Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science

Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science

POSTGRADUATE

100% online and accelerated

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

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Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Fees:

AU$16,800 (2025 total)

Next intake:
January, March, May, July, September, October
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Fees:

AU$16,800 (2025 total)

Next intake:
January, March, May, July, September, October
Location:
Online

Overview

Designed for consultants, business, marketing, data, financial, product, and web analysts, and for those who seek to create their own unheard-of roles from the endless opportunities big data and technology presents.

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Gain essential data and analytical skills

This course gives people with a non-technical background the critical foundations of programming, analytics, data wrangling and visualisation that employers are demanding now. The courses in this program are also foundation courses of the Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership.

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Designed for emerging data-driven leaders

This program is for functional and data-driven specialists who see expanding career opportunities if they upskill their data science capabilities.

Gain credibility and drive quality

Select credible methods to solve problems with data. Be confident with the quality of the data science and analytics team’s answers.

Learn key principles and tools of data science

Understand how intelligent technologies are being used to gain clearer insights.

Create business value

Add value to your team and organisation immediately with transferable, practical skills.

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Your online experience

The 100% online degree delivers a convenient online program without the requirement for on-campus attendance and commitments. All lecture material and content is delivered directly to you, wherever you are.

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Study on campus

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is also available at the Melbourne City campus.

Find out more

Australian student visas

RMIT's online Graduate Certificate does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.

Details

Why the RMIT Online Graduate Certificate of Data Science?

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science is designed to give people with a non-technical background the critical foundations of programming, analytics, data wrangling and visualisation and communication that employers are demanding now. You will learn how to refine questions that the organisation must answer, to select the right approaches and to find or guide others to those answers. 

It’s designed for emerging digital leaders who see expanding career opportunities if they upskill their DSA capabilities. It’s for future consultants, business intelligence, marketing, data, product, and web analysts, and for those who seek to create their own unheard-of role from the endless opportunities that the digital disruption presents.

The courses in this program are also foundation courses of the Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership, should you wish to continue your studies and further to become a senior DSA leader. Alternatively, you could continue on a more technical path with the on-campus Master of Analytics or Master of Data Science.

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Study in an authentic and supportive online environment where you’ll have access to world-leading academics and build meaningful professional networks. 

Gain up-to-the-minute content in an interactive and engaging way, and apply what you learn immediately to your business and career.

The 100% online, accelerated program means your learning – and graduation – is fast-tracked and focused. You can enrol in any one of our six, seven-week teaching periods each year.

You can view online resources and learning activities, access course materials via Canvas, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account anywhere, anytime.

Our online learning platform is purpose-built and brings authenticity to your learning experience, available using your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Coursework is delivered in an engaging way and easy to follow.

You will also have access to discussion boards, online forums, electronic assignment submission, the library and business journals.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the teaching period and includes essays, reports, presentations, case studies, quizzes and research projects. 

Designed with industry, for industry 

The Graduate Certificate of Data Science has been designed by experienced academics in collaboration with leading DSA practitioners and companies. You’ll be learning best practice and industry standards from data science professionals, using real-world case studies, examples and problems.

The program has been validated and tooled with industry partners such as Tableau. It has been co-designed with industry leaders of data science, including: 

  • Felipe Flores, Founder of Data Futurology, ex-Head of Data Science at ANZ
  • Andrew Wilson-Ann, Consultant, ex-Head of Business Initiatives at ANZ
  • Stephen Duckett, Director of Health Program at the Grattan Institute
  • Simon Dunstall, CSIRO Research Program Director

8 months, intensive part-time

The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Data Science comprises four core courses: 

  • Practical Data Science with Python
  • Applied Analytics
  • Data Visualisation and Communication
  • Data Wrangling 

Career

RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Data Science has been designed by industry experts to enhance your credibility amongst data scientists and with business leaders.

In addition to future-proofing your data science practices, you’ll develop the soft skills to lead and influence in this age of digital disruption. 

Some positions to move into after studying this qualification include: 

  • Head of Digital, Data and Technology
  • Data Science and Analytics Director
  • Chief Technical Officer
  • Chief Marketing Officer
  • Head of Customer Insights

Entry requirements and admissions

An Australian Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution 

OR

No formal qualification but a minimum of 5 years Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) work experience in any industry setting.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

An Australian Bachelor degree (AQF 7) or equivalent from a recognised tertiary institution 

OR

No formal qualification but a minimum of 5 years Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) work experience in any industry setting.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Data Science, you may continue on to further study at the master degree level.

You could continue your studies and further develop your skills to become a senior leader in data science and analytics with the 100% online Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership.

Alternatively, you could continue on a more technical path with the on-campus Master of Analytics or Master of Data Science. 

Fees

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2025 tuition fees:

  • AU$4,200 per course
  • Total AU$16,800 for four courses.

Fees apply to 2025 only.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF) based on your enrolment load, which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. Eligible local students can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer payment of their SSAF.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a program.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

Expand all sections

2025 tuition fees:

  • AU$4,200 per course
  • Total AU$16,800 for four courses.

Fees apply to 2025 only.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF) based on your enrolment load, which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. Eligible local students can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer payment of their SSAF.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information