Graduate Diploma in Data Science
AQF Level 8 • CRICOS Code: 112064H
Accelerate your career in data science with SPI’s industry-aligned Graduate Diploma in Data Science. Build advanced analytical skills, hands-on experience with real world datasets and tools, and industry readiness for roles across business, analytics, technology and research.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Data Science provides students with a solid and extensive understanding of the techniques and practices of data science-related theories and applications, and equips them to meet the challenges of working in industries requiring specific data science knowledge and skills, such as data visualisation, deep learning, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
The Graduate Diploma is designed for students with little or no background in data science but wishing to attain a post-graduate qualification in this area, or who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Students with a bachelor’s degree in different disciplines or a GCDS (SPI credits recognised) are eligible to apply for this degree.
By completing this course, students will acquire essential and specific data science skills, which will enhance their employment opportunities, assist in career development, and allow them to tackle work challenges relevant to data science. Upon completion, students may choose to progress to the higher-level Master of Data Science.
STUDY MODE
On campus
STUDENT
Domestic
International
COURSE
DURATION
12 months
START DATE
09 Mar 2026
06 Jul 2026
12 Oct 2026
View all key dates
FEE
SCHOLARSHIP
Why Study a Graduate Diploma in Data Science at SPI?
Industry-Relevant Curriculum
Designed with employer input and aligned to emerging workforce demands in data engineering, analytics and AI.
Advanced Applied Learning
Hands-on projects, case studies, real datasets and tools ensure you tackle authentic analytical challenges.
Pathway to Further Study
Qualification articulates to relevant Masters programs (subject to eligibility), accelerating postgraduate progression.
Supportive Student Experience
Comprehensive support with academic guidance, career services and practical learning 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 prepares you for high-demand data science and analytics roles with industry-standard skills.
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 Diploma in Data Science is an advanced postgraduate qualification designed to be completed through a structured combination of compulsory and elective units. To qualify for the award, students must complete a total of 48 credit points, comprising 5 compulsory units and 3 elective units.
This structure allows students to build strong core competencies in data science while tailoring their learning through specialised elective areas aligned with career goals.
Clear alignment between theory and practice ensures students can immediately apply what they learn to real-world data and analytics challenges.
Compulsory Units (30 credit points)
Students must complete all five compulsory units, each worth 6 credit points.
MDS601 Programming Foundations for Data Science (6 credit points)
MDS602 Mathematical Foundations for Data Science (6 credit points)
MDS603 Data Science Methodology (6 credit points)
MDS604 Database Systems and Infrastructure (6 credit points)
MDS605 Machine Learning and Data Mining (6 credit points)
Elective Units (18 credit points)
Students must complete three elective units from the list below, with each unit worth 6 credit points.
MDS606 Data Science Research and Ethics (6 credit points)
MDS607 Artificial Intelligence and Innovation (6 credit points)
MDS609 Business Intelligence and Analytics (6 credit points)
MDS610 Decision Making for Analytics (6 credit points)
MDS611 Data Visualisation and Tools (6 credit points)
MDS612 Big Data Infrastructure and Processing (6 credit points)
MDS613 Deep Learning (6 credit points)
MDS614 Unstructured Data and Computer Vision (6 credit points)
MDS615 Cloud Computing and Application Development (6 credit points)
Entry Requirements
Admission to the Graduate Diploma 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 and course-specific criteria.
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 that includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
Completion of another recognised qualification with a combination of relevant education and professional experience, assessed on a case-by-case basis; or
Completion of the SPI Graduate Certificate in Data Science. Units completed in the Graduate Certificate may be credited towards the Graduate Diploma.
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 that includes study areas requiring quantitative reasoning and analysis; or
Completion of another recognised qualification with a combination of relevant education and professional experience, assessed on a case-by-case basis; or
Completion of the SPI Graduate Certificate in Data Science, with eligible credit transfer to the Graduate Diploma.
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 Tests
IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; or
PTE Academic: Overall score of 58, with a minimum of 50 in each subtest; or
TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 79, including minimum scores of:
Writing: 21
Reading: 13
Listening: 12
Speaking: 18; or
TOEFL PBT: Overall score of 550, including a minimum of 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 Diploma 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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