Graduate Certificate Computer Science Full Time

Graduate Certificate in Data Science

at Western Sydney University · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

095724M

CRICOS provider code

00917K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

26 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$20,608 total

Per year

A$41,216/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science at Western Sydney University is a short postgraduate qualification for people who want to build data skills without committing to a full master's degree. It runs for 26 weeks and sits at AQF level 8, between a bachelor degree and a master's. You'll study core topics in data science: programming for data analysis, statistics, data management and visualisation, and the ethical and practical sides of working with real datasets. The exact units and credit points are set by the university, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Australian graduate certificates are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. This one is completed in a single semester or equivalent, depending on the intake. Assessment is usually a mix of assignments, projects and exams, with an emphasis on applied work. If you later want to continue, credit from this certificate can often be applied towards a master's degree, subject to the university's rules.

The course suits people from a range of backgrounds: recent graduates in computing, maths, business or science who want to add data skills, and professionals already working in IT, analytics or related fields who need formal training. It's also a pathway for those who don't meet the entry requirements for a master's in data science. You'll learn to use tools like Python or R, work with databases, and interpret data to support decisions. The focus is on practical skills you can apply in a workplace.

Western Sydney University has strong links with industry in the Greater Western Sydney region, including healthcare, finance, government and technology employers. The course may include work-integrated learning or a project component, though you should confirm this on the official page. As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for coursework postgraduate programs, but always check the exact requirement for this course.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Data analyst
Business intelligence analyst
Data scientist (junior or entry-level)
Analytics consultant
Data engineer (with further study)
Roles in banking, insurance, retail, healthcare, government and technology companies across Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Certificate in Data Science at Western Sydney University?

It typically takes 26 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$20,608 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Data analystBusiness intelligence analystData scientist (junior or entry-level)Analytics consultantData engineer (with further study)Roles in banking, insurance, retail, healthcare, government and technology companies across Australia

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