University of Queensland
Master of Data Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop skills in data analytics, machine learning, statistics and programming, with opportunities to apply data science methods to practical problems through industry-relevant projects and specialised electives.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of Data Science is designed for graduates with relevant technical or quantitative backgrounds who want to develop advanced skills in analysing and interpreting complex data. The program combines computing, mathematics and statistics to support data-driven decision-making across a range of industries and professional settings.
You'll study data science, machine learning, statistical methods, programming, databases and responsible data use. Through discipline electives, you can explore areas such as natural language processing, cloud computing, deep learning and data mining, while broader elective choices allow you to connect data science with fields including business, finance, health and science.
The program combines technical coursework with industry-relevant capstone projects, providing opportunities to apply analytical methods to practical data challenges. Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study or 1.5 years for eligible applicants with recognised prior learning, with part-time study available to domestic students. Graduates may pursue roles in data science, business intelligence, risk analysis and software development.
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
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Data Science through the two-year pathway, you must complete 32 units as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
The following course structure applies to the two-year pathway.
Complete 18 units from the following:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Responsible Data Science
- Data Analytics at Scale
- Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Machine Learning for Data Scientists
- Machine Learning
- Mathematics for Data Science 2
- Probability Models & Data Analysis
- Introduction to Programming
- Database Principles
Students without the equivalent of Mathematics for Data Science 1 must complete this course as one of their program electives before undertaking Mathematics for Data Science 2.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Two-year pathway
To be eligible for the two-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in another discipline that includes the required mathematics and technical content.
- Have successfully completed three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution with a formal pathway to the Master of Data Science.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree outside the listed relevant disciplines must have completed tertiary studies in calculus, advanced mathematics, higher mathematics or mathematical analysis, as well as at least one of the following:
- Linear algebra and statistics.
- Programming and databases.
1.5-year pathway
To be eligible for the 1.5-year pathway, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline that includes:
- At least three courses in mathematics.
- At least two courses in statistics or probability.
- At least four courses in computer science.
Applicants for either pathway must have a minimum GPA of 5.0 on UQ's 7-point scale in their previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines include computer science, information technology, information systems, mathematics, engineering, physics, actuarial studies, data science and science with a major in statistics, applied statistics, physics or mathematics.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
- A TOEFL iBT overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking.
- A PTE Academic overall score of 64, with no individual sub-band score below 60.
- A Cambridge English Scale overall score of 176, with no individual sub-band score below 169.
- 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 to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates may pursue careers in a wide range of areas including job titles such as:
- Market researcher
- Data scientist
- Risk analyst
- Supply chain analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data miner
- Big data engineer
- Portfolio manager
- Actuarial and analytics consultant
- Software developer
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $9,095 (Commonwealth Supported 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.
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 the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.