Bachelor
If you're thinking about studying data science, you're probably already aware of its power to shape our world. There's plenty of reasons to study data and technology
, opens in a new window.If you're thinking about studying data science, you're probably already aware of its power to shape our world. There's plenty of reasons to study data and technology
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions will prepare you to compile, interpret and act on data in ways that make a big impact. This degree combines training in mathematical methods, statistics, computing and business decision-making with communication skills. You'll gain the theoretical and practical skills required to enter the field of data analysis, where networking, decision-making, strategic thinking and attention to detail are essential.
Leveraging the expertise of three renowned schools - Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering and Economics - you'll graduate career-ready with a globally recognised degree from a global top 20 university*.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
This degree harnesses the power of three disciplines: science, engineering and business. It will equip you with transferable skills in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication. You'll choose from a broad range of electives across three leading faculties and specialise in quantitative, business or computational data science..
We provide a balance of theory and practical work to give you the skills to fast-track your career. Our Work Integrated Learning opportunities include professional placements at Information Technology (IT) companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies. Along with new professional skills and connections, you'll also gain course credit for your work placement.
The SCIF2041 Research Internship course allows you to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff.
This degree was designed to meet the growing demand for data scientists and analysts. Our graduates demonstrate skills in programming languages, problem-solving and processing, interpreting and presenting data using qualitative and quantitative techniques. It will equip you with specialist skills in mathematics, computer science and business to meet the soaring demands of the industry.
Study at a global top 20 university*
Graduate with a widely-respected degree from a prestigious Go8 university, ranked equal 19th globally*. We're ranked #1 in Australia (#31 in the world) for Engineering and Technology and #1 in Australia (#44 in the world) for Mathematics**.
*QS World University Rankings 2024
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Unlock the expertise of three renowned schools
By studying Data Science and Decisions, you'll benefit from the expertise of three renowned schools: Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering and Economics. Our educators are world-leading experts who are passionate about creating the next generation of data science leaders.
With a career-focused, hands-on approach, you'll graduate with the practical skills and industry knowledge to seamlessly transition into the workforce. UNSW graduates earn some of the highest salaries compared to other Go8 universities.^ We've also been recognised for producing the Most Employable Graduates four years running.^^
^Highest graduate median salaries of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022)
^^Most employable graduates (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020,2021,2022,2023)
Find your place in the data science community
At UNSW, equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. Connect with other students in one of 16 clubs and societies within the Faculty of Science and 300+ university-wide. Join our Data Science Peer Mentoring Program, where you'll get support transitioning into university life with social events and the opportunity to meet others in the data science community. We're also committed to inspiring young women to pursue an enriching career path in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Mathematics Extension 1
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
85
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.5
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
11
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
31
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1210
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
The era of Big Data
With quintillion bytes of data generated each day, it's safe to say that we're in the era of big data. Social media, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and artificial intelligence are driving trends in data and influencing the role of data scientists. The increasing need for people who can interpret and understand data means that data scientists and analysts are in very high demand across a range of industries.
What does a career in this field look like?
Data science is a multidisciplinary field of study that blends mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication. Data scientists translate user data into insights that help companies understand their audience and personalise their products or services. Uncovering new insights and predicting trends has become vital in the retail, environmental, not-for-profit, IT and professional services sector.
Career opportunities in data science span across many industries, from start-ups to established corporations, including Coles, AirBnB, Spotify, Netflix and Greenpeace, to name a few. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products for the market, determine warehouse or retail employee schedules, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases.
Explore the potential industries and roles based on different Data Science and Decisions disciplines.
Business Data Science
Quantitative Data Science
Computational Data Science
"My favourite part about the Data Science and Decisions degree was that I could customise it to fit my interests. I got to pick electives from a pool that contains everything from software construction to calculus to economic game theory. This allowed me to follow my passion for mathematics while also building on my newly discovered love of coding, and then get to throw a bit of economics into the mix!"
Jessica Boyle
Consultant, Data Assurance, PwC
"The data science program at UNSW has provided me with a solid foundation in advanced mathematics and computer science, as well as the opportunity to pursue elective courses in physics. Knowledge of these three fields has proven invaluable to my career as they are fundamental to almost every industry."
Saksham Yadav
Innovation Manager at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CEO of The Adecco Group (Australia/NZ) for one month (2021)
"We live in a world of technology, which revolves around economics, but is all underpinned by maths and numbers. This program covers all three major areas, which are incredibly useful to contribute to society."
Serena Xu
Data Graduate