The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions is a unique multidisciplinary program which will equip students with skills in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions, and communication.
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions trains graduates to meet the growing demand for Data Scientists and Analysts in the Sydney region, nationally and internationally.
Students undertaking the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions (program 3959; UAC code: 429150) will benefit from the expertise of educators across three different Schools at UNSW: Mathematics and Statistics; Computer Science and Engineering; and the UNSW Business School.
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions can also be combined with studying Law ().Ìý
We also offer a range of Masters-level Data Science programs. Please see ourÌýPostgraduate Coursework Programs webpageÌýfor more information on these.Ìý
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
Please visit theÌýUNSW Degree FinderÌýfor all admissions and entry details. This website provides information about ATARs and the relevant Lowest Selection Rank for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions.Ìý
Structure of the degree
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions (3959; UAC code: 429150) is a three-year program, comprising a central core course requirement and featuring three separate streams of study: Quantitative Data Science, Computational Data Science, and Business Data Science.Ìý
See the for the most up to date information about courses.ÌýÌý
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions comprises:Ìý
| Core courses: 72 Units of Credit | A major:Ìý48 UOCÌý |
| Free electives: 12 UOCÌý | General Education: 12 UOCÌý |
See below for core courses and courses by stream.
-
Stage
Core courses
MATHE1 Quantitative Data Science
COMPZ1 Computational Data Science
ECONL1 Business Data ScienceÌý
Level 1 coursesÌý
Ìý
COMP1511 Introduction to ProgrammingÌý
Ìý
COMP2521 Data Structures & AlgorithmsÌý
Ìý
DATA1001 Introduction to Data Science & DecisionsÌý
Ìý
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1Ìý
Ìý
One of:Ìý
-MATH1131 Mathematics 1AÌý
-MATH1141 Higher Mathematics 1AÌý
Ìý
One of:Ìý
-MATH1231 Mathematics 1BÌý
-MATH1241 Higher Mathematics 1BÌý
Ìý
Complete Level 1 Core Courses Complete Level 1 core courses, PLUS:Ìý
Ìý
MATH1081Ìý
Discrete MathematicsÌý
Complete Level 1 Core CoursesÌý -
Stage
Core courses
MATHE1 Quantitative Data Science
COMPZ1 Computational Data Science
ECONL1 Business Data ScienceÌý
Level 2 coursesÌý
Ìý
ECON2112 Game Theory & Business StrategyÌý
Ìý
One of:Ìý
-MATH2501 Linear AlgebraÌý
-MATH2601 Higher Linear AlgebraÌý
Ìý
One of:Ìý
-MATH2801 Theory of StatisticsÌý
-MATH2901 Higher Theory of StatisticsÌý
Ìý
Complete Level 2 core courses, PLUS:
One of:Ìý
-MATH2831 Linear ModelsÌý
-MATH2931 Higher Linear ModelsMATH2871 Data Management for Statistical Analysis
Complete Level 2 core courses, PLUS:Ìý
Ìý
ÌýÌý
Ìý
COMP2041 Software Construction: Techniques & ToolsÌý
Complete Level 2 core courses, PLUS:Ìý
Ìý
One of:Ìý
-ECON2206 Introductory EconometricsÌý
-MATH2831 Linear ModelsÌý
-MATH2931 Higher Linear ModelsÌý
Ìý
Ìý
ECON2209 Business ForecastingÌý
-
Stage
Core courses
MATHE1 Quantitative Data Science
COMPZ1 Computational Data Science
ECONL1 Business Data ScienceÌý
Level 3 courses
COMP3311 Database Systems
DATA3001 Data Science and Decisions in Practice
ECON3203 Econometric Theory & Methods
Complete Level 3 core courses, PLUS:Ìý
MATH3821 Statistical Modelling & ComputingÌý
ÌýÌý
MATH3871 Bayesian Inference & ComputationÌý
Complete Level 3 core courses, PLUS:ÌýCOMP3121 Algorithms & Programming TechniquesÌý
Ìý
COMP9313 Big Data ManagementÌý
Ìý
COMP9417 Machine Learning & Data Mining
ÌýComplete Level 3 core courses, PLUS:
ECON3208 Applied Econometric Methods
-
Stage
Core courses
MATHE1 Quantitative Data Science
COMPZ1 Computational Data Science
ECONL1 Business Data ScienceÌý
ElectivesÌý
Ìý 24 UOC 12 UOC
30 UOC (18 from UNSW Business School)
Ìý
Data Science streams
Business Data ScienceÌýfocuses on econometrics and business applications of data science.Ìý
Quantitative Data ScienceÌýrevolves around mathematical and statistical methods to interpret, understand and predict data.Ìý
Computational Data ScienceÌýenables further study into manipulation and management of data.Ìý
UNSW Data Science Society
Connect with theÌýUNSWÌýData Science Society (DataSoc), a student-run group that organises a variety of social, career, and educational events throughout the year, creating an active and engaged community.
