Macquarie University

Master of Data Science

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

Turn complex data into intelligent solutions by developing advanced expertise in machine learning, big data and statistical modelling through research-informed, project-based study accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Course overview

Transforming vast datasets into reliable decisions requires more than technical skill. Macquarie University’s Master of Data Science combines computing, statistics and data management to prepare you to design practical solutions for complex data challenges.

You will develop expertise in programming, databases, big data technologies, machine learning and statistical analysis. Research-informed teaching, collaborative projects and a substantial major project will help you turn raw information into meaningful insights while building the teamwork and problem-solving capabilities valued by employers.

The course is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society and is delivered in person at Macquarie University’s North Ryde campus. It can be completed in two years of full-time study or in one year if you qualify for the accelerated pathway, with equivalent part-time options available.

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 $4,512.50
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The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Campus
Macquarie North Ryde
Intake
22nd February, 2027
26th July, 2027
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
16
Fees
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FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To earn the Master of Data Science, you must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 10 credit points.

Foundation units

Complete all of the following foundation units:

  • 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 units

Complete all of the following core units:

  • 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 (20 credit points)

If you are admitted to the 1-year, 80-credit-point pathway, you must successfully complete the core units listed above. You are not required to complete the foundation units.

Entry requirements

2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) 

To be eligible for this pathway, applicants must:

  • Hold an AQF level 7 bachelor’s degree in a related field or a recognised equivalent qualification.

Related fields include information technology, statistics, mathematics, engineering, science, accounting and finance, actuarial studies, data science and computing.

1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time)

To be eligible for this pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Hold an AQF level 8 bachelor’s degree with honours or graduate diploma in Data Science, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
  • Hold an AQF level 7 bachelor’s degree in Data Science or a recognised equivalent qualification with a Weighted Average Mark of at least 65.

English language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree completed in a recognised English-speaking country.
  • An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.
  • Other accepted evidence of English language proficiency.

Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in roles such as:

  • AI Product Manager
  • Business Intelligence Developer
  • Business or Venture Analyst
  • Cloud Data Architect
  • Consultant
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Governance and Ethics Specialist
  • Data Scientist
  • Data Visualisation Analyst
  • Digital Analytics Consultant
  • Entrepreneur
  • Financial Adviser or Analyst
  • Generative AI and Machine Learning Model Operations Specialist
  • Information Technology Analyst
  • Machine Learning Specialist
  • Market Analyst
  • Operations Analyst
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Simulation Modeller

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2027: $36,100 (Full-fee paying place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • 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.