La Trobe University

Master of Data Science

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

Build fundamental skills in programming, databases, probability, statistics, data exploration and analysis.

Course overview

Designed in collaboration with our industry partners, this degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to transition from university to the workplace. And with two early exit points along the way, you can be sure that every subject is contributing to your career.

Got a particular interest in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics or sport analytics? This degree allows you to specialise in these areas and others, such as big data and cloud computing, business applications and data modelling and analytics.

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)
Price Per Unit
From $4,125
More Information
The estimated per units fees are calculated based on the annual average first year fee. It applies to a study load of 120 credit points (8 units) per year.

From $984 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) where the government pays part of your fees. Tuition fees shown are indicative and are based on normal course length and progression.
Intake
November, 2025
Units
16
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

To qualify for the award of Master of Data Science, students must complete a total of 240 credit points over two years.

Year Two requires the completion of 120 credit points

  • 75 credit points from chosen Core
  • 30 credit points from chosen Specialisation
  • 15 credit points from chosen Electives

Year Two requires the completion of 120 credit points

  • 30 credit points from chosen Core
  • 30 credit points from chosen Specialisation
  • 60 credit points from chosen Core choice - Pathway
Core subjects
  • Academic Integrity Module  
  • Data Exploration and Analysis  
  • Database Fundamentals  
  • Introduction to Programming  
  • Mathematics for Data Science  
  • Probability and Statistics for Data Science  
  • Big Data Management on the Cloud  
  • Professional Practices and Entrepreneurship in Information Technology  
Elective subjects
Core choice
Specialisations

Entry requirements

  • Successful completion of an Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent).

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be credited towards a qualification, thereby reducing the number of subjects required to complete your course.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate, communicate and interpret information and results of advanced analysis in the field of data science to expert and lay audiences.
  • Critically analyse and solve complex problems in data science by using expert judgement, advanced knowledge and multi-disciplinary approaches.
  • Use and adapt advanced computing techniques and mathematical and statistical approaches to solve complex scientific problems in the field of data science.
  • Apply advanced theoretical concepts that underpin data science to complex problems using highly developed, integrated knowledge and skills.
  • Apply professional knowledge and skills autonomously or in a team in a range of specific analytics and performance analysis settings.
  • Use and appropriately customise a broad range of established and emerging data collection and analysis technologies and methodologies related to specialisations.

Career outcomes

  • Data scientist
  • Business analyst
  • Health analyst
  • Bioinformatician
  • Machine learning engineer

Fees and CSP

Estimated fees per year (2025):$33,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated fees per year (2025):$7,872 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 120 CP for one 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.

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 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.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.