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Graduate Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals
Master of Data Science

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 10 april 2026
START DATE: 4 may 2026

Ranked above world standard1

2 industry-focused specialisations

100% online

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Complete the form below for detailed course information and to be contacted by phone and email.

save on your course fees

There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places available for our Term 2 2026 intake. With this government subsidy, there are significant fee savings on the cost of your study.

  • The cost of the Graduate Certificate with a CSP is $3,568 (normally $17,400).
  • The cost of the Masters with a CSP is between $13,454 and $18,636 (normally $69,600).

Upcoming information session

To find out more about your eligibility and the course, join our upcoming webinar for La Trobe’s online Graduate Certificate and Master of Data Science on 10 March 2026 at 5:45 pm AEDT and meet the course coordinator, Dr Andriy Olenko. Register here to learn more about the courses and online learning experience at La Trobe. 

Create powerful data driven solutions

Graduate Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals

The La Trobe online Graduate Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals is a nested qualification within the Master of Data Science.

Complete the Graduate Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals in as little as six months. Become career ready in an exponentially growing industry. Data scientists are highly sought after across a wide range of sectors.

This course can be undertaken completely online in a flexible mode to suit your schedule. The Graduate Certificate in Data Science Fundamentals gives you the industry knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you need to transfer directly from the classroom to the workplace.

In as little as six months, you will learn:

  • Programming: Understand how to analyse problems and use Python to build software-based solutions.
  • Database Fundamentals: Understand how to design, build and implement databases, and explore advanced concepts relating to database design.
  • Mathematics: Explore the mathematical ideas underpinning the theory and techniques of data science.
  • Statistics and probability: Understand how to make sense of data, find trends and predict probable outcomes.

Completing the Graduate Certificate allows you to transfer into the Master of Data Science if you choose to further your studies.

Master of Data Science

La Trobe’s 100 per cent online Master of Data Science prepares you to advance your career in this in-demand field.

With pathway opportunities available, you can apply for our Master of Data Science with an undergraduate degree in any field.  You can complete the course in 2 years if you choose to study part-time. You’ll graduate with in-demand skills, so you can identify and solve challenges, manage programs that analyse and process big data, and build program solutions and analytic systems from the ground up.

Through the Master of Data Science you’ll learn skills in:

  • Data science:
    • Get practical experience with open-source software and platforms, including Python, R and Hadoop.
    • Understand database fundamentals programming languages such as Java and Python, and cloud-based services offered by Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft.
  • Mathematics and statistics:
    • Learn how to create complex models and use powerful tools for advanced analysis and problem-solving.
    • Build your skills using real data sets from our industry partners and learn how to solve data challenges facing businesses and organisations.
  • Project management: Learn how to manage large-scale IT projects, and work in a team to develop a small-scale, industry-based system.
  • Complementary skills in other disciplines: Boost your knowledge through electives in business, health science, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

You’ll have the opportunity to choose a specialisation in big data and cloud computing or data modelling and analytics. This will help you stand out as a leader with deep knowledge and experience in the area you want to advance your career.  

Be the go-to person when your company needs results. Use data science and analytics to ask the right questions, build the right programs and create powerful solutions.

Choose an industry-focused specialisation

  • Big data and cloud computing
    Gain advanced skills and experience in meta and spatial analysis, cloud-based web applications, data mining and machine learning.
  • Data modelling and analytics
    Gain deeper knowledge and experience in analysing and modelling complex data structures, including, repeated measures, data in finance, healthcare, bioinformatics, spatial applications and more.

A graduate diploma and a graduate certificate are also available so if you’re in a technical role you can better understand the foundation of data science and make evidence-based decisions.

La Trobe’s online Master of Data Science is:

Ranked above world standard

Learn the hottest skills from a world-renowned team.

Ranked in the top 250 CS courses worldwide

Ranked by Times Higher Education (THE), 2026, World University Rankings 2026 by subject: computer science.1

Comprehensive

You don’t need an undergraduate degree in computer science, technology or maths to enrol–we’ll teach you what you need to know from the ground up.

Industry-focused

You’ll learn combined skills in data science and data analytics that ensure you graduate as an ideal candidate for the role you want.

Industry-Relevant experience

Complete assignments using Big Data and advanced cloud technologies to gain experience solving business problems with data science.

Your career with a Master of Data Science

AU$111,000/year

average salary for a data scientist.2

USD 3.76 trillion

Forecasted revenue for the global Smart City industry by 2030.3

Career Spotlight: Machine Learning Engineer

AU$125,0004

Use your detailed understanding of machine learning, big data, cloud technology and mathematics to create responsive technology and algorithms capable of learning and making predictions. The average salary for a machine learning engineer is AU$125,000.

About La Trobe University

At La Trobe University, we believe you need a powerful skill set beyond what you learn in a textbook. We teach you how to adapt to new situations, connect with others, take the lead and think differently, all while you learn the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career.

Citations and disclaimers

  1. Times Higher Education – Computer Science Rankings
    Times Higher Education. (2026). World University Rankings 2026: Computer Science. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2026/subject-ranking/computer-science (Accessed 24 February 2026)
  2. Glassdoor – Data Scientist Salaries Glassdoor. (n.d.). Data scientist salaries. https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm (Accessed 24 February 2026)
  3. Grand View Research – Smart Cities Market Report Grand View Research. (2024). Smart Cities Market Size and Share: Industry Report, 2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-cities-market (Accessed 24 February 2026)
  4. Glassdoor – Machine Learning Engineer Salaries Glassdoor. (n.d.). Machine learning engineer salaries. https://www.glassdoor.com.au/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm (Accessed 24 February 2026)


*https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/data-scientist; https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/data-architect