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The power to problem solve

The information age has provided new opportunities to collect data on a large scale—on everything from the way we interact with friends, to our community’s consumption of water, to how and when we get sick. However, this data is of little use without those who are able to discover the information it contains and communicate that meaning to others.

Data Science allows us to understand trends in areas as varied as population health, language, geography, ecology, and business. By bringing your curiosity to the data, you can use Data Science to find new ways to explore our world.

Maths and tech—and ethics and the law

When you study Data Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll develop skills in computer science as well as an understanding of the algorithms and statistics needed to analyse and interpret data.

Wrapped around these technical and analytical skills is a broader understanding of the contexts in which Data Science is applied. You’ll build an understanding of privacy and security, of Māori data sovereignty, and of the ethical and legal responsibilities that come with collecting, analysing, and interpreting data.

Understand the world through data

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Study Data Science alongside another major

Pairing a major in Data Science with another major from the arts, commerce, or science will build your understanding of both subjects and give you an edge after you graduate.

For example, you could pair Data Science with Ecology to help you understand the impacts and implications of a warming environment on wildlife. Combine Data Science with Linguistics and use artificial intelligence to interpret and classify text. Or pair with Marketing to understand the preferences of customers or websites users, and give them the opportunity to discover new products or media.

Studying in Wellington

You’ll be learning about data where it is at its most powerful. Government and business both generate huge sets of data—and need to interpret them— which is why Data Science is one of Wellington’s growth industries. Our researchers work directly with industry and government agencies, and there are opportunities for internships for advanced students.

And with the country’s biggest data science and artificial intelligence research groups, at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, you’ll be learning from world-leading academics in the field.

After you graduate

Data is becoming more and more essential in a wide range of industries, and the demand is growing for people with the skills to analyse and interpret data.

Our Data Science graduates work as coders and analysts, writing reports and producing business analytics. They work at data science consultancies, government departments and agencies, and private companies.

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What I was mostly interested in was how we can better understand data and use it to inform our understanding of the world a little better. What I've begun to learn is that data science is very much a gateway into a complex world of patterns and behaviours.

Adam Glucksman

Bachelor of Science with Honours in Data Science

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Support for students

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.

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Related subject areas

  • Economics and Finance

  • Geography

  • Information Systems