Master of Data Science
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Master of Data Science is designed to prepare students to work on the forefront of data-driven decision-making and forecasting.
Build on your existing undergraduate qualification and/or industry experience as you develop an in-depth understanding of activities and processes related to managing, interpreting, understanding and deriving knowledge from large data sets.
In this course, you’ll learn how to gain meaningful insight from data obtained from business, government, scientific and other sources. Expand your knowledge and understanding of computer science and data analytics, develop skills in state-of-the-art techniques and contemporary tools covering the entire data management lifecycle.
Duration
2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Full-time,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Master of Data Science is designed for postgraduate students who wish to extend their knowledge of computer science and data analytics in order to be able to gain meaningful insights from data coming from a variety of sources (business, governments, science). Students will develop skills in state-of-the-art techniques and gain experience in contemporary tools covering a variety of aspects of the entire data management lifecycle, allowing them to work on the forefront of data-driven decision making and forecasting. This advanced postgraduate course will build on students’ cognate undergraduate qualifications or relevant industry experience by developing an in-depth understanding of the activities related to managing, interpreting, understanding and deriving knowledge from large data sets.
Course structure
- Twelve (12) core units (175 credit points)
- Two (2) electives (25 credit points)
Volume of Learning
The Master of Data Science consists of 200 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points. A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Master of Data Science is typically 2 years.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Data Science is 100 credit points (normally eight units)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- Demonstrate and apply a coherent understanding of the concepts and practices within the field of Data Science as an effective member of diverse teams in a professional context
- Critically analyse various Data Science scenarios, evaluate the existing knowledge base, and propose and justify effective and/or innovative solutions, including the choice of appropriate technology
- Demonstrate personal discipline, scholarship of the field, critical thinking, and judgment by completing substantial projects with industry relevance
- Communicate information proficiently to technical and non-technical audiences, including industry practitioners
- Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to solve diverse Data Science problems from scenarios relevant to science and/or industry and critically reflect on the appropriateness of the solution
- Reflect on, and take responsibility for their own learning, manage their own time and processes effectively by regularly reviewing personal performance as a means of managing continuing professional development

Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Entry requirements
- a completed bachelor degree (or higher award) in any discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent OR
- successful completion of the Postgraduate Qualifying Program at Swinburne