BlogUNSWPros and Cons of a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW

Pros and Cons of a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW

Have you been thinking about studying a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW? Perhaps you’re a little on the fence about it, and need to find out more.

Well, we’ve got you covered — we talked to Himashri, a current Data Science and Decisions student at UNSW, to hear all about the degree from pros to cons!

Let’s get into it!

Why should you study a Data Science degree at UNSW?
Top 3 Pros of a Data Science Degree
Top 3 Cons of a Data Science Degree
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
Things to Know Before Starting UNSW Data Science
What Makes this Degree Different
Motivations for Studying UNSW Data Science
Potential Career Paths

Why should you study a Data Science degree at UNSW?

Himashri said, “I think it’s a relatively new degree and other universities have not had it for as long, so UNSW is a good place to do it at.” 

In our continuously changing world, technology and data will forever be important in society. Therefore studying a degree like Data Science and Decisions at UNSW means that you can enter an industry that has a range of high-demand job opportunities — which we will look into more later on in this article!

UNSW Data Science - Student Quote

Top 3 Pros of a Data Science degree

#1: It’s applicable in the industry

For Himashri, she loves maths, and found that choosing Data Science and Decisions gives her the chance to study maths, but also apply it to a range of different roles in various industries!

“I just like maths. I really like doing maths and this feels like a way I can do maths with the intention of having more job options,” Himashri said.

#2: There are opportunities everywhere

Himashri said, “There are a lot of opportunities for it, the Decisions aspect of the degree is so useful for working in companies, and helps from an economic standpoint.”

With Data Science and Decisions you’re able to focus on different areas, for instance Computer Science and Engineering, or Economics. This opens up new doors for opportunities, internships and placements that you can take from this degree at UNSW!

#3: Great community

The societies are inclusive, it’s a great community to be in!” Himashri said. 

There are a number of clubs and societies you can join to really get involved with your cohort, and meet other people in the industry. Some of these are:

 

Top 3 Cons of a Data Science degree

#1: Lack of flexibility

Being a degree that covers a whole range of subject areas, from maths, to business and economics — there’s a large number of core subjects that need to be completed.

For this reason, Data Science and Decisions at UNSW lacks flexibility, and doesn’t leave room for a lot of electives. If you’re someone who likes to explore other subjects that aren’t necessarily related to your discipline, you don’t get many options with this degree.

#2: Having to do subjects you don’t like

For Himashri, being quite a maths orientated student, having to do economic subjects isn’t ideal. “Economics, I really don’t like it… but that’s more of a personal thing”, Himashri said.

Data Science and Decisions at UNSW is essentially a mixture of economics, maths, computer science and business. So even if you aren’t interested in all these areas, you will still need to complete subjects from these domains.

#3: Lack of double degree choices

Himashri said, “I wanted to do a double in Data Science and Arts, but UNSW doesn’t have that option except for Law. So the other option is doing a science and arts degree where you major in statistics and maths, but that’s a big con for me.”

As Data Science and Decisions at UNSW covers multiple subject areas, the double degree options are limited, so for someone like Himashri who also enjoys the Arts, she wasn’t able to do both.

Any regrets? 

I wish I chose it at a different uni so I could do a double with Arts, but UNSW has such a good social life that I’m conflicted,” Himashri said.

What do you wish you had known before starting Data Science at UNSW? 

The lack of double degree options and flexibility options.

As mentioned previously, Himashri really wishes there was an option to complete the degree with a Bachelor of Arts. Therefore, she wishes she knew that this degree does lack flexibility. 

If you’re really keen on pursuing Data Science and Decisions at UNSW, just keep in mind that it is a very focused degree so you won’t get to study much else.

What makes this degree different from the ones offered at other universities? 

Data Science and Decisions at UNSW is a three-year Bachelor’s degree, where you’re able to complete a major/specialisation right away.

Contrastingly, such focuses (like Quantitative Data Science, Business Data Science and Computational Data Science) are only available if you choose to complete Honours or Masters at other universities.

Having Data Science and Decisions as its own degree at UNSW means, “… it’s not just taken as a major which is good, and it’s much more focused,” Himashri said.

What inspired you to choose Data Science at UNSW?

As with any degree, it’s always a great idea to check out your different university options during their open days. It lets you explore the campus and also find people to ask questions to!

Himashri said, “On open days I went to a lot of universities.

I chose UNSW because that was the place that had Data Science available in a straight Bachelor’s degree, it seemed simplest, with no masters required… UNSW has a great social life as well.”

What are the possible career paths?

UNSW Data Science - Careers

As Data Science and Decisions is a relatively new degree at UNSW, it reflects a change in demand throughout the computer science and economic industries. So, you’re definitely left with a whole bunch of career options to follow after completing this degree such as:

    • Data Scientist 
    • Forecast Modeller
    • Data Analyst
    • Research Scientist
    • Reporting Analyst
    • Database Administrator
    • Data Engineer and Developer
    • Machine Learning Engineer

The options are basically limitless with a degree like Data Science and Decisions!


Nandini Dhir is a Content Writer at Art of Smart and is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Marketing) and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications), as a Dalyell Scholar, at Sydney University. She enjoys covering local issues in her area and writing about current events in the media. Nandini has had one of her pieces published in an article with the Sydney Morning Herald. In her free time, Nandini loves doing calligraphy, ballet, and sewing, or is otherwise found coddling her cats.  

 

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