Adelaide University

Master of Data Science

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Understand the intricacies of the world’s data, bringing order to chaos and finding solutions for global businesses.

Course overview

Adelaide University's Master of Data Science will equip you with high-level skills in the data science pipeline – from collection right through to analysis and evaluation. You’ll also learn the skills needed for strategic leadership roles in data science.

Choose to specialise in artificial intelligence and develop in-depth knowledge of statistical, computational and machine learning techniques. A hands-on industry project in your final year allows you to apply your skills in a work environment. Collaborating with industry professionals, you’ll develop deep knowledge in real-world data science practices.

You’ll emerge as a sought-after data expert, ready to improve business models in a variety of sectors. Graduate ready to explore data trends and join the groundbreaking realm of big data.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Mawson Lakes Campus
Intake
July, 2026
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.
16
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must complete 96 units comprising:

  • 66 units for all core courses
  • 18 units for discipline courses
  • 12 units for all work-integrated learning courses

Each course is worth six units.

Core courses

Complete 66 units for all of the following:

  • Problem Solving and Programming Foundations
  • Data in Information Technology Systems
  • Data Taming and Prediction
  • Data Visualisation
  • Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Introduction to Data Science, Ethics and Privacy
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • Leading People, Leading Teams and Cyber Security
  • Mathematics for Data Analytics A
  • Mathematics for Data Analytics B
  • Statistical Foundations for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Discipline courses
Work integrated learning

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

  • A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher, or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to lead research and development initiatives in data science across both public and private sectors. Picture yourself a data expert in the world of sports analytics, predicting match dynamics and player performances to catapult teams to success. Or perhaps you’ll predict upcoming global trends using machine learning.

Other careers to consider include:

  • Data Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Research Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Statistician
  • Data Modeller

Fees and CSP

Estimated annual fee in 2026: From $4,738 up to $17,399 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.

Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate programs.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.