University of Canberra
Master of Data Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain the skills to become a leader within the field through a unique combination of interdisciplinary coursework, research methodology, and comprehensive industry-based training.
Course overview
Master your big-picture thinking and connect your digital understanding with data analysis, interpretation and management of complex data sets on a micro and macro level.
Large-scale data analysis and modelling underpin a vast range of industries, including healthcare, sports, business, scientific discovery, and government policy.
Become a specialist within the field with the option to specialise in Sports Analytics, Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence & Computational Modelling.
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
10th August, 2026
15th February, 2027
9th August, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Master of Data Science, students must complete 48 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is valued at three credit points.
Students must pass 36 credit points as follows:
- Introduction to Statistics
- Regression Modelling
- Inf. Sc. Research Methodology
- Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
- Introduction to Data Science
- Exploratory Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Data Capture and Preparations
- Programming for Data Science
- Technology Capstone Research Project (six credit points)
- AR/VR for Data Analysis and Communication
- ICT and Engineering Research Methodology
Entry requirements
- An Australian bachelor degree in any field or equivalent.
English language requirements
- An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previous studies or professional work experience that is relevant to your intended field of study at UC, you can gain credit towards your degree. This reduces the number of units you must take to complete your course, meaning you could finish your studies sooner and save money too.
For more information, please get in touch with the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced skills to professionally communicate complex theoretical and technical data science concepts, information, and ideas to a variety of audiences using appropriate media.
- Critically analyse, interpret, and synthesise data from diverse sources to investigate complex problems and provide creative solutions that enhance and support organisational and strategic goals.
- Develop advanced knowledge of data science principles, theory, concepts, and tools across the spectrum from data collection to analysis, modelling, interpretation, prediction, and communication.
- Design, execute and critically evaluate a substantive research project that demonstrates an advanced and integrated understanding of collecting, processing, analysing and extracting meaning from complex data to investigate contemporary, real-world problems.
- Design, implement and evaluate professional best practice approaches in data-driven programming, modelling, data management, data visualisation, and data mining tools as appropriate to the data, task and/or environment.
Career outcomes
Due to the exponential rise of digital data produced daily around the world, graduates of the UC Master of Data Science course can expect to find themselves in high demand in any one of the following positions.
- Data scientist
- Data engineer
- Data analyst
- Business analyst
- Statistician
- Software developer
- Data warehouse operator and manager
- Computer network analyst
- Consultant
Fees and CSP
Estimated full-course fee in 2026: From $16,672 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated fee is calculated based on your total and full-time study load of 48 credit points.
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- 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.
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 courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit 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.