Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science

Monash brings a breadth of expertise to bear on issues relating to big data. If you aspire to solve real-world problems based on the information challenges of big data, then specialising in data science will equip you with the practical skills to excel in your chosen career. 

The world faces a substantial talent gap in the field of big data analytics and data engineering, so get your foot in the door now.

This is the era of big data and artificial intelligence. Data science, a distinct but related field to computer science, represents a cutting-edge discipline which applies scientific methods, mathematics, algorithms and artificial intelligence to extract and visualise intelligent insights from huge volumes of complex data.

In the fast-progressing world of the Information Age, these insights have the potential to fuel innovation and transform decision making. Data scientists deal with the challenges of big data – its interpretation, management and use – in fields as diverse as marketing, information systems, engineering, finance, arts, humanities, science and medicine.

Area of Study

• The Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science degree program consists of 14 compulsory (core) units in computer science, data science and mathematics, two restricted electives chosen from an approved list of data science topics, eight free elective units, and an industry attachment.
• The free electives can be taken as a sequence in a specific field of study within the school or from a discipline offered by another school. A capstone project spanning both semesters of the third year concludes your studies.

Choose from these areas of study:

• Mathematical statistics: Unleash your potential in mathematical statistics. Dive deep into statistical inference, mastering estimation, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and unlocking valuable insights that create real-world impact.
• Principles of data science: Embark on an exciting journey of understanding the multifaceted world of data through real-life case studies. Gain practical knowledge on data handling, storage, preparation, and analysis, empowering you in the ever-evolving field of Data Science.
• Modelling for data science:  Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Data Science at Monash University. Explore statistical modeling foundations, and gain invaluable insights into data analysis, hypothesis testing, predictive models, and estimation techniques, equipping you with essential tools to excel in this fascinating field.
• Business intelligence and data warehousing: Explore the impact of automation and technology on data accumulation in businesses. Delve into data warehousing and OLAP technology, uncovering the requirements for efficient reporting, flexible analysis, and hands-on design of data repositories in this captivating journey.
• Data analytics and visualisation: Dive into the realm of data visualisation, leveraging visual perception to comprehend data. Explore the application of interactive visualisations in business, engineering, design, and sciences, gaining hands-on experience in designing impactful visuals using computer tools for your chosen domain.
• Big data management and processing:  Explore data engineering and build the essential software infrastructure for data science. Gain insights into big data processing, handling large volumes, diverse formats, and data streaming while exploring software tools and techniques in this unit's immersive journey.
• Deep learning and artificial intelligence: Explore deep learning, the driving force behind AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Gain a comprehensive understanding of deep learning theory and practical skills in computer vision and natural language processing through hands-on experiences in this transformative unit.
• Malicious AI and dark side security: Gain practical experience and develop the essential skills of a Chief Security Officer in this study area. Engage in role-playing case studies, where you'll face off against fellow students, exploring the latest technologies used by attackers and learning how to counter them in the realm of AI and security warfare.

Why Monash
Quality education

• Monash University is ranked #34 in the world for data science and artificial intelligence and #68 for computer science and information systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
• Professionally accredited- The Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science degree program is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). This means after graduation, you can become a ACS member and access career support, groundbreaking reports and more.
• Get hands on- Apply for the Industry-based Learning program and join a leading IT organisation for a 22-week industrial placement. This is a great opportunity for you to apply the skills you’ve learnt in the classroom in the corporate world. To top it off, the host organisation will award you with a scholarship throughout the duration of your placement.
• Go for an internship- As an alternative to the IBL program, you’re required to go for a 12-week internship in an industry-based environment after your second year. This internship will give you a strong foundation and framework for experiential learning. Our students have interned for Astro, Axiata, F-Secure, Intel, Mimos Berhad, Petronas, Photobook, and more.
• Broaden your perspective- As a Monash IT student, you’ll have special access to career talks and panel discussions with invited industry guests, industry competitions, as well as professional certification programs.
• Facilities designed to inspire- Our teaching labs are equipped with the latest technology to support a full range of units. We have dedicated labs for multimedia, intelligent systems, and networking, including a fully operational hands-on data centre running on Cisco technology.
• Student Leaders Network-This one-year program lets you engage with industry professionals through workshops, industry site visits, networking evenings, and a student-organised leadership summit. You'll develop critical employability skills, such as leadership, teamwork and communication,that are highly regarded by employers.

Graduates with data science skills are in high demand. Possible careers could include:

• Business intelligence analyst
• Chief data officer
• Data analyst
• Data architect
• Data mining engineer
• Data scientist
• Quantitative analyst
• Quantitative researcher.

You'll be able to work in a wide range of industries, such as:

• Digital humanities
• Consulting
• Cybersecurity
• Law
• Scientific research
• Marketing
• Robotics
• Engineering
• Business analytics
• Banking