If tackling complex challenges and making data-driven decisions excites you, a career in data science could be your next move.
Data scientists are at the forefront of IT, using data visualisation, big data, and machine learning to transform how organisations operate. With expertise in data modelling, supercomputing, and advanced computer systems, they analyse vast datasets to uncover practical solutions.
Build your career in data science
A career in data science is driven by curiosity, analytical thinking, and a problem-solving mindset—turning information into strategies that shape the future.
With a growing demand both locally and globally, data science offers the potential for a lucrative career. IBM reports that 90% of companies face challenges in finding skilled data scientists, pointing to a significant talent shortage—your expertise will be sought after from day one.
Swinburne offers courses to support you at any stage, whether you’re just starting out or building on your data science career.
Discover the qualifications you’ll need, how Swinburne’s courses help you gain hands-on skills, and ways to build a network for success as a data scientist.
3 steps to become a data scientist
Becoming a data scientist takes three steps: earning qualifications, gaining industry experience, and building a professional network.
With Swinburne’s UniLink diplomas to masters, there’s a course for every stage, whether you’re starting out or building on existing skills.
[Futuristic slow-tempo music fades up]
[Student aged person appears against a white background]
Arlo, Data Science student: If you're looking to how to become a data scientist, you've probably ended up with a very long list of things you apparently need to know. Python, machine learning, statistics, SQL visualization. I'm Arlo, and we're going to dive into what it takes to become a data scientist. Whether you're exploring your options in it or interested in data science specifically.
[View zooms out to reveal another person in the frame]
Nathan, Data Science alumnus: I'm Nathan, an application services engineer at Siemens, and is data every single day. I have an associate degree of applied technologies and a Bachelor of Computer Science from Swinburne. If tackling complex challenges, making data driven decisions excites you, a career in data science could be your next move. Data scientists are in demand across healthcare, finance, tech, government, engineering and it's only growing.
[Title appears between them:
“HOW TO BECOME A DATA SCIENTIST”]
Arlo: Step one is getting qualified to work as a data scientist.
[Camera zooms in between presenters, a red train line graphic appears and tracks across the screen, the line divides into four each showing a degree as a stop on a train line:
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink);
Bachelor of Data Science;
Bachelor of Computer Science (Major in Data Science); Master of Data Science]
You'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, data science, or a related field. That's your foundation. Everything else builds on top of it. Swinburne offers pathways from a Uni Link diploma all the way through to a masters degree, so you can enter at the right point for you and build from there. I'm studying a double degree engineering and computer science.
Arlo: I added the data science major halfway through because I love data analytics in high school and I was missing it. When you studied data science at Swinburne. You'll build three types of skills technical skills. Things like Python and machine learning. Creative skills like turning data into a clear visual story, and soft skills like communicating your findings to people who aren't data scientists.
[Camera zooms away from the train line graphic and framing Arlo and Nathan again]
Nathan: When I was studying my bachelor degree, I was already at Siemens, so I was applying everything almost immediately. Database design. Data visualization AI tools, data privacy. Their skills are built at Swinburne and put into practice in my career. Employers want to see that you've applied what you know. That means real projects, internships, placements, actual work on actual problems.
Arlo: All Swinburne Bachelor degrees include guaranteed industry experience like a placement internship or industry linked project. I did a placement in Germany last year working on actual satellites. My work contributed directly to scientific and sustainability research, and at the end of it, they offered me a role when I graduate.
[Camera zooms in past Arlo to a section of the train line graphic showing photographs of satellite components and Arlo in a clean suit]
Nathan: The other thing experience teaches you beyond the technical side is how to tell a story with data, how to take something complex and make it mean something to the person looking at it. That's the skill to separates a good data scientist from a great one. The third step and people underestimate this one is building your network. The connections you make while you're still studying can define the first steps of your career.
[Camera zooms out, focus back on Arlo; Australian Computer Society logo appears next to them]
Arlo: Swinburne’s computer science degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society, which means you can tap into their network events mentoring while you're still a student
Nathan: Your lecturers, your peers, the industry experts you meet, they become your network. That network is how opportunities find you. For me, the placement I did at Siemens during my associate degree kicked off a nine year career there.
