Master of Data Science
Overview
Become job-ready and prepared to tackle complex data science challenges and play a leading role in the future development of data science solutions globally.
This is the most comprehensive data science program in Australia, combining high-level analytical and technical skills with industry-specific knowledge and essential professional attributes. It's also one of the few programs in the world to offer you a cross-disciplinary education with direct industry contact and practical experience in the exciting field of data science.
You'll study advanced topics from computing, statistics and mathematics, and your choice of electives from business, finance, health or science. Across the program, you'll learn how to make informed decisions in data-intensive environments.
You'll use relevant big data tools and technologies and develop essential knowledge about the ethical use of data, legal considerations, communication and more. In your final year, you'll also complete projects relevant to industry.
Since data underpins the digital economy, there are enormous opportunities for data scientists to revolutionise the way we work, live and communicate. With a Master of Data Science you'll be expertly prepared to work in Australia or overseas across a large number of industry sectors, government agencies and high technology companies, as well as consulting and market research firms.
If you come from a business background, our Master of Business Analytics may be the program for you. While both programs address the function of data analytics, the Master of Data Science provides technical expertise, while the Master of Business Analytics will teach you how and why to make business decisions using data.
State-of-the-art facilities
The school is home to facilities including a big data lab with relevant tools and technologies; more than 400 Windows, Unix and Apple workstations; more than 20 specialist computer labs (including 10 with 24-hour access); and a university-wide 802.11ac Wi-Fi network.
Program highlights
- Benefit from the most comprehensive data science program in Australia.
- Study advanced topics from computing, statistics and mathematics.
- Learn how to make informed decisions in data-intensive environments.
- Graduate with a combination of high-level technical skills and a capacity for creative and disruptive thinking.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Responsible Data Science
- Data Analytics at Scale
- Machine Learning
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Market researcher
- Data scientist
- Risk analyst
- Supply chain analyst
- Business intelligence analyst
- Data miner
- Big data engineer
- Portfolio manager
- Actuarial and analytics consultant
- Software developer
Early-career salary
Data Scientist
payscale.com
Mid-career salary
Data Engineer
payscale.com
Next steps after graduation
Master of Data Science graduates will be expertly prepared to work in Australia or overseas across a large number of industry sectors, government agencies, and technology companies, as well as in consulting and market-research firms.
In China alone, the market for big data is experiencing an annual growth of more than 30 per cent based on expenditure of 10 Billion RMB since 2015.
The median salary of data scientists is typically reported in six-digit figures and in China it is reported to be 3.5 times higher than in comparable positions.
Events
See all events
Stories
See all stories
Careers
Kickstart your data-driven future with a graduate degree in data science
UQ people
Postgraduate study in economics and finance is fuelling Diana's drive for success
Stories
See all storiesCareers
Kickstart your data-driven future with a graduate degree in data science
UQ people
Meet Kaustubh from India, studying Engineering in Australia
UQ people
Meet David from Cambodia, studying Engineering in Australia
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Related disciplines include but are not limited to Information Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Actuarial Studies.
Prerequisites
Related disciplines include but are not limited to Information Technology, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Actuarial Studies.
Related programs
Depending on your previous qualifications and current goals, you might want to consider
one of these related programs:
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Additional application information
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of Data Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
AUD $46,112
Indicative annual fee 2022
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Master of Data Science for the 2022 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
AUD $34,840
Indicative annual fee 2021
Fee information for 2022 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2021.
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of Data Science at 2022 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program.
Fees may be higher in later years as all fees are reviewed annually.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are offered for this program on the basis of academic merit. See the fee for a CSP in this program. Once all CSPs have been exhausted, offers may be made on a tuition fee paying basis.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of Data Science pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Master of Data Science is 5660.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Master of Data Science is 5660.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest in the Master of Data Science and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.