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Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science

Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science

Reveal market trends and guide organisations with applied data science expertise.

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Shape high-level decision-making

With the rise of big data and its importance to organisational decision-making, data scientists are now an essential component of any successful organisation. Many industries look to data scientists to collect, manage and interpret large sets of raw information so that business strategy can be driven by statistical analysis.

Tailor your learning to suit your career goals.

You will be able to direct your studies to meet your professional goals and graduate aligned with a rapidly changing environment – ready to make an impact as a Data Analyst or BI Specialist.

Gain practical skills in applied data science

Graduate ready to use your newfound skills in the real world. The data you’ll work with is sourced directly from industry-based projects.

Shape the world with AI.

We can help you gain the skills and knowledge to change the world. Here, you’ll learn to harness the power of AI to help solve society’s most pressing issues.

Learn from the best.

To be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best. And that’s what Monash Online offers. You’ll learn directly from top researchers, who will give you invaluable insights and knowledge.

Strengthen your analytics skills in the company of experts.

As a Monash Online student, you’ll be studying amongst the largest research group of data scientists in the southern hemisphere – broadening your knowledge and expertise.

Step into a future-proof career.

Data science is in Australia’s top five in-demand and highest-paying jobs. We can help you enter this exciting field, as our data science course is ranked #3 nationally.

Study Mode

Accelerated 100% Online

Duration

1.4 years part-time

Units

8

Intakes

Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct

Fees

Est. $5,200 per unit

FEE-HELP

Eligible students may apply for FEE-HELP.

Shape high-level decision-making

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What is the difference between the Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science and Graduate Certificate of Analytics?

The Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science will help you develop the technical skills required for wrangling data and analysing it. Data Science also focuses on programming and advanced mathematical modelling to achieve these outcomes. Students looking to complete this course require previous knowledge – academic or work experience – within the IT and/or science or maths field already. Alternatively, the Graduate Certificate of Analytics focuses on understanding problems that businesses face and how to develop data analytics to address these problems. The course builds on core data mining skills and how to analyse, solve and present data and solutions for complex decision making. This course is for students who may not have had any formal IT experience as it provides foundational knowledge that you’d require to progress in a role within this field.

FAQs

How Monash Online can change your world.

#3

Nationally recognised program

Thanks to Monash’s outstanding AI and data science research, we’re ranked #3 in Australia in the field by QS World University Rankings.

#36

Top-ranked university

Monash is ranked #36 globally (QS World University Rankings 2026).

The best aspect of my experience studying this course has been engagement with the tutors who have industry experience in what they are teaching so it is not solely theory, but they know how it applies in practice.

Andrew Stedall

Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science

This course consists of eight units. You will complete core studies in introductory applied data science, data wrangling and statistical data modelling, then select units from across a range of areas where you can tailor the course to suit your own interests.

If you do not meet course requirements in programming, databases or mathematics/statistics, you must complete up to a maximum of two foundation units prior to commencing your core studies.

You must complete the following units:

Introduction to databases

Introduction to Python

Mathematical foundations for data science and AI

You must complete the following units:

Introduction to data science

Data wrangling

Statistical data modelling

You must complete one of the following units:

Data exploration, visualisation, and information design

Applied data analysis

Machine learning

Data processing for big data

Data analysis for semi-structured data

You must complete the following unit:

Applied practice 1

You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.

There are multiple ways that you can be eligible for studying a Master of Applied Data Science

ENTRY LEVEL 1:

You need an Australian bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent) with a credit average of 60%. This will need to be approved by the faculty.

OR

You need an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* and a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline* with a credit average of 60%.

If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 72 points to complete the course. It will take two years of study.

*A relevant discipline includes successful completion of relevant coursework on programming, foundational mathematics for computing, database and SQL.

ENTRY LEVEL 2: 

You need a Monash University Graduate Certificate of Applied Data Science with a credit average of 60%.

OR

You need an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* and a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline*, with a credit average of 60% in the higher degree.

If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 48 points to complete the course. It will take just under 1.5 years of study.

ENTRY LEVEL 3: 

You need a Monash University Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science with a credit average of 60%.

If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 24 points to complete the course. It will take just under one year of study.

English Language Requirements

We do have English Language Requirements for this degree, as you need to be proficient in English to get the most out of the course. You can learn more about our English Language Requirements here.

Need more information?

We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.

There are twelve units total with an estimated cost of $5,200 per unit. So, you’re looking at an approximate total cost of $62,400* for this degree.

*Unit fees are subject to change annually. Please reference the 2025 fees.

Scholarships

We celebrate success. This is why we offer over 360 types of scholarships (valued at up to $280,000). Not every scholarship is the same. Some are one-off payments, and some continue for the length of your course.

You can learn about Monash Scholarships here.

Financial Assistance

You may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan, so you don’t have to pay your fees upfront. And you’ll only need to begin repaying the loan when your income reaches a certain level. You can learn more about it by visiting the Study Assist website. 

Need more information?

We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.

A course made for a career in data science.

Designed by leading Monash academics, this course is your opportunity to learn from industry experts. The data you’ll work with in each of your units is derived from industry-based projects in the real world. This ensures that the skill set you develop is grounded in a sophisticated simulation of real-world professional practice. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Machine learning is only one type of AI technology. Others include Natural language processing and computer vision.
With larger amounts of data being generated through more day-to-day applications, it’s becoming more important to understand how the data we collect could affect our future. Regardless of the size of the data, expert data analysis can improve customer experiences, inform product-development and increase safety and security. The goal of data-analysis is to inform data-driven decision making that’s become central to a broad list of ever-growing industries including tech, finance, health and medicine, cybersecurity, defence and agriculture.

Pathway to a master's degree

You can graduate with a Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science in approximately 1.4 years part-time accelerated, after completing 8 units (48 credit points). 

You can also:  

  • Exit the course after completing approximately 0.7 years part-time accelerated, 4 units (24 credit points), and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate of Applied Data Science; or 
  • Continue studying after completing approximately 2 years part-time accelerated, 12 units (72 credit points total), and you’ll receive a Master of Applied Data Science 

Meet your academic team

Dr Yi-shan Tsai

Academic Director Online Programmes

Dr Yi-Shan Tsai is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology and a member of the Centre for Learning Analytics at Monash (CoLAM). She is also a member of the Digital Education Research Group at Monash and an associate scholar of the Centre for Research in Digital Education and the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Edinburgh.

Dr Yasmeen George

Deputy Course Director

Dr Yasmeen George is a Lecturer with data science and AI department at Monash Faculty of Information Technology with over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience in AI for healthcare analytics. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne in 2018 (Australia), Master of Computer Science (by research) in medical image analytics in 2013 from the University of Ain Shams (Egypt).

Dr Guanliang Chen

Deputy Course Coordinator

Dr Guanliang Chen’s research applies state-of-the-art language technologies to make use of textual data collected in a range of educational settings. His research focuses on the fairness, accountability and transparency of machine learning techniques and the collection of quality educational materials. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Delft University of Technology.

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