Graduate Certificate in Data Science
AQF Level 8 • CRICOS Code: 112063J
Accelerate your career in data science, analytics, and AI with SPI’s industry-focused Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Build practical, in-demand skills through hands-on learning aligned with real-world business and technology needs.
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science provides students with a solid understanding of the knowledge and skills of data science methods, tools and fundamental concepts. Students with a Bachelor degree are eligible to apply for this degree. The Bachelor degree is not required to be related to data science, mathematics, IT or computer science. This course allows students to undertake a specialised sequence of units so that they can upskill or refresh their professional data science knowledge, or prepare to become a professional moving into a career in the data science. By completing this course, students will acquire basic but essential knowledge and skills in data science, creating a solid foundation to continue their progression into the data science industry, or to further study for a Graduate Diploma or Masters degree in data science. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate, students may choose to further progress to higher-level courses in data science, IT or computer science.
STUDY MODE
On campus
STUDENT
Domestic
International
COURSE
DURATION
6 months (full-time)
START DATE
09 Mar 2026
06 Jul 2026
12 Oct 2026
View all key dates
FEE
SCHOLARSHIP
Why Study a Graduate Certificate in Data Science at SPI?
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Designed with industry input to ensure graduates gain practical data science and analytics skills aligned with current workforce demands.
Practical, Applied Learning
Learn through hands-on projects, real datasets, and applied case studies that reflect real-world business and technology challenges.
Pathway to Further Study
Use this qualification as a standalone credential or as a pathway into a related master’s degree, subject to eligibility.
Supportive Student Experience
Access academic guidance, learning support, and career-focused services throughout your studies.
Australian Computer Society (ACS)
- Industry events and networking opportunities
- Career resources and professional development
- Webinars, technical content, and learning resources
- Access to the ACS member community
Career Opportunities
This program equips you with practical, industry-relevant data skills for entry-level and transitional roles in data and analytics across a wide range of industries.
Software Developer
Average salary
$75,000 – $110,000
Cybersecurity Analyst
Average salary
$80,000 – $120,000
UX/UI Designer
Average salary
$75,000 – $115,000
Data Analyst
Average salary
$70,000 – $105,000
Systems Analyst
Average salary
$85,000 – $125,000
AI Specialist
Average salary
$95,000 – $150,000
Course Structure
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is a focused postgraduate qualification designed to be completed in 6 months of full-time study. The course comprises 24 credit points delivered through a single integrated stream, ensuring students develop a strong foundation in data science concepts and applied skills within a condensed timeframe.
Clear alignment between theory and practice ensures students can immediately apply what they learn to real-world data challenges.
Compulsory Units (24 credit points)
This stream provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for entry into data science and analytics roles. Students develop competency in programming, mathematical reasoning, data methodologies, and database systems essential to working with data at a professional level.
Students complete four compulsory units (6 credit points each):
MDS601 Programming Foundations for Data Science
Develops foundational programming skills required for data analysis and data-driven problem solving.
- MDS602 Mathematical Foundations for Data Science
Covers essential mathematical and statistical concepts that underpin data science techniques and models.
MDS603 Data Science Methodology
Introduces structured approaches to data analysis, including problem formulation, data preparation, modelling, and evaluation.
MDS604 Database Systems and Infrastructure
Explores database design, data storage, and infrastructure concepts required to manage and work with large datasets effectively.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Data Science is based on applicants meeting the academic and English language requirements outlined below. All applications are assessed in line with SPI’s admissions policies.
Academic Requirements
Domestic applicants must meet one of the following:
Completion of an AQF Level 7 qualification, such as an approved three-year undergraduate degree, which includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
A three-year post-secondary higher education qualification (equivalent to Australian Year 12) plus a minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience in data science or cognate roles; or
Successful completion of the SPI Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP); or
Other qualifications combined with relevant professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Relevance of Qualifications
Qualifications presented for admission should have been obtained no more than 5 years prior to the commencement of the program at SPI. Applicants with qualifications older than 5 years are required to provide a statement, demonstrating any of the following:
- the continued relevance and applicability of the student’s prior knowledge to the proposed study at SPI, or
- engagement in continuous learning, or professional development since obtaining the last qualification, or
- any relevant work experience related to the field of study.
This course not only allows those with a related degree to undertake a specialised sequence of units to upskill or refresh their professional IT knowledge, but also serves as an excellent retraining opportunity if a student is a professional aiming to move into a new data science career.
English Language Proficiency
English as a First Language – Applicants must hold citizenship or long-term residency (minimum of 10 years) in an English-speaking country recognised by SPI and have completed secondary or higher education in that country.
English Not as a First Language – Applicants are required to provide a valid English proficiency certificate as proof of English language competency.
Academic Requirements
International applicants must meet one of the following:
Completion of an AQF Level 7 qualification, such as an approved three-year undergraduate degree, which includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
A three-year post-secondary higher education qualification (equivalent to Australian Year 12) plus a minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience in data science or cognate roles; or
Successful completion of the SPI Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP); or
Other qualifications combined with relevant professional experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Relevance of Qualifications
Qualifications presented for admission should have been obtained no more than 5 years prior to the commencement of the program at SPI. Applicants with qualifications older than 5 years are required to provide a statement, demonstrating any of the following:
- the continued relevance and applicability of the student’s prior knowledge to the proposed study at SPI, or
- engagement in continuous learning, or professional development since obtaining the last qualification, or
- any relevant work experience related to the field of study.
This course not only allows those with a related degree to undertake a specialised sequence of units to upskill or refresh their professional IT knowledge, but also serves as an excellent retraining opportunity if a student is a professional aiming to move into a new data science career.
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
English Language Test Results
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with no band below 50; or
TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79, including minimum scores of
21 (Writing)
13 (Reading)
12 (Listening)
18 (Speaking); or
TOEFL PBT: Overall score of 550, including 4.5 in Writing; or
Other English language tests recognised as equivalent to IELTS Academic 6.5.
English test results must be valid and taken no more than three (3) years prior to commencement.
For full admissions requirements please read the Student Admissions and Enrolment Policy and Graduate Certificate in Data Science Admissions Criteria. For SPI Inherent Course Requirements, please refer to the SPI Inherent Course Requirements.
How to Apply
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