent)

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of two units of Higher Education studies, at least one must be in Mathematics.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Information Technology or similar.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
AND:
A study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any) (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Certificate IV in Cyber Security 22603VIC

You will be credited for up to 24 credit points of study.

Certificate IV in Information Technology ICT40120

You will be credited for up to 24 credit points of study.

Diploma of Clinical Coding HLT50321

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Diploma of Information Technology

You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.

International Foundations at VU JQAG

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 24 February 2025
  • 28 April 2025
  • 28 July 2025
  • 29 September 2025

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply through VTAC

Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are applying for more than one course
  • you are completing Year 12 in 2023
  • you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024

VTAC course code: 4301011661

VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.

Apply via VTAC

Special Entry Access Scheme

You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.

Apply direct to VU

Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are a current VU student
  • you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023

Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

Enquire now

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.