Master of Data Science
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2018
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LMDS
SATAC Code
4CM128 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 27,900 per 1.0 EFTSL† for students enrolled in 2018
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Entry requirements
Applicants to the Master of Data Science will normally have:
- A Bachelor degree in Information Technology; OR
- A Bachelor degree in Mathematics; OR
- Graduate Certificate in Data Science; OR
- Graduate Diploma in Data Science.
Deferment
This degree is not available for deferment.
Key features
- Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is a strong demand for data scientists1.
- Benefit from UniSA’s lead role in the $88 million Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre.
- Learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends, and to generate data management strategies.
- Complete coursework designed with industry including the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia and the leader in business analytics software – SAS.
- 97 per cent of our assessed research is at or above world class, according to 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
1McKinsey Global Institute. Big Data: The next frontier for innovation, competition and productivity, May 2011.
Snapshot
Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is an acute shortage of data scientists. A recent McKinsey Global Institute report projects a 50 per cent gap between projected demand and supply by 20181.
Vast volumes of data are generated every day around the globe. The need to make sense of it has given rise to the revolutionary area of ‘Big Data’, and to a new career of ‘data scientist’. Data scientists find patterns, making meaning and drawing value from the seeming chaos.
Taught by leading researchers you will learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends and to generate data management strategies.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of three programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification.
If you decide to exit this degree having completed the first four courses you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Data Science. If you have completed the first eight courses you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Data Science.
1McKinsey Global Institute. Big Data: The next frontier for innovation, competition and productivity, May 2011.
Why Master of Data Science
UniSA’s Master of Data Science gives you current knowledge of data science techniques and research. It caters for students with a mathematics or an IT background, with courses tailored for both.
You will learn to analyse and visualise rich data sources, how to spot data trends, and to generate data management strategies. The coursework has been designed with industry including the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia and the leader in business analytics software – SAS. Students also benefit from UniSA’s lead role in the $88 million Data to Decisions Cooperative Research Centre.
This master degree can be studied on-campus, online or a combination of both. Once you have been accepted into the degree you can select your mode of study.
Real-world connections
Research institutes and centres
UniSA is home to several research centres:
- Advanced Computing Research Centre
- Centre for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
- Institute for Telecommunications Research
- Phenomics and Bioinformatics Research Centre
- Defence and Systems Institute
All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
Cooperative Research Centres
We are also proud to support a number of Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) bringing together researchers and research users, with an emphasis on collaboration through utilisation, commercialisation and technology transfer.
UniSA is the national headquarters for an $88 million CRC in big data. The Data to Decisions CRC is set to boost national security. It places UniSA at the forefront of industry and academic research collaboration. The CRC involves researchers in areas of computer science, engineering, business and law from UniSA, the University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, Deakin University and Carnegie Mellon University, with industry input from IT and systems integration companies, consulting companies and SMEs in collaboration with state and federal national security agencies.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
This degree is offered online. This means that you:
- will study online, including accessing access videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on the degree webpage.
The field of data science field is evolving at a rapid rate. It will continue to grow as savvy business leaders integrate analytics into every facet of their organisation. Analytics, science, data, and reasoning are becoming embedded into decision-making processes, every day and everywhere in the business world1.
Careers to consider:
- big data visualiser: using visualisation software to analyse data, drawing implications and communicating findings; providing input on database requirements for reporting/analytics; acquiring, managing and documenting data (e.g. geospatial); creating visualisations from data or GIS data analysis
- data scientist: understanding interfaces, data migrations, big data and databases; taking the lead in processing raw data and determining the best types of analysis; mining large volumes of data to understand user behaviours and interactions; communicating data findings to IT leadership and business leaders to promote innovation
- business data analyst: working with stakeholders, analysts and senior management to understand business strategy and the questions that need to be asked; identifying research needs; designing experiments and making recommendations based on results; driving complex analytics projects to support the business
- information security analyst: reporting and recommendations to prevent security incidents; security control monitoring; implementing new security technology, methods and techniques; championing security best practice; reviewing systems for security risks and compliance issues
1Deloitte analytics trends 2016
What others are saying
I had the opportunity to participate in an ICT project in collaboration with an industry client as part of this degree. The final product will assist the client implement a predictive model that should be able to predict, from twitter data, the probability of civil unrest actually occurring at an expected location and date.
Peter Jafako Helebi
Master of Data Science
I was working as as an ERP consultant in India and this got me interested in data analytics, so I started studying at UniSA. UniSA’s programs are designed so they have direct practical applications in the industry. It is ranked well globally and has all the right ingredients to make a good University.
Ankit Sule
Master of Data Science
What you'll learn
You will start by developing foundation skills in data and statistics such as big data basics, statistical programming for data science, and relational databases and warehouses. You will then go on to study data analytics courses such as:
- Predictive Analytics
- Unsupervised Methods in Analytics
- Research Methods
- Data Visualisation
You’ll finish your degree with a professional project where you’ll work in a structured project team, getting practical experience in modern data science techniques and practices.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- group projects and presentations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Hear from Program Director Dr Malgorzata Korolkiewicz about what it is like to study Data Science at the University of South Australia.
I am the Program Director for Master of Data Science and a lecturer in the School of Information Technology and Mathematical Sciences. My research interests and experience include quantitative finance, financial risk management and environmental modelling.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarship search page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
$7,000 for a full year is available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Receive up to $2500 total in travel grants to participate in our Study Overseas programs. UniSA has agreements with over 80 institutions globally.
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.
Mawson Lakes
Nestled in amongst engineering and tech companies in Technology Park, Mawson Lakes has state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. On-campus there are large open green spaces, cafés, wetlands, interactive learning spaces, the largest strong-floor in Australia, a planetarium and a gym. It is 20 minutes from the city centre, easily accessible by bus, train and car. Explore Mawson Lakes >
Your study spaces
You will benefit from our culture of innovation and start-ups. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into start-up enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC) you will access services and expertise including:
- technology (DXC and UniSA IT)
- design (matchstudio)
- business growth (Centre for Business Growth)
- business management
- strategy and marketing (UniSA Business School)
- commercialisation (UniSA Ventures)
Your study experience
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive credit (recognised prior learning) for this experience. Receiving credit will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
Credit is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.