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The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
I am a prospective
student, looking to study at
Online
Duration1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent up to 5 years maximum.1.5 years full-time.
Mode of deliveryOnline
Start datesSemester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024)Semester 1 (26 Feb 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul 2024)
FeesFind information about indicative course and program fees.AUD 41,620 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program Code40112
Study a Master of Data Science
The data science industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field of immense global significance. The comprehension and interpretation of data is pivotal to business success. Scientific exploration of diverse datasets plays a crucial role in evidence-based decision-making.
A Master of Data Science from the University of Newcastle will equip you with the essential specialised skills and knowledge required to understand and engage with a variety of data generated from diverse industries and settings. This professional and industry-oriented program will enable you to apply your theoretical statistical and computational knowledge to better understand and explore data using applied problem solving and computer practice.
Explore the forefront of this industry, immersing yourself in the latest advancements and gaining a comprehensive understanding of data science. From foundational skills in data processing and visualisation, to the construction of intricate descriptive and predictive models, you will acquire the essential tools to navigate the complexities of this field with confidence. Elevate your proficiency in data science and equip yourself with the cutting-edge competencies demanded by the industry.
Why study with us?
- Unique program offering - one of the only Master of Data Science programs in Australia that offers specialisations to allow you to shape your studies to align with your chosen career path. You can choose to specialise in Computational Intelligence or Health Data Analysis.
- Acquire contemporary data science knowledge - This program has been developed by our data science experts in consultation with industry, so you will be equipped with the latest skills to deliver the needs of tomorrow’s workplace.
- Study online at your own pace - the University of Newcastle’s advanced online learning system will enable you to achieve your Master of Data Science at a time that suits you. This program is one of only a handful of Master of Data Science degrees in Australia which offers 100% online study.
- Gain real-world skills – graduates of this program will be equipped to model real-world situations, to think abstractly and to manage, analyse, interpret, visualise, and effectively communicate data.
- Build on previous qualifications - easily transition from the Graduate Certificate of Data Science into the Master of Data Science.
Study a Master of Data Science
Wanting to combine her interest in data, with her passion for helping others, Eni Murtini decided to study a Master of Data Science. Hear about her experience in the program so far.
Take the first step with a Grad Cert in Data Science
$2346 Median advertised weekly income
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for Data Scientist positions
19.3% Projected employment growth
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for Data Science by 2033
What you will study
You will gain the ability to model real-world situations, to think abstractly, and proficiently handle every stage of the data lifecycle: pre-processing, management, analysis, modelling, interpretation, visualisation, and effective communication.
Analytical thinking and innovation, critical thinking and analysis, technology use, monitoring and control, technology design and programming and reasoning, problem-solving and ideation are all embedded within this degree, and are skills that have been identified as being in demand and emerging according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020.
Your core studies will focus on the following areas:
- Databases and Information Management
- Data Wrangling and Visualisation
- Big Data
- Predictive Analytics
Majors
This specialisation is aligned to a computer science approach to data science, which includes further studies in data mining and machine learning.
This strand offers not only an opportunity for new cohorts seeking a more computer science-oriented specialisation within data science, but it also offers a possibility for our recent University of Newcastle graduates of Computer Science with a major in Data Science, who want to further specialise in the field and further their career prospects.
This specialisation focuses on medical statistics, biostatistics, and related areas, while providing transferrable data analysis skills also applicable to other domains.
This strand offers a balance between generic data science skills around statistics and computer science subjects followed by a health-related specialisation, which differentiates this program from other programs purely focused on biostatistics.
The courses within this specialisation are delivered through the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. These include courses currently included in the Master of Medical Statistics.
Entry options and duration
This program recognises prior learning. Admission is available to applicants who can demonstrate a suitable combination of education, professional experience and industry qualifications.
The table below outlines the number of years experience required, depending on your previous educational qualifications.
Educational Qualification | Number of years relevant industry experience* | Units required to complete Masters (10 units = 1 course) |
|---|---|---|
3 Year Bachelor (in a non-related field of study) | Zero | 120 |
3 Year Bachelor (in a non-related field of study) | Five | 80 - 120 |
3 Year Bachelor or Bachelor (Hons) degree (in a related field of study) | Zero | 80 - 120 |
Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (in a related field of study) | Zero | 80 |
Please note: Students completing 80 units and all core courses are eligible to receive an AQF level 8 Graduate Diploma exit award.
Career
Career opportunities
Possible career opportunities include:
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Manager
- Biostatistician/Bioinformatician
- Business Analyst
- Data and Insights Expert
- Researcher
- Data Analyst and Scientist
- Information Security Analyst
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialist
- Big Data Specialist
These are all emerging roles which have been identified as being in high demand in Australia according to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020.
Study with us
Hear from our students
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
Application info
Applying for Master of Data Science
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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..
Apply to study in Australia
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Before you get started
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
- Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
- Review the program fees and costs.
- Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
- If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Other things to consider
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
- Students with a three year, Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or higher in a different discipline area (also called non-cognate discipline) to data science and their chosen specialisation are eligible to undertake the 120 unit program which can be completed in 2 years full time (commencing Semester 1), 1.5 years full time (commencing Semester 2) or up to 5 years part time.
- Students with a three year Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or higher in a non-cognate discipline who also hold a minimum of five years demonstrable Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) in an area related to data science and/or their chosen specialisation (also called cognate discipline) may be eligible to study between 80 and 120 units, inclusive.
- Students with a three year Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or Bachelor (Honours) (AQF 8) in a cognate discipline to data science and/or their specialisation may be eligible to study between 80 and 120 units, inclusive.
- Students with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) in a cognate discipline to data science and/or data analytics may be eligible to undertake an 80 unit program which can be completed in 1 year full time or part time equivalent.
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.