Macquarie University
Master of Data Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Acquire key skills in data management on and off the cloud, machine learning, statistical modelling and big data technologies.
Course overview
Data has the potential to transform the way business, government, science and healthcare are carried out. Conventional manual techniques, however, aren’t capable of handling the deluge of data that modern systems generate. Data science, which applies specialised computational and statistical methods to analyse big data, is considered a key skill of the 21st century and there’s a skills shortage in this field.
The interdisciplinary Master of Data Science will provide you with the technical skills to work in data science across a variety of industries. It emphasises concepts, insights and skills that will enable you to utilise current technologies, adapt to and create new ones. You’ll be able to process and analyse data sets; use mathematical and statistical modelling techniques, machine learning and data mining to solve challenging problems; and communicate your findings to different audiences.
Key facts
What you will study
To graduate with a Master of Data Science, you must earn 160 credit points. Each unit is valued at 10 credit points.
Foundation Zone
- Foundations of Computer Programming
- Data Science
- Big Data
- Database Systems
- Management of IT Systems and Projects
- Statistical Technologies for Data Science
- Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Statistical Inference for Data Science
Core Zone
- Big Data Technologies
- Mining Unstructured Data
- Applications of Data Science
- Information Systems Project and Risk Management
- Statistical and Machine Learning Methods
- Bayesian Data Analysis
- Major Project
Entry requirements
Two years (full-time or equivalent duration if available part-time)
- AQF level seven bachelor's qualification in a related discipline or recognised equivalent.
One year (full-time or equivalent duration if available part-time)
- AQF level eight bachelor's honours or graduate diploma qualification in Data Science.
- AQF level seven bachelor's in Data Science and a WAM of +65.
English language requirements.
When applying to study at Macquarie University, you're required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.
The required standard of English for this degree is:
- IELTS band's minimum score required - Reading 6, Writing 6, Listening 6 and Speaking 6, an overall score of 6.5.
You may satisfy the English language requirements by:
- Passing an approved English language test at the required level.
- Qualifying an approved country with English as the language of instruction.
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
- Business or Venture Analyst
- Consultant
- Data Analyst
- Entrepreneur
- Financial Adviser or Analyst
- Government Adviser
- Information Technology Analyst
- Market Analyst
- Web Producer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $34,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (four units) per semester or 80 credit points (eight units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.