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Master of Data Science and Decisions

Science
Join one of Australia's top science faculties
Designed for STEM graduates and professionals, this master’s program will consolidate your skills across three key areas: mathematics and statistics, computer science and economics  to solve big-scale problems with data strategy. Accelerate your career in a faculty ranking #3 in Australia and #48 globally for mathematics.
Commencing Terms
Term 1 & 3
Duration
2 - 2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 8959
CRICOS code 0101866
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program
2024 Indicative CSP first year fee
$8,500*
$18,000*

Overview

Our world contains an unimaginably vast amount of digital information. Extracting meaning from this data can drive business forward, enable next-generation scientific breakthroughs and produce benefits that make a positive difference in our world. But it’s a challenging task which requires strong skills and training.

Data scientists are the people with that expertise, which explains why they have become key players in today’s job market. From industries as varied as health, defence, finance, transport and logistics, to agriculture, media and technology, there’s a growing reliance on data science professionals to deliver meaningful business insights.

Prepare yourself for excellent employment opportunities in this fast-growing field with the Master of Data Science and Decisions. Your study will explore programming languages, problem-solving and processing/interpreting/presenting data using qualitative and quantitative techniques.

Key features

  • Suitable for launching or accelerating your career
    This degree is designed for STEM graduates who are looking to enter the field and professionals who are looking to upskill. If you've recently graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics, a Bachelor of Science (with a major in mathematics, statistics or computer science) or a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, this degree is a great next step on your professional journey. If you have industry experience in computer science, statistics or business analytics, this master’s program will expand your skills and knowledge to position you as a leader in your field.
  • Foundational skills, specialisations and project work
    This program will consolidate your skills across three key areas: mathematics and statistics, computer science and economics. You’ll gain deeper knowledge in your area of interest by pursuing a specialisation in computational, business, behavioural or quantitative data science and decisions. You’ll also develop research and communication skills in data science through project work.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Learn with the best

  • We’re ranked 39th in the world for Mathematics.*
  • We’re ranked 49th in the world and 1st in Australia for Engineering & Technology.**
  • UNSW Economics and Econometrics is ranked in the top 50 worldwide.***

Harness the expertise of three schools
You’ll benefit from the expertise of educators across three different schools at UNSW: Mathematics and StatisticsComputer Science and Engineering and Economics.

Leverage our industry connections
Advance your career with industry relevant skills and experience. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to expand your professional connections.

Join a supportive student community
At UNSW, equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We’re also committed to inspiring women to pursue an enriching career path in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 - Mathematics
**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 - Engineering & Technology
***QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 - Economics & Econometrics

 

Program Code
8959
CRICOS Code
0101866
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96

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Entry requirements

For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:

  • a Bachelor of Mathematics
  • a Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics, statistics or computer science
  • a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
  • an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline as determined by the program authority

You also need to have a sufficient background in mathematics and/or statistics and/or data science, as indicated by an average of 70 or above in appropriate level III university courses.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:

  • a Bachelor of Mathematics
  • a Bachelor of Science with a major in mathematics, statistics or computer science
  • a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions
  • an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline as determined by the program authority

You also need to have a sufficient background in mathematics and/or statistics and/or data science, as indicated by an average of 70 or above in appropriate level III university courses.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

This Master of Data Science and Decisions explores the methods for organising, modelling and analysing large and complex data for business, governments or other organisations. You’ll study core foundational knowledge combined with a specialisation in quantitative, computational, business or behavioural data science and decisions. You’ll also develop research and communication skills in data science through project work.

Full program structure

The Master of Data Science and Decisions can be completed in two years of full-time study. It can also be studied part-time. The program is made up of 16 courses, including 11 core courses, four courses from your chosen specialisation and one elective course from another specialisation.

Future careers

The era of Big Data

With quintillion bytes of data generated each day, it’s safe to say that we’re in the era of big data. Social media, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning and artificial intelligence are driving the trends in data and influencing the role of data scientists.

As the big data boom rolls on, your skills will be central to a range of roles in information-rich industries including:

  • internet search
  • fraud detection
  • targeted advertising
  • logistics planning
  • speech recognition
  • image analysis
  • genetic risk prediction
  • virtual reality
  • customer loyalty
  • product development
  • autonomous vehicles.

What does a career in this field look like?

Data science is a multidisciplinary field of study that blends mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication. Data scientists translate user data into insights that help companies understand their audience and personalise their products or services. Uncovering new insights and predicting trends has become vital in the retail, environmental, not-for-profit, IT and professional services sector.

Career opportunities in data science span across many industries from start-ups to established corporations including Coles, AirBnB, Spotify, Netflix and Greenpeace, to name a few. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products for the market, determine warehouse or retail employee schedules, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2024 Indicative CSP First Year Fee

$8,500*

2024 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree

$18,000*

All places within this degree are Commonwealth supported. This means that if you receive an offer from UNSW Sydney as a domestic student, you will have a substantial proportion of your fees  subsidised by the Australian government. Start your application today with our guide on how to apply

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$39,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$81,000*

*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$54,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$112,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
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