Master of Decision Analytics

Program Overview

The Master of Decision Analytics at UNSW Canberra equips students with advanced skills in data analysis, modeling, and visualization. The program emphasizes ethical and societal considerations of big data and analytics, preparing graduates for careers in various sectors, including business, government, and defense. Through a blend of distance and face-to-face learning, students develop practical expertise in industry-standard software and tools, enabling them to make sound decisions in data-rich environments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview

The Master of Decision Analytics at UNSW Canberra is designed to meet the growing demand for data analysis across various business sectors and public policy environments, including government and defence. This program emphasizes developing qualitative and quantitative decision-making skills that enable graduates to make sound business decisions in complex and data-rich environments, contributing to organizational performance and social impact in the public and private sectors.

Objectives

• Enhance participants’ understanding of the nature and applications of business analytics.
• Develop participants’ ability to interpret and apply advanced data mining and modeling techniques to address complex decision problems in real business settings.
• Cultivate a critical understanding and application skills of data visualization and communication techniques to facilitate the sharing and use of analytics insights across the organization.
• Equip participants to manage the ethical, social, and legal challenges of big data and analytics.

Program Description

The program comprises core courses covering the fundamentals of decision analytics and their application across industries, as well as elective courses that allow students to tailor the program to their individual interests and career aspirations. Students undertake a capstone research or applied analytics industry placement to demonstrate the application of their analytics knowledge and expertise in a real-life environment. The program is structured as follows:

• Core courses (24 UoC) provide the foundation in decision analytics, including data mining and modeling, statistical analysis, optimization, decision analysis and forecasting, data management and visualization, ethical and societal dimensions, and analytics for business strategy and performance management
• Elective courses (24 UoC) allow students to specialize their studies and focus on specific aspects of decision analytics that align with their interests and professional aspirations.
Elective options may include courses in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data ethics and governance, econometrics and forecasting.
• Research or industry project (12-unit elective course) enables participants to apply their analytics skills and knowledge to a real-life decision problem and produce a research report or an industry project.

Outline:

The Master of Decision Analytics at UNSW Canberra consists of eight courses. Students are required to complete four core and four elective courses, as well as an optional research project or industry placement. The program structure is flexible, allowing students to study full time or part-time to accommodate their personal and professional commitments, including work and military service obligations for Defence personnel.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to measure students' progress and achievement of intended learning outcomes, these may include:

• Examinations: Time-limited written examinations to assess students' knowledge and understanding.
• Assignments and Projects: Assignments and projects of various types and scales, including case study analysis and presentations, research reports, and data modeling projects.
• Class Participation and Engagement, including active participation in discussions and workshops.
• Research Thesis: Students undertaking a research project have the option of submitting their project as a research thesis, where they will be assessed on the rigor of research design and methods, analysis and interpretation of results
The program has an assessment plan for each course, providing detailed guidance and rubrics for each assessment task, outlining expectations and marking criteria for students. The assessment plan aligns assessments to learning objectives, fostering a deep and comprehensive comprehension of the subject.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered through a blend of distance and face-to-face learning.
• The online learning component uses an advanced learning platform designed to enhance access and provide the flexibility that is particularly beneficial for working professionals and Defence Force personnel.
• Face to face sessions are held on a regular basis to facilitate interactions and provide guidance from world class educators.
• Students are mentored by a dedicated team of academic and professional staff experienced in business and industry analytics, supporting students in their learning and professional growth.
• Industry guest lectures and expert presentations provide practical insights and keep the curriculum current and responsive.
• Small group activities, simulations, case studies, and online collaboration tools are utilized extensively throughout the program, promoting collaborative and experiential.
• Individual and group assignments, case studies, projects, and research projects provide opportunities for hands-on, practical development of skills.
• The use of industry-standard analytics software and tools is integrated throughout the program, familiarising students with practical tools.
• Students can access academic support services such as writing and research skills, and a dedicated library service that provides access to a wealth of resources, both online and on-campus.

Careers:

Graduates of the program will develop advanced skills in decision analytics and its applications in a wide range of sectors, including business and industry, defence, government, and non-profit organizations. Potential career paths include roles in:

• Business Analytics Consulting
• Market Research
• Operations Management
• Risk Management
• Data Analytics Management
• Data Scientists
• Business Strategy Consulting
Defence Policy Analyst
• Defence Intelligence Analyst
• Capability and Investment Analysis in government and defence