Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 3 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 429150
- Program code 3959
- CRICOS code 093085J
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 90.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $8,500*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $27,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $60,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $189,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Cutting-edge technology
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Industry aligned
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In-demand skills
Join us at Info Day
Thursday, 18 December | 12–4pm | Kensington campus
Join us on campus to get personalised advice on your study options before UAC preferences close. Info Day is the perfect opportunity to get all of your last minute questions answered, the day ATARs are released.
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
- FAQs
Overview of UNSW Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
Make confident decisions supported by big data insights. The UNSW Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions degree offers a unique interdisciplinary approach. You’ll gain technical skills and problem-solving abilities in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, and economics. You’ll graduate with a degree from a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) and be ready to embark on your data science career as a data analyst, data scientist or data engineer.
What is data science?
Data science is an interdisciplinary field of study that analyses and extracts information from data using techniques from Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering and Economics. It helps businesses, governments and organisations make decisions, predictions and strategies.
Why study data science at UNSW?
We are living in a world of data. Countless data is captured and analysed each day by businesses and governments to support decision-making, optimise user experiences and improve human lives. Data scientists and data analysts have become some of the most in-demand professionals globally, with the unique skills to unlock hidden insights within data to improve prediction and decision-making.
UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions is a three-year undergraduate degree that focuses on equipping you with the skills to compile, interpret and act on data in ways that make a big impact. Through cross-disciplinary training in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decision-making and communication, you’ll gain the theoretical and practical skills required to excel in the field of data analysis. With our hands-on learning, you’ll hone your transferable abilities in networking, decision-making and strategic thinking.
You’ll graduate career-ready with a globally recognised degree from a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026). Leverage the expertise of three of the best schools in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
- Ranked #2 in Australia for mathematics
- Ranked #1 in Australia for engineering and technology
- Ranked #3 in Australia for economics and econometrics
Why study data and technology?
The demand for data scientists, data architects and data analysts is soaring. With a typical salary in Australia ranging A$100K–$160K per year for the industry, the job growth is expected to rise by 27% for data architects, 23% for data analysts and 11% for data scientists over the next five years (Seek, November 2025).
Exciting job opportunities, new learning experiences, and high earning potential are just a few reasons to study data and technology.
Why choose UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions?
Learn in-demand skills and specialist expertise
Harness the power of three disciplines – Science, Engineering and Business – in one degree. By studying the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW, you’ll gain valuable, transferable skills in mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication. You can choose one of our three future-focused majors, including Business Data Science, Computational Data Science or Quantitative Data Science.
Accumulate industry experience before you graduate
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions program at UNSW offers Work Integrated Learning (WIL), providing you the opportunity to fast track your career through real-world experience. This means you’ll have the opportunity to undertake professional placements at IT companies and start-ups, government departments and biomedical and biotechnology companies while you study. Our WIL industry partners include Clemenger BBDO, Amazon and CSIRO. You’ll learn from first-hand practical experience and build industrial connections, as well as earn course credit towards your degree.
Gain a competitive edge with an industry-aligned degree
UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions was designed to meet the industrial needs and growing demand for data scientists and analysts. This undergraduate degree will equip you with specialist skills in mathematics, computer science and business. You will graduate with the confidence to solve complicated problems, make data-driven decisions and translate data into actionable business objectives. Our graduates are proficient in programming languages and applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to process, interpret and present data.
Why study at UNSW?
Study at a global top 20 university
Graduate with a widely-respected degree from a prestigious university – UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2026). UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering and Technology and #2 in Australia and #48 globally for Mathematics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Unlock exceptional career opportunities
Set yourself apart with a degree from UNSW, where graduates earn the highest median salaries among graduates of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023). Awarded with Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025), our hands-on, career-focused approach ensures you leave with the skills and experience employers want.
Join a thriving data science community
Connect with your peers in the data science community through our Data Science Peer Mentoring Program or our 16 clubs and societies within the Faculty of Science. You can also join one of our 350+ university-wide clubs and societies to grow your network and make lifelong friends.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Extension 1
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
What will I learn from the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions?
The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW is a three-year full-time undergraduate degree that contains a total of 144 units of credit (UOC). It can be completed part-time. The program comprises:
- Core courses (120 UOC), including one data science major (66–72 UOC)
- General education courses (12 UOC)
- Free elective courses (12 UOC)
Studying data science at UNSW will enable you to acquire practical skills to organise, model and analyse large and complex data for businesses, governments or other organisations. You’ll study core foundational knowledge in data science combined with a specialisation in quantitative, computational or business data science.
You’ll graduate with the specialist skills in mathematics, computer science and business and the confidence to uncover the hidden data insights and tell stories with data.
Full program structure of the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions has a total of 144 UOC, which can be completed in three years with full-time study. Part-time study option is available for this degree. You can choose one from the three majors.
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Business Data Science (72 UOC)
Learn how data insights can help improve informed business decision-making and shape policies. Business Data Science focuses on econometrics and business applications of data science. It involves examining the methods for organising, modelling and analysing large and complex data relevant to businesses, governments or other organisations.
Computational Data Science (66 UOC)
Computational Data Science investigates statistics, computer science, mathematics and machine learning to identify trends and make predictions based on large data sets. By studying Computational Data Science, you will build foundations for further study into the manipulation and management of data, as in the Master of Data Science and Decisions.