addressing some common questions about the degree.
Ìý
Honours in Quantitative Data Science
The Honours in Quantitative Data Science is intended for students who have completed the Quantitative Data Science stream in theÌýBachelor of Data Science and Decisions.
An Honours year allows you to expand your knowledge and proficiency in data science, and gives you exposure to advanced coursework and research. ItÌýprovides you with a taste of cutting-edge research topics and establishes a foundation for postgraduate study.
An Honours degree demonstrates that you have mastered a range of skills that are coveted by employers, including research skills,Ìýtechnical writing and oral presentations skills. It also shows that you have focus, perseverance, and creativity!
Data Science Engagement
View our programs and student support opportunities.
More information
Students of Data Science and Decisions
Jessica Boyle
"My favourite part about the Data Science and Decisions degree is that I can customise it to fit my interests.
I get to pick electives from a pool that contains everything from Software Construction to Calculus to Economic Game Theory. This has allowed me to follow my passion for mathematics while also building on my newly discovered love of coding and then I get to throw a bit of economics into the mix!
The combination of courses available in this degree has taught me so many practical skills relevant to being a Data Scientist and I can't wait to test them out on real-world problems when I graduate."Ìý
Serena Xu
“My experience of the Data Science degree has been fabulous so far. I have learnt so many interesting things on a large variety of topics from computer science, maths and economics/business. They have all been incredibly interesting and fascinating, broadening up an entire new way of thinking for me.
One of the highlights of the program is the vast scope of knowledge that we are exposed to, which I believe is incredibly useful in the modern world. 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."
Saksham Yadav
"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."
Careers in Data Science
Data scientists and analysts use their skills to make discoveries and gain new insights through exploring data. The soaring demand for employees with qualifications in data science and analysis means that career opportunities abound across a range of areas.Ìý
-
The skills of data scientists are so highly coveted due to the sheer volume of data which organisations must contend with. Data scientists have the skills to analyse and interpret the growing volumes and help convert this information into insights, which can transform businesses and industries. Over the last four years, jobs requiring the use of data analysis and data management skills and tools have doubled. Jobs in data science can attract generous remuneration.Ìý
-
"As data volume continues to grow and organisations are looking to become more strategically focused, data science and decision modelling are increasingly essential tools for businesses to thrive in a competitive global environment. Having the right analytical tools is critical for growth and success in the 21st century workplace."Ìý
Ron Elazar, Senior Consultant at Deloitte Australia. Graduate of UNSW Mathematics and Statistics.
-
“The potential for data analysis to impact big and small decisions in our lives is endless. From forecasting the peaks and troughs of chocolate biscuits in your local supermarket throughout a year, to pushing out intervention programs at the right time to people who are high risk of falling into debt. The best thing? These skills are transferable – the same techniques can be used across multiple applications, the only limit is your imagination.â€
Annelies Tjetjep, Customer Success Manager, SAS Australia.
-
"Every job, every industry, requires more and more analytics, more and more understanding of numbers, and more competency when it comes to looking at problems and modelling things."
Ben Waterhouse, Founder of Model Solutions, a data analytics and forecast modelling company for the pharmaceutical industry. Graduate of UNSW Mathematics and Statistics.
-
“Data science takes the huge and growing amount of data now available in industry and research, and makes it meaningful and useful. This improves efficiency in business, and allows scientists to answer important questions in fields like climate change and cancer research. â€
Gordana Popovic, Statistical Consultant at Stats Central UNSW, Former PhD Student (Statistics) at UNSW Mathematics and Statistics.