University of Canberra
Master of Data Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop advanced data science skills in data analysis, programming, machine learning and modelling, with options to specialise in Business Intelligence or Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modelling.
Course overview
The University of Canberra's Master of Data Science is a two-year, 48-credit-point postgraduate course delivered on campus at Bruce. It develops advanced skills in analysing, interpreting and managing complex data across a range of professional and research settings.
Study statistics, regression modelling, programming, machine learning, data preparation, data visualisation, research methodology and data analysis technologies. The course also develops professional skills in ethics, communication, teamwork, critical analysis and data-informed problem solving.
Students complete 36 credit points of required study and 12 credit points of restricted-choice study. Award options include Business Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modelling or no specialisation. Work-integrated learning provides opportunities to apply data science knowledge to industry-based and real-world problems.
Graduates can pursue roles across data analysis, technology, business and research. Published career outcomes include data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, business analyst, statistician, software developer, data warehouse manager, computer network analyst and consultant.
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
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's 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).
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
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
- Develop advanced knowledge of data science principles, theory, concepts and tools across the spectrum from data collection to analysis, modelling, interpretation, prediction and communication.
- 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrate advanced skills to professionally communicate complex theoretical and technical data science concepts, information and ideas to a variety of audiences using appropriate media.
- 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.
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
Average full-course fee in 2027: From $18,516 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee is calculated based on a full-time study load of 48 credit points.
CSP unit costs vary depending on the study area and credit-point value of each unit. For this course, 2027 unit costs include:
- Standard 3-credit-point Statistics unit: $613
- Standard 3-credit-point Computing unit: $1,235
- Standard 3-credit-point Economics unit: $2,253
- Six-credit-point Technology Capstone Research Project: $2,470
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of 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 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.
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 eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.