[Footage of an industry event with students meeting clients and presenting work appears along the train line graphic]
Arlo: Studying data science opens up a wide range of careers across tech, healthcare, finance, government, aerospace, and more.
[Camera zooms out, focus back on Arlo and Nathan]
Nathan: And once you're in your career, can take you in so many different directions. I started as a technical trainee, now I'm building AI tools for one of the biggest engineering companies in the world.
Arlo: And whatever direction you decide to take your data science degree, you'll take the experience, skills and connection you got at Swinburne along with you.
[Arlo and Nathan fade to white revealing the train line it’s entirety from start to finish]
1. Obtain a qualification
Undergraduate courses
Passionate about statistical methods, tech-driven solutions, and supercomputing for big data? The Bachelor of Data Science dives straight into data science, software development, data visualisation, and machine learning. Start hands-on learning from your first semester.
Gain a solid foundation in computer science with the flexibility to specialise in data science with the Bachelor of Computer Science (Majoring in Data Science). You'll cover software development, programming, systems, and IT architecture alongside core data science courses.
You could also consider the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) which includes a mandatory 12-month paid work placement.
Postgraduate courses
The Graduate Certificate of Data Science is ideal for those with a degree in any field or relevant work experience. Provides a pathway into a masters in data science for deeper specialisation.
Advance your data science skills, preparing to lead and tackle complex challenges with the Master of Data Science. Learn advanced techniques for decision-making in a data-driven field.
Pathway courses
The Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) is a one-year program that provides a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Start with core skills in business analytics and computing—ideal for exploring data science. Finish with direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor of Data Science.
2. Gain experience
Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) gives you hands-on data science experience throughout your course.
You’ll access the OZStar supercomputer, learn from top-ranked academics, and work with industry partners across fields like infrastructure, healthcare, and tech.
Through placements, internships, and real-world projects with partners like the Bureau of Meteorology and Bosch, you’ll build in-demand skills and a standout CV for your data science career.
Bachelor of Data Science
This degree offers specialised data science training with a mix of theory and practical industry experiences. Choose a 6- or 12-month professional placement, work on six data science projects, and complete a capstone project, solving a real-world client challenge.
Bachelor of Computer Science
Includes industry-informed case studies and the option of a 6- or 12-month work placement. Gain practical experience that connects classroom learning with real industry applications.
Or the Bachelor of Computer Science (Professional) includes a guaranteed 12-month paid work placement.
Master of Data Science
Swinburne’s advanced data science training equips you for leadership. Projects start in your first semester, tackling issues like dental implant identification, understanding green house gas footprints and aviation route planning using social media data. Practice-driven learning makes you job ready and capable of becoming a data science leader.
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
Ideal for building foundational skills in computing, IT, and data science. Projects are industry-informed, giving you relevant experience as you prepare for further studies or direct entry into a bachelor’s program.
3. Build your network
Hone your expertise in software engineering and computer science with foundational skills in hardware and operating systems at Swinburne, where state-of-the-art labs and the latest tech ensure you stay ahead.
As a Swinburne data science student, you can connect with the Australian Computer Society.
Membership opens doors to networking, career events, mentoring, and professional development with fellow students and industry professionals.
For more opportunities, check out the Association of Data Scientists, a global community offering continuous learning, certifications, research access, and discounts on further education—ideal for expanding your skills and connections worldwide.
Explore data science courses
Searching for a data science course? From entry-level to expert, explore courses that build essential skills, practical experience, and connections for your career.
How long will it take to train as a data scientist?
Becoming a data scientist usually takes 3-4 years with a bachelor’s degree. Want to dive deeper? Adding a master’s or certifications can take 1-2 more years for advanced roles.
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UniLink diploma pathway courses
8 months full-time or part-time equivalent
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Postgraduate degrees
From 1-2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Quick facts about data science careers
Average salary
$100 to $130k
Growth rate
26% over next 5 years
Job satisfaction
80%
What skills do data scientists need?
Technical skills:
- software programming using programs such as Python and R
- perform statistical analysis
- apply analytical thinking techniques
- advanced problem solving
- converse with technical peers.
Creative skills:
- create data visualisations
- storytelling using data
- simplify complex concepts
- apply design thinking to technical challenges
- apply user experience design techniques.
