The power to problem-solve
Data is powerful when we can make meaning from it.
Data Science pulls together statistics, computer science, and mathematics—using aspects of all three disciplines to gain insight from data sources of all kinds.
Data Science allows us to discover and understand trends in data and make predictions in areas as varied as population health, language, geography, ecology, and business.
Study Data Science at Victoria University of Wellington
What you’ll learn
Technical skills
If you choose to study Data Science, you’ll develop skills in computer science and an understanding of the algorithms and statistics needed to analyse and interpret data.
In your first year, you’ll get a broad introduction to data science, statistical analysis, and computer programming.
In your second and third years, you will begin to specialise in the area of data science that is most interesting to you. You’ll study practical applications of data science like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Ethics and responsibilities
Learn the contexts in which data science is applied. You’ll build an understanding of:
- data privacy and security
- Māori data sovereignty
- the ethical and legal responsibilities of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.
Choose your study path
You can study Data Science as your major or minor subject, or as a double major paired with another subject. Pairing Data Science with another major can complement your study and give you an employment edge after you graduate.
Many subjects complement Data Science, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence—get exposure to cutting edge tools for prediction
- Computer Science—to improve your coding abilities
- Ecology—understand the impacts and implications of a warming environment on wildlife
- Linguistics—use artificial intelligence to interpret and classify text
- Marketing—understand customers or website users’ preferences
- Statistics—for in depth understanding of modelling.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Data Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
When you study Data Science you’re opening doors to a wide range of careers. Anywhere that uses data can use your skills—for example, banks, software companies, government, insurance companies, or data science consultancies.
In Wellington especially, data science is a growth industry—government and businesses generate huge datasets that need interpreting. You might work writing reports or producing business analytics.
More career information
Find out more about careers in data science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
GCSB Women in STEM Scholarship
These scholarships are open to women applicants. They’re awarded on academic merit, volunteering work, and commitment to a STEM career.
Find out more about the scholarship
Other scholarships
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science, Commerce, and Arts
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in History offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in the year following application.
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The Brian Murray Fox Scholarship in English Literature offers an opportunity to students who are intending to undertake their second, third or Honours year of their degree at Te Herenga Waka Victoria—University of Wellington in the year following application.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science, Commerce, and Arts
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In honour of Jonathan Nicholls (ACC's Head of Actuarial Services who passed away in early 2015), ACC wishes to promote the actuarial profession in much the same way that Jonathan did. ACC is dedicated to supporting Actuarial Science students and others looking to pursue a career in the actuarial profession.
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. You could continue on to study a Master’s or PhD if you want to do independent research.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.