Master Of Data Science

Course Overview

The sheer volume and complexity of data already at the fingertips of businesses and research organisations gives rise to challenges that must be solved by tomorrow’s graduates.

With modern organisations placing increasing emphasis on the use of data to inform day-to-day operations and long-term strategic decisions, Deakin’s Master of Data Science equips you for a career in this fast-growing sector.

Throughout your studies you will gain the technical skills to harness the power of data through artificial intelligence and machine learning. Use your insights to develop innovative solutions to the important challenges being faced by industry and governments.

With a growing demand for data specialists in every sector, you will be able to help organisations manage risk, optimise performance and add a competitive advantage through the increasing volumes of data collection.

The Master of Data Science prepares you to understand the various origins of data to be used for analysis, combined with methods to manage, organise and manipulate data within regulatory, ethical and security constraints. You will develop specialised skills in categorising and transferring raw data into meaningful information for the benefit of prediction and robust decision-making.

As a graduate, your knowledge, skills and competencies in modern data science and statistical analysis will be highly valued by employers seeking greater efficiencies and competitive advantage through data insights.

Through the Master of Data Science you can choose to undertake an industry placement or internship as part of your degree. Industry placements provide you with an opportunity to develop the practical and job-ready skills employers are looking for and enable you to build professional networks before graduating.

Course structure

To complete the Master of Data Science, students must attain 8, 12 or 16 credit points, depending on your prior experience.  Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course is structured in four parts:

• Part A: Foundation Information Technology Studies (4 credit points)

• Part B: Fundamental Data Analytics Studies (4 credit points),

• Part C: Core Data Science Studies (4 credit points), and

• Part D: Mastery Data Science Studies (4 credit points), plus

• Completion of DAI001* Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)

Depending upon prior qualifications and/or experience, you may receive credit for Foundation Information Technology and/or Fundamental Data Analytics Studies.

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full time (or part-time equivalent).

Academic requirements

1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) or higher in a related discipline

• completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part time equivalent)

• completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and Graduate Certificate of Data Analytics or equivalent

• Graduate Certificate of Information Technology and Graduate Certificate of Data Analytics

1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points 

To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline

• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part time equivalent)

• Graduate Certificate of Information Technology (or equivalent)

2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points

 To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

^Recognition of Prior Learning into the Master of Data Science may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.

Related disciplines which may be considered include: information technology, computing, computer science, software engineering.

 *Credit for recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

• bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country

• IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent

• other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.  
  
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you’re able to commit to your study.  

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.

You can refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted for relevant postgraduate studies, in accordance with standard University procedures.