Master of Data Science

Gain the skills to navigate huge volumes of data generated via social media, financial transactions, transportation and scientific discovery as a data scientist. This interdisciplinary field of data science combines computer science with mathematical statistics and domain expertise to manage and analyse data.

As a data scientist, you'll develop the capability to derive insight and opportunity from the vast repositories of information that organisations collect. Data science also puts an emphasis on the specialised computational skills required to manage and analyse big data from sources such as massive sensors, mobile and transaction data.

Through data science, businesses gain a competitive edge, governments deliver more targeted services and research teams make new discoveries.

Why study the Master of Data Science at RMIT?

• Put theory into practice- Gain hands-on, practical experience analysing data in a business setting through a capstone project conducted alongside industry.
• Industry-led education- Learn from dedicated academics, guest lecturers and industry experts with research backgrounds and industry links.
• Build contacts- Use RMIT's Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics to connect with data scientists, project partners and researchers in the field.

Is data science right for you?

• The Master of Data Science appeals to people from a broad range of backgrounds, attracting graduates from computing, mathematics, science, engineering and health.
• Studying in purpose-built facilities in the heart of Melbourne, you will build a mix of skills in analytics, statistics and computer science that will enable you to play a central role in business decision-making, corporate strategy and government planning. Upon graduation, you could pursue a career as a data scientist in a field driving scientific research, economic growth, public policy or corporate strategy, using technologies to aid the management and analysis of very big data sets.
• During this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a capstone industry project, giving you hands-on, practical experience analysing data in a business setting. Working within a corporate environment, you’ll integrate the knowledge you’ve acquired throughout the course into a solid skills base to take into your professional life.
• Through exposure to theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, graduates of the Master of Data Science have the potential to become influential leaders within their organisations.

How you will learn

• RMIT is committed to providing students with an education that strongly links formal learning with workplace experience.
• You will learn through a broad mix of study modes including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, project work and seminars using face-to-face, online and other flexible delivery mechanisms.

Learning at RMIT

• The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
• Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Industry connections

• The degree has substantial links with the data science profession and related areas of business and industry, both in Australia and internationally.
• The subjects are taught by academics with strong research backgrounds and links to industry, as well as sessional teachers, guest lecturers and leaders working in industry.
• Employers and industry professionals with data science expertise are members of our Industry Advisory Committee and have contributed to the initial development and ongoing improvement of the degree. Their involvement ensures that the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and the needs of employers.
• Academics teaching in this course are also involved in RMIT’s Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics, a research hub for advanced data science projects, supporting researchers and helping Victorian and Australian businesses compete globally. This Centre applies text, user and data research to industry-driven projects that solve problems and provide efficiencies in key areas including smart cities, health, logistics, the environment and transportation. With its industry links and data focus, the centre is an excellent resource for master students to gain networking access to researchers in the field and project partners.
• RMIT also collaborates with the Melbourne Data Science Meetup, one of the largest of its kind in the world, which provides clear pathways into the data science community on both a social and professional level. In fact, teams of RMIT students were runner-up in the Melbourne Datathon in both 2018 and 2019 and were subsequently hired by the ANZ Bank and other corporates.

Electives and course plan

• The Master of Data Science's first year develops a solid foundation in computer science and statistics - core skills necessary for every data scientist in their professional work.
• Students with an undergraduate background in either of these areas may gain some advanced standing, whereas students from other disciplines will first complete the introductory courses needed to prepare them for studying the advanced core courses and electives in the second year.
• The second year includes a major project, which can be working on an industry or research problem while based on campus, or off-campus as an internship working as a data scientist with an industry partner.
• The real-world focus of this degree provides an excellent networking environment that can lead to internship and industry-led project opportunities.
• Building familiarity with programming and statistical techniques and tools, you’ll develop the technical and analytical skills essential for managing large data sets and making sense of them.
• Faced with complex collections of data, you’ll be able to solve problems through in-depth analysis and evaluation.
• To prepare you further for your data science career, whether in industry or research, you’ll also undertake case studies with input from industry-based data scientists, looking at the legal, ethical and policy issues that arise.

Career

• Any organisation handling large volumes of data needs qualified data scientists. Across all sectors of the economy – including IT, business, banking and finance, science and engineering, government, health and medical – organisations can gain a competitive edge by better managing and analysing their data.
• As data science is still a new and emerging field, the roles available are quite varied and diverse.
• As well as the title of data scientist, other positions include analytics specialist, business intelligence analyst/developer, data analyst, data architect, data engineer, data miner, research scientist and web analyst.
• While industry expertise is at the heart of this degree, studying at RMIT also means you are physically located close to Melbourne’s data professionals in the central business district – with many opportunities to forge links with local industry and jobs, including meet-ups, events and seminars, as well as other networking occasions.
• After being exposed to the latest theoretical and practical expertise, graduates are expected to become influential leaders within their organisations.
• There is also a research stream in this course, in which students work with a data science researcher on more technical data science innovation. 

Pathway options

• The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is available if you choose to exit the master's program after 96 credit points. This excludes any courses awarded as credit (exempted).

Further study

• Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including the Master of Computer Science (Research) and PhD in Computer Science, subject to entry requirements.