Course details

Summary

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 digitalization.

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.

Features of the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science (PGDipADS)

One of the few such programmes in Australasia that supports the development of students from a wider undergraduate background.

There is also a focus on broader skills required of data scientists such as advanced analytical capability, problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.

UC has strengths in the area of data science, including a number of relevant research centres (eg, Geospatial Research Institute, HIT Lab NZ, High Performance Computing, Wireless Research Centre, Digital Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities).

Qualification structure and duration

The degree will comprise a minimum of 120 points as follows:

• up to 45 points from the Foundation Courses
• all courses from Group A: Advanced Data Science Competencies
• at least 15 points from Group B: Domain Specific Competencies.

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.

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.

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.

A PGDipADS 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.

Entry criteria

Potential students can come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds. Candidates require a B average in relevant 300-level Bachelor's courses or evidence of achievement at postgraduate level.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.