Master of Data Science
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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Entry requirements
Applicants to the Master of Data Science will normally have:
- a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution with a minimum of one year of full-time study in Mathematics or Information Technology or Data Science or a combination thereof; OR
- a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Data Science or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Degree overview
- Study at the No.1 university in SA for I.T. facilities1 and learning resources in I.T.2.
- Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is an increase in demand for data science skills3.
- 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 one of the leaders in business analytics software – SAS.
- Use Python, R, SAS, Hadoop as well as other tools used by data science professionals.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
3Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018
Snapshot
Enter the revolutionary area of big data where there is an acute shortage of data scientists. This is expected to drive future growth in the data science workforce, with an annual growth rate of 2.4% between 2016-17 and 2021-22 (which is stronger than the 1.5% per annum growth forecast for the entire Australian labour force)1.
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 insights based on data.
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.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
1Deloitte Access Economics, The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia, February 2018
What you'll learn
You will start by developing foundation skills in data and statistics and then in second year, you will study advanced skills in analytics. This will include courses such as:
- Predictive Analytics
- Unsupervised Methods in Analytics
- Research Methods
- Data Visualisation
- Customer Analytics in Large Organisations
- Advanced Analytic Techniques 1 & 2
- Social Media Data Analytics
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, as well as to 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. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
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.
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.
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 institutes, concentrations and centres, including:
- Industrial AI Research Centre
- Future Industries Institute
- Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments
All have industry-standard facilities, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing 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 individual course pages.
Your career
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:
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Statistician – As a statistician, your responsibilities include but not limited to is to conduct analyse on data, create projections and interpretations. You will be relied upon to produce statistical inferences based on data collected or available in the organisation. In addition, you might be responsible for new projects and requesting certain datasets. It will be assumed that you have a strong background in statistics, and can create statistical models and apply techniques to make good business decisions.
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Data Modeller/Architect – As a data modeller or architect, your responsibilities are concentrated around modelling situations and deducing outcomes by using data. You may be consider an architect in the company since you will build systems both statistically and IT facing to solve problems and model current operations. This will require you to have an in-depth knowledge of databases, predictive analytics and advanced mathematical techniques to solve problems.
1Deloitte analytics trends 2016
Industry facts
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 scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces 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 also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal 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 services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
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.
Your study spaces
You will also benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:
- Workshops
- One-on-one mentoring
- Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
- Access to a global pool of expert advisers
- Small funding stipends
- Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons
Your program director
Dr Nick Fewster-Young is the Program Director of Data Science, and is active teaching in the discipline and statistics since he started here in 2016. He completed his PhD at University of New South Wales in 2014, and is still an active researcher in the field of Dynamical Systems, and statistics, in particular investigating real world applications in terms of mathematical formulations and providing understanding and the validity of the models in terms of qualitative and quantitative results. Real world applications in the fields of quantum physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemical engineering and cancer research with several publications in high profiled international journals in the field of Dynamical Systems, and statistics relating to educational studies and learning in Higher Education.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
If your passion is data, irrespective of whether you are a programmer or not, you will benefit from, be involved in, and enjoy your way through this program. It has been designed with the collaboration of industry experts to cater for the right skillset and attitude of a data professional.
Abhishek Vinuth
Master of Data Science
Business Data Consultant | ENZEN Australia
