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Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science

Help us shape the future of health
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Drive data-driven solutions to real-world health problems facing Australian and global communities. With the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science, you’ll learn to find relevant data, unlock hidden insights and use this information to better support clinical care, inform health policy and improve population health.
Commencing Terms
Term 1 & 3
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended), Online
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 5372
CRICOS code 096226k
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$37,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$37,000*
Health Data Science Generic

ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.

What does this mean for my studies? ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.

Overview

Health data is growing at a rapid pace, doubling every 75 days and reaching trillions of gigabytes (Centre for Big Data Research in Health, 2025). Traditional tools can’t handle this scale, so we need new ways to understand and act on the information.

Big data in health spans everything from electronic health records and point-of-care clinical data, to genomic research, medical imaging, wearable devices and even social media activity. With the Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, you’ll learn how to harness this data to improve clinical care, shape health policy and drive positive change in population health.

This one-year postgraduate program (or part-time equivalent) is ideal for professionals from diverse backgrounds looking to upskill or transition into the growing field of health data science. You’ll study subjects across the full data science pipeline – from data wrangling, machine learning and analytics, to statistical modelling and effective data communication.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the skills to work in roles such as health data analyst, clinical informatics specialist or digital health consultant, across government, healthcare, research and industry settings.

Key features

Study an industry-relevant programÌý
We developed this program to meet the rising demand for data professionals who understand the healthcare landscape. You’ll explore real-world health challenges and apply modern data science methods to solve them,Ìý making your learning both practical and immediately relevant.

Suited to a wide range of backgroundsÌý
Whether you're a statistician, clinician, nurse, public health worker or programmer, the Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science welcomes diverse perspectives. It's designed for both newcomers to the field and professionals looking to formalise or expand their skills.

Flexible study optionsÌý
Choose to study 100% online, or through a combination of face-too-face and online learning. You’ll learn through interactive readings, expert guest lectures, hands-on tutorials and practical exercises that build your coding and analytical confidence.

Why study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?

A trailblazer in health data education
Our master’s degree, graduate diploma and graduate certificate in health data science are pioneering programs that examine data-driven solutions to complex health problems. ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ's Medicine & Health faculty is ranked #54 globally for life sciences and medicine (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025) and is leading this new approach to healthcare.

Learn from leaders in health data science
This program is delivered by the Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH), Australia’s leading institute for health big data. You’ll gain insights from experts with global experience in data science, epidemiology and informatics, working on projects that span biomedical, clinical and population health domains.

Join a connected and collaborative community
At ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, you’ll experience a dynamic and student-centred approach to learning. In some courses, you’ll explore concepts through short online videos, then apply them in workshops or live sessions. Our strong online community means you’ll collaborate with peers and instructors from diverse workplaces and disciplines.

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Program Code
5372
CRICOS Code
096226k
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48

Want to see more from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Medicine and Health?

Entry requirements

For entry into this program, you must have one of the following:

  • an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline
  • an undergraduate degree in a non-cognate discipline at honours level
  • successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science (7372)
  • qualifications equivalent to or higher than the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science (7372) on a case-by-case basis.

Cognate disciplines

  • medicine
  • nursing
  • dentistry
  • physiotherapy
  • optometry
  • biomedical/biological science
  • pharmacy
  • public health
  • veterinary science
  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • statistics
  • mathematical sciences
  • computer science
  • psychology
  • (health) economics
  • data science
  • other (case-by-case basis).

English language requirements

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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 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, 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.Ìý

For entry into this program, you must have one of the following:

  • an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline
  • an undergraduate degree in a non-cognate discipline at honours level
  • successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science (7372)
  • qualifications equivalent to or higher than the Graduate Certificate in Health Data Science (7372) on a case-by-case basis.

Cognate disciplines

  • medicine
  • nursing
  • dentistry
  • physiotherapy
  • optometry
  • biomedical/biological science
  • pharmacy
  • public health
  • veterinary science
  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • statistics
  • mathematical sciences
  • computer science
  • psychology
  • (health) economics
  • data science
  • other (case-by-case basis).

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 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 ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 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 ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. 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, 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 theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

What will I study?

Program structure

The Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science is a one-year, full-time postgraduate degree (with the option to study part-time over a longer period). The program consists of seven core courses and your choice of two electives, totalling 48 units of credit (UOC).Ìý

As with many of our postgraduate programs, we offer a combination of face-to-face and online learning to help working professionals manage their studies around existing commitments. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside fellow students, contributing to discussions and shared learning activities. You’ll also have direct access to experienced practitioners and academics who will provide industry-relevant, up-to-date expertise on the field of health data science.Ìý

Full program structure

The Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC). This postgraduate qualification can be completed in one year when studied full-time, or two years when studied part-time. Students must complete:

Core courses – 42 UOC

  • Context of Health Data Science
  • Statistical Foundations for Health Data Science
  • Management and Curation of Health Data
  • Health Data Analytics: Machine Learning I
  • Health Data Analytics: Statistical Modelling I
  • Health Data Analytics: Statistical Modelling II
  • Visualisation and Communication of Health Data

And one of the following – 6 UOC

  • Principles of Programming
  • Computing for Health Data Science

Articulation

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science provide an articulation pathway into the Master of Science in Health Data Science.ÌýÌý

Health Data Science Pipeline

At ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, we teach the health data science pipeline, a step-by-step approach that covers everything from understanding the problem to clearly communicating results. Here's what you’ll learn throughout your studies:

    • Health Delivery Systems
    • Data Sources
    • Evidence-Based Medicine
    • Health Outcomes
    • Health Equity and GenesÌý
    • Data Quality
    • Wrangling
    • Data Linkage
    • File Management /Storage
    • IT Security
    • Pattern Analysis
    • Pre-Processing
    • Outlier Detection
    • Prediction
    • AlgorithmsÌý
    • ModelsÌý
    • Decision Making
    • Collaborative Coding
    • Visualisation
    • Written and Oral Presentation

Future careers

Health data science is a rapidly growing field, offering diverse and evolving career paths. As a health data scientist, you might lead research projects, design machine learning models, analyse complex datasets or influence health policy – often across multiple stages of the health data science pipeline.

With demand increasing in both the public and private sectors, new roles are emerging for professionals who can combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of health systems. Data scientists earn a typical salary of $120k, with 11% job growth predicted over the next five years. Health information managers are in even higher demand, with the five-year job growth prediction at 26.5% (Seek, 2025).

Completing the Graduate Diploma in Health Data Science prepares you to step into this expanding workforce with job-ready, interdisciplinary skills. You'll be equipped to work across a range of settings, including:

  • Government health departments (federal, state or local)
  • Health insurers and private data analytics firms
  • Hospitals and clinical networks
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
  • Universities and medical research institutes

Potential roles

  • C-suite health services roles
  • Clinical information specialist
  • Clinical operations manager
  • Health data analyst
  • Health policy analyst
  • Health program manager
  • Health services manager
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Health researcher

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through ourÌýÌýportal. 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 and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.Ìý.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour  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 commencementÌýdate. ForÌýmore information visitÌýour .

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$37,000*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$37,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the .

2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$48,500*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$49,500*

*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 theÌý.

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, visitÌý.

Scholarships


At ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, 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.


Top 20
Worldwide

QS World University Rankings, 2025

Most
Employable Graduates

AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025

Best
Australian university for entrepreneurs

Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021

We learnt industry-leading coding practices & had regular assignments, useful in the health context.
Phillip Hungerford

Phillip Hungerford

Analytics Consultant