Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
120
Overview
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Introduction
Data science is a new profession emerging along with the exponential growth in size, and availability of 'big data'. A data scientist provides insight into future trends from looking at past and current data. This is an essential skillset in a world where everything from education to commerce, communication to transport, involves large-scale data collection and digitalisation.
This Postgraduate Diploma is designed to accommodate students from a range of backgrounds (not just those with Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science majors), who want to enhance or build their data science capabilities and combine these with the skills and knowledge they bring from their previous studies. So long as you are data-hungry and industry-aware; this degree can add to your employability and career prospects.
This qualification is offered on-campus, by distance, or online through Tuihono UC | UC Online.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
What will my study involve?
- One of the few such programmes in Australasia that supports your development from a wider undergraduate study background.
- Focus on broader skills required of data scientists such as advanced analytical capability, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.
- Option to study via distance learning off campus from any location.
- UC has strengths in the area of data science, including a number of relevant research centres (eg, Toi Hangarau | Geospatial Research Institute, Tangata Hangarau, Hangarau Tangata | HIT Lab NZ, Wireless Research Centre, Digital Humanities).
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Entry requirements
Potential students can come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. You will require a B Grade Point Average in your 300-level bachelor's degree courses, or have evidence of achievement at postgraduate level.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
How do I plan my diploma?
The Diploma will comprise a minimum of 120 points as follows:
- 45 points of foundation courses
- 60 points from the advanced data science competencies courses
- at least 15 points of elective courses from relevant subjects
You can study this qualification full-time in a minimum of 1 year (2 semesters) or part-time in a maximum of 5 years.
The Diploma is offered on campus, by distance, or online through Tuihono UC | UC Online.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Subjects and courses
Foundation courses
You will be required to enrol in all these foundational courses unless there is evidence of prior learning in the fundamentals of data science (exemptions must be approved by the Programme Director).
Advanced Data Science Competencies
All students take the following courses (unless the Programme Director approves a substitution).
- DIGI405 Texts, Discourses and Data: the Humanities and Data Science
- STAT462 Data Mining
- DATA420 Scalable Data Science
- STAT448 Big Data
You should complete the foundation course DATA401, or have a background in statistics, before enrolling in STAT462 and STAT448.
You should also complete the foundation course COSC480, or have a background in Python computer programming, before enrolling in DATA420 and DIGI405.
Elective courses
Choose at least 15 points from relevant 400 or 600-level courses in the following subjects:
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Science
- Digital Humanities
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
With approval from the Programme Director and the relevant Head of Department, you may substitute these courses with courses from other relevant subjects.
Some examples of elective courses students have enrolled in recently include:
- COSC421 Advanced Topics in Security
- COSC424 Secure Software
- COSC428 Computer Vision
- DATA415 Computational Social Choice
- DATA416 Contemporary Issues in Data Science
- DATA417 The Trustworthy Data Scientist
- DATA419 Online Communities and Social Networks
- DATA422 Data Wrangling
- DATA423 Data Science in Industry
- DATA424 Information is Beautiful
- DATA425 Foundations of Deep Learning
- DATA430 Medical Data Informatics
- DATA472 Special Topic - Data Engineering
- DATA474 Special Topic - Mathematical Data Science
- BIOL459 Genomics
- GISC404 Spatial Analysis
- GISC412 Spatial Data Science
- GISC422 Foundations of Geographic Information Systems
- HLTH462 Quantitative Health Methods
- INFO620 Information Systems Management
- INFO634 Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- POLS443 Science, Technology and Environmental Policy
- STAT446 Advanced Generalised Linear and Multivariate Models
- STAT447 Official Statistics
- STAT450 Advanced Statistical Modelling
- STAT455 Data Collection and Sampling Methods
- STAT456 Time Series and Stochastic Processes
- STAT463 Advanced Multivariable Statistical Methods and Applications
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $8,877 (120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $9,410 (120 points)
International students
2024 Special Programme Fee: $35,000 (120 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $36,400 (120 points)
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Further study
Provided you have not graduated with the Diploma and you fulfil the entry requirements, you can transfer to the Master of Applied Data Science.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science
Career opportunities
According to industry experts, data scientists know what the technology can offer, what analytics are possible, and can communicate on all those aspects to the wider business. This applies no matter the field or sector, as data and analytics have become so important and integral to organisational decision making. Graduates will be ready to work in a range of industries including: government, corporates, the IT sector, market research and finance, agriculture, and transport.
Aotearoa New Zealand and other countries are currently experiencing a skills shortage in this area, and the need for data savvy professionals with applied experience is growing.
An Applied Data Science graduate's skills will include:
- advanced knowledge in data science
- the ability to use data to inform workplace solutions
- planning and implementing data-informed projects
- working in multidisciplinary teams
- have an understanding of what programming can offer.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
