University of Queensland
Master of Data Science
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
This is a comprehensive data science program that combines high-level analytical and technical skills with industry-specific knowledge.
Course overview
Since data underpins the digital economy, data scientists have enormous opportunities to revolutionise how we work, live and communicate. With a Master of Data Science, you'll be expertly prepared to work across many industry sectors, government agencies and high technology companies, as well as consulting and market research firms.
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
What you will study
Students must complete 32 units comprising:
- 10 units for all MDataSc Core Courses
- Four to six units for all MDataSc Capstone Courses
- Zero to ten units from MDataSc Foundation Courses
- Four to 16 units from MDataSc Discipline Elective Courses
- Zero to 12 units from MDataSc Breadth Elective Courses
Each course is valued at two units unless otherwise indicated.
MDataSc Core Courses
Complete 10 units for ALL of the following:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Responsible Data Science
- Data Analytics at Scale
- Statistical Methods for Data Science
- Machine Learning for Data Scientists OR Machine Learning
MDataSc Capstone Courses
Complete four to six units for all of the following:
- Data Science Capstone Project 1
- Data Science Capstone Project 2 (four units) OR Data Science Capstone Project 2B
MDataSc Foundation Courses
Complete zero to 10 units from the following:
- Introduction to Programming
- Advanced Database Systems
- Database Principles
- Mathematics for Data Science 1
- Mathematics for Data Science 2
- Probability Models and Data Analysis
Entry requirements
It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years or 1.5 years depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
Two-year degree (32 units of study)
To be eligible to complete the degree in two years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) which includes all of the relevant discipline content (see below).
- To 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.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a seven-point scale in your previous qualification
1.5-year degree (24 units of study)
To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below) with studies in at least three courses in mathematics, two courses in statistics or probability and three courses in computer sciences.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a seven-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include information technology, computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, physics and actuarial studies.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time. 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 2025: $8,915 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The indicative annual fee is the approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- 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 course 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.