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- COMP1511 – Programming Fundamentals (6 UOC)
- COMP2521 – Data Structures and Algorithms (6 UOC)
- DATA1001 – Introduction to Data Science and Decisions (6 UOC)
- ECON1101 – Microeconomics 1 (6 UOC)
- MATH1131 – Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
- MATH1141 – Higher Mathematics 1A (6 UOC)
- MATH1231 – Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)
- MATH1241 – Higher Mathematics 1B (6 UOC)
- ECON2112 – Game Theory and Business Strategy (6 UOC)
- MATH2501 – Linear Algebra (6 UOC)
- MATH2601 – Higher Linear Algebra (6 UOC)
- MATH2801 – Theory of Statistics (6 UOC)
- MATH2901 – Higher Theory of Statistics (6 UOC)
- COMP3311 – Database Systems (6 UOC)
- DATA3001 – Data Science and Decisions in Practice (6 UOC)
- ECON3203 – Econometric Theory and Methods (6 UOC)
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Any course (see handbook for details)
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Any General Education course (see handbook for details)
Career outlooks in data science and decisions
The surging demand for data skills
Social media, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and artificial intelligence – our lives are dependent on data. Businesses, governments and organisations across a range of industries use big data to drive positive impact on our lives, such as making informed decisions, offering personalised customer experience and advancing medical services.
Demand for data scientists, data architects and data analysts is accelerating. With industry salaries generally spanning A$100K–$160K in Australia, job opportunities are set to grow by 27% for data architects, 23% for data analysts and 11% for data scientists in the next five years (SEEK, November 2025).
By studying a data science degree at UNSW, you’ll master the essential data skills such as programming languages and the qualitative and quantitative techniques for processing, interpreting and presenting data, as well as problem-solving abilities. You'll graduate ready to hit the ground running, with a wealth of career opportunities in Australia and around the world.
What does a career in data science and decisions look like?
A career in data science and decisions is one of the most dynamic, high-growth and globally in-demand career paths today. It combines analytical, technical and business skills to solve real-world problems through data.
Data scientists translate user data into insights that help companies understand their audience, make data-driven decisions, optimise business performance, predict trends and create innovative products and services guided by data.
You’ll find career opportunities in data science across a wide range of sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare, retail, professional services, government, environmental and not-for-profit organisations. Your future employers could be start-ups or established corporations, including Airbnb, Clemenger BBDO, Coles, George Institute for Global Health, Greenpeace, Merck Life Science, Netflix, Randwick City Council, Spotify, Sydney Swans and Western Sydney Tech Innovators, to name a few.
What roles can I take after studying a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions?
There are diverse roles in the field of data science and decisions, including data analyst, data engineer, data scientist, data architect and data consultant. Explore the potential industries and roles in data science and decisions based on different data science disciplines.
Hear from our alumni
"My favourite part about the Data Science and Decisions degree was that I could customise it to fit my interests. I got to pick electives from a pool that contains everything from software construction to calculus to economic game theory. This allowed me to follow my passion for mathematics while also building on my newly discovered love of coding, and then get to throw a bit of economics into the mix!"
Jessica Boyle
Consultant, Data Assurance, PwC
"The data science program at UNSW has provided me with a solid foundation in advanced mathematics and computer science, as well as the opportunity to pursue elective courses in physics. Knowledge of these three fields has proven invaluable to my career as they are fundamental to almost every industry."
Saksham Yadav
Innovation Manager at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia
CEO of The Adecco Group (Australia/NZ) for one month (2021)
"We live in a world of technology, which revolves around economics, but is all underpinned by maths and numbers. This program covers all three major areas, which are incredibly useful to contribute to society.”
Serena Xu
Data Graduate
How to apply for the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions?
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
Ready to start your application?
Costs of studying the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 1
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Frequently asked questions
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By studying the UNSW Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, you’ll develop technical skills in mathematical and statistical modelling, programming languages, interpreting and presenting data, as well as transferable abilities such as problem-solving, decision-making and communication.
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Data scientists work across many industries, solving complex real-world problems through detailed data analysis. Depending on the industry, data scientists make an impact on shaping the way we live in different ways.
Some examples include building models to detect fraud in finance; analysing patient and genetic data to improve treatments and forecasting disease outbreaks in healthcare; developing personalised customer experience and optimising pricing strategies in retail and e-commerce.
From predicting energy demand to enhancing cybersecurity, data scientists turn information into insights that drive smarter, evidence-based decisions across every sector.
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UNSW is a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026). By studying the Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions degree at UNSW, you’ll learn from three of the best schools in Australia (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
- Ranked #1 in Australia for engineering and technology
- Ranked #2 in Australia for mathematics
- Ranked #3 in Australia for economics and econometrics
You’ll benefit from our career-focused education and graduate with the skills and confidence to take up your career in data science.
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After graduating from UNSW’s Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, you’ll have a wide range of career and further study options available.
If you want to embark on your career in data straight away, you can apply your analytical and programming skills to solve real-world problems in roles such as data scientists, data analysts, business analysts, quantitative researchers or machine learning engineers in industries such as finance, technology, consulting, healthcare and government.
If you are interested in further honing your data skills, UNSW offers postgraduate degrees that can deepen your expertise or expand your career focus. The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions can be a pathway to enter the Master of Data Science and Decisions, Master of Information Technology, Master of Commerce (Business Analytics) and Master of Statistics.
Whether you choose to enter the industry or continue your studies, your UNSW degree equips you with the technical, analytical and business decision-making skills that are in high demand across Australia and around the world.
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Yes. The Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW can be studied full-time or part-time depending on your life arrangements.
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Yes. UNSW offers a variety of admission pathways for both domestic and international students who don’t meet direct entry criteria, such as UNSW College, Indigenous Admission Scheme, Portfolio Entry Scheme and Gateway Admission Pathway. Visit our Admissions Pathways for more information.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