Soft skills:
- written and verbal communication skills
- work in cross-functional teams
- critical thinking
- stakeholder empathy and management
- adaptability in tackling diverse data science challenges.
Study data science at Swinburne
At Swinburne, you’ll find data science courses designed to fit your career goals—whether you’re starting fresh or advancing in the field.
Courses and study pathways
Duration:
3-4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Entry requirements:
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.
Accreditation:
Australian Computer Society
Career outcomes:
- data scientist
- business intelligence developer
Recommended courses:
Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
Completion of a recognised bachelor’s degree or higher award in any discipline, or Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Data Science from a recognised higher education institution, or completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program at Swinburne.
Accreditation:
Australian Computer Society
Career outcomes:
- data scientist
- data engineer
- data architect.
Recommended courses:
The master's degree is a nested suite of courses that includes a Graduate Certificate of Data Science and the Graduate Diploma of Data Science.
Duration:
8 months full-time or part-time equivalent
Entry requirements:
Successful completion of Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, and/or relevant work history.
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (includes certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Recommended course:
Why study data science at Swinburne?
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Gain real-world problem-solving experience
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Access state-of-the-art OzStar supercomputing facilities
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Get hands-on experience through internships and placements
Frequently asked questions
Data scientists play a key role in turning data into meaningful information that guides decisions across a range of industries.
As a data scientist, your day-to-day tasks include collecting and cleaning data, analysing trends through statistics and visualisations, and building predictive models. Your work might support areas like public health, infrastructure, or sales forecasting.
You’ll also interpret and share your findings with stakeholders and collaborate with teams of experts—like doctors, engineers, and business leaders—to make data-driven insights accessible and actionable.
To become a data scientist, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Swinburne offers data science courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, giving you plenty of options to build your skills.
If you’re looking for a flexible start, the Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) is a great entry point, providing foundational knowledge that prepares you for undergraduate data science studies.
A data science qualification from Swinburne sets you up for a career as a data scientist, but it can also open doors to plenty of other paths based on your interests.
With these skills, you can work across a range of industries—whether it’s tech, healthcare, finance, or marketing:
- business intelligence developer
- data analyst
- data infrastructure architect
- data engineer
- machine learning scientist
- statistician
- business analyst
- marketing analyst.
These roles let you apply your data skills in many different ways, so you’ll always have options and never be bored. Whether you love designing systems or diving into market trends, there’s a path that fits your interests.
Swinburne’s data science courses dive into computing, technology, stats, and maths.
To keep up with the coursework, you’ll need some background in these areas, either from past studies or work experience.
Want to chat about your options? Book a one-on-one chat with a course expert or email us your questions.
To become a data scientist, you’ll study subjects like programming, big data visualisation, software design, cloud computing, and database management. Plus, you can tailor your studies by choosing electives that match your interests.
These units, known as majors or minors, might include areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, business forecasting, digital advertising, or engineering.
Data science combines computing, statistics, logic, and creativity.
To succeed in these courses, you’ll need to show that you can handle subjects like computer science, analytics, and statistics, especially as the complexity ramps up.
Make sure to check the entry requirements for your chosen course before applying. If you’d like to discuss your fit for a Swinburne data science course, book a one-on-one consultation with a course expert to chat about your options.
There’s no official accreditation needed to be a data scientist in Australia, but Swinburne’s courses make sure you’re set up to handle the real challenges that data scientists face.
Plus, our bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees are accredited by the Australian Computer Society, so you’ll graduate with skills that are recognised by industry experts.
Absolutely! Completing the Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink) guarantees you entry straight into the second year of either the Bachelor of Data Science or the Bachelor of Computer Science.
You can choose between two streams: Computer Science or Business Analytics and Analyst and it’s a great way to get a head start on your degree.
Along with FEE-HELP loans, Swinburne offers a range of scholarships to support students, promote equity, and recognise hard work and academic excellence—take a look at the full list of scholarships.
Swinburne data science courses are delivered face-to-face at our Hawthorn campus in Melbourne, giving you the chance to really get involved in hands-on learning.
You'll have access to cutting-edge facilities, like the OZStar supercomputer, and benefit from in-person interactions with peers and experts.
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- Australian Government Outlook
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Explore all data science courses
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