Find meaning where no one else can.
With highly specialised expertise that’s widely sought-after in this information age, data scientists extract value from huge volumes of data to drive innovation and transformation across industries.
The Master of Data Science course teaches you how to explore data and discover its potential – how to find innovative solutions to real problems in science, business and government, from technology start-ups to global organisations.
With a degree in science, engineering, arts or computing, you can pursue a Master of Data Science, gaining skills in data management, data analytics and data processing – skills needed in this fast-growing field.
The Master of Data Science comprises 96 credit points structured into three parts:
Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies (24 credit points)
These studies will provide an orientation to the field of data science at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a relevant field.
- Introduction to databases
- Algorithms and programming foundations in Python
- Introduction to computer architecture and networks
- Mathematical foundations for data science.
Part B. Core master’s studies (48 credit points)
These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of data science practice and research. You will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues relating to data science.
- Project management
- IT research methods
- Introduction to data science
- Data exploration and visualisation
- Data wrangling
- Statistical data modelling
- Data processing for big data.
Choose one of the following:
- Machine learning
- Data analysis for semi-structured data
- Malicious AI.
Part C. Advanced practice (24 credit points)
These studies focus on professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:
- Industry experience: A program of coursework involving advanced study and an industry experience studio project
- Master’s thesis: A research pathway including a thesis. If you wish to use this course as a pathway to a higher degree by research you should take this option.
More information
The Monash University Handbook has detailed information about the course structure and requirements.
Quality education
Monash University is ranked #34 in the world for data science and artificial intelligence (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). Your degree will be recognised wherever you want to work or study.
Industry standards
We offer the most up-to-date material while maintaining a solid core of established theory and platforms, including Python and R (two of the most popular open-source programming languages for data analysis), plus Hadoop and Spark (for distributed processing).
Enter a new field
You don’t need a degree in IT to study this course. If you’re looking for a career change or a new challenge, this course includes foundation units in programming, databases and mathematics or statistics that will give you the knowledge needed to complete the course.
Accelerate your study
If you have an IT-related qualification from previous studies or work experience, you may be exempted from the foundation units and graduate in 1.5 years of full-time study.
Get practical
Complete a research project as a potential pathway to a PhD, or take part in an industry experience team project and work with industry mentors to develop data-driven IT solutions. This hands-on training lets you put into action all that you’ve learned and ensures your job readiness upon graduation.
Flexibility
Choose between full-time or part-time study. As a part-time student, you’ll have access to the same resources as your full-time peers.
Bursaries
Receive a 10% tuition fee waiver when you successfully enrol in the Master of Data Sciences course. Click here for more details.
Here are some careers you could pursue with a master’s degree in data science:
- big data engineer
- business intelligence developer
- chief technology officer
- data scientist
- data architect
- data engineer
- data analyst
- machine learning specialist
- research scientist
- software developer
- statistician.
To enter Monash University, you must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.
To apply for the Master of Data Science, you must meet either one of the criteria below:
Entry level 1: 96 points to complete (Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
- An Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), not necessarily in IT, with a minimum WAM 60.
Entry level 2: 72 points to complete (Duration: 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time)
- An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline relating to IT, or a business, engineering or science degree with an IT major including python programming, databases, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and networks, and mathematics (including calculus, linear algebra and probability and statistics), with a minimum WAM 60.
The pathway to Entry Level 1 or Entry Level 2 is subject to an internal assessment of the applicant’s qualification to conform to the MQA Program Standards for Computing.