Master Of Data Science

About The Course

Data science professionals are in high demand in today's data-driven world. Whether you're already working in data science, or you're ready to make a career change, our Master of Data Science prepares you for a successful career in this exciting field.

Designed in collaboration with our industry partners, this degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to transition from university to the workplace. And with two early exit points along the way, you can be sure that every subject is contributing to your career.

You'll build fundamental skills in programming, databases, probability, statistics, data exploration and analysis. Got a particular interest in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics or sport analytics? This degree allows you to specialise in these areas and others, such as big data and cloud computing, business applications and data modelling and analytics.

As you study, you'll have opportunities to work with our industry partners on real-world projects and take on an industry work placement. If your sights are set on a research career, you can choose to undertake a thesis in computer science or statistics.

Every step of the way, our supportive and highly qualified teaching staff will be there to offer ongoing support and advice.

You'll Learn:

• Data science

  • Get practical experience with open-source software and platforms, including Python, R and Hadoop.

  • Understand database fundamentals, programming languages such as Java and Python, and cloud-based services offered by Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft.

• Mathematics and statistics

  • Learn how to create complex models and use powerful tools for advanced analysis and problem-solving.

  • Build your skills using real data sets from our industry partners and learn how to solve data challenges facing businesses and organisations.

• Project management

  • Learn how to manage large-scale IT projects and work in a team to develop a small-scale, industry-based system.

• Complementary skills in other disciplines

  • Boost your knowledge through electives in business, health sciences, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).

Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

What You'll Study

Sample course structure

Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook .

Course And Careers Outcomes

However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.

Master of Data Science intended learning outcomes

• Evaluate, communicate and interpret information and results of advanced analysis in the field of data science to expert and lay audiences

• Critically analyse and solve complex problems in data science by using expert judgement, advanced knowledge and multi-disciplinary approaches

• Use and adapt advanced computing techniques and mathematical and statistical approaches to solve complex scientific problems in the field of data science

• Apply advanced theoretical concepts that underpin data science to complex problems using highly developed, integrated knowledge and skills

• Apply professional knowledge and skills autonomously or in a team, in a range of specific analytics and performance analysis settings

• Use and appropriately customise a broad range of established and emerging data collection and analysis technologies and methodologies related to specialisations

Master of Data Science career opportunities

After graduation, you could work across a range of industries, including business and finance, science, education, health, and sports.

• Data scientist

  • Understand complex data and leverage it to the advantage of businesses and organisations.

• Business analyst

  • Understand how businesses run and use data to solve problems and improve processes.

• Health analyst

  • Gather, analyse and verify healthcare information.

• Bioinformatician

  • Develop methods of research and analysis for understanding and leveraging biological and genomic data.

• Machine learning engineer

  • Use your detailed understanding of machine learning, big data, cloud technology and mathematics to create effective machine learning solutions.