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Students
Tuition Fee
AUD 37,248
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
24 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Data Analytics | Data Science | Statistics
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Mathematics and Statistics
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
AUD 37,248
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-03-01-
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Master of Data Science (Professional)

Unlock a world of potential with the Master of Data Science at JCU and become an authority in the roaring big-data industry. Develop innovative solutions to contemporary problems in data science and mastermind database systems, programs, models, and projects.


Fast Facts

  • Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
    • Cairns
    • Brisbane
  • Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
    • Cairns: September
    • Brisbane: March, September
  • Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
    • $31,701.00^
    • ^estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
    • Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
    • Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
    • Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.
  • Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
    • 2 years full-time
  • Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge
    • AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or minimum five years relevant industry experience in IT or Data Science/Data Analytics; or equivalent
  • Course Code: The course code is JCU's unique identifier for this course.

Course Detail

What to expect


JCU students have the advantage of learning how to apply data science skills to tropical, regional, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contexts. Benefit from industry expertise with courses taught by data scientists, SAS partnership and certification, and access to the SAS data Science Academy.


Learn to exercise your professional judgment to suit specific circumstances and have the opportunity to complete a substantial research-based project. Your capstone project will allow you to build a portfolio to showcase your expertise.


Upon graduating, you will be across recent developments and modern challenges in data science and equipped with skills in key areas including machine learning, data mining, algorithm development, and advanced modelling.


You will have senior industry contacts, experience with real-world projects, and a foundational understanding of technology that allows you to adapt to every innovation. You will know when and how to apply computing languages and computational tools for data acquisition, queries, management, analysis, and visualisation.


You'll experience an innovative delivery method - this degree is broken up into twelve study periods. Students must complete an additional subject externally (online) in specified study periods throughout the course duration, in order to complete sixteen subjects in two, full-time years of study.


About JCU's Master of Information and Data Science in Queensland

Be ready for the jobs of the future with a Master of Data Science****(Professional) (similar to aMasters in Data Analytics) from James Cook University. Deepen your knowledge of cutting-edge techniques, industry best practices, and key research methods to progress your current career or open up new opportunities for success.


Your World-Class Education Begins Here

Build your portfolio and professional network as you study your Master of Data Science (Professional) degree online or in Cairns, Queensland. Work with, and learn from, leading data scientists in cutting-edge research facilities. Build your industry contacts and connect with peers who could become key professional contacts in the future.


Study under lecturers committed to student success and in subjects with small class sizes. Master the newest innovations in the big-data industry as you grow your skills and practice applying them in real-world settings. Choose to study on campus in Cairns or online.


Be Prepared to Meet Statistical Challenges

Build a solid foundation for success as you study core subjects. Become adept at gathering information and analysing algorithms, then interpreting them at a conceptual level. Gain advanced knowledge of the principles of statistical methods, linear modelling, and data visualisation.


Strengthen your understanding of the mathematics necessary for Data Scientists and how to apply these to binary relations and data science problems. Learn the latest data mining and machine learning techniques and understand how to make strategic decisions that advance business success or solve issues for society.


Master real-world problems

Focus your knowledge and learn advanced skills as you progress your data science masters degree.


Complete a capstone project to culminate your studies. Showcase your advanced skills and ability to apply complex data to real-world problems facing society, industry and science. Conceptualise problems in a working environment and then plan and implement solutions that solve them.


Study a Masters Degree in Data Analytics and Develop as a Thinker

Gain more than just knowledge and industry-specific skills through your information and data science master degree. Develop your skills as an independent thinker and as an advanced, analytical problem solver. Take the initiative to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Apply your knowledge and skills in a variety of social contexts as you gain experience in Australia's unique regional and cultural contexts.


Become an expert at working with ethical issues of privacy and data security in a way that conforms to regulatory requirements and respects cultural frameworks. Develop your skills as an effective communicator and express your ideas to experts and non-specialist audiences alike. Collaborate with others and use your data science skills in team settings as a team-member or a leader.


Get Ahead With a Master of Data Science (Professional) From JCU

Your masters coursework at James Cook University will prepare you to make a difference in society, as it allows you to work for governments, the private sector or research institutes. Use machine learning to advance business intelligence for the world's leading tech and finance companies or freelance as a business intelligence specialist. Invest in your future today with a degree from JCU.


Nested Qualifications

Students taking the Master of Data Science (Professional) have the option to exit the course early and receive a Graduate Certificate of Data Science after four subjects or a Graduate Diploma of Data Science after eight subjects.


Inherent Requirements

Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Master of Data Science (Professional).


Career Opportunities

JCU Data Science (Professional) graduates are highly skilled specialists with invaluable professional expertise.


Graduates benefit from rapidly increasing job openings across the data industry and a data-driven future. You can apply data science to industrial, environmental, cultural, societal, and agricultural projects.


You could find work as a data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, data architect, visualisation specialist or statistician.


Fees and Scholarships

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD31,701.00


A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.


Pathways to JCU

JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.


Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.


Real Stories

  • Lecturer Dr Kelly Trinh

Associate Lecturer, Statistics and Data Science


JCU Master of Data Science students develop the knowledge and skills to work with machine learning algorithms and statistical techniques widely applied in practice. Students have hands-on experience working with a range of programming languages such as Python, R, Cloud Computation (Amazon Web Services) and SAS.


  • Real-world experience Unreal results Alumni's real-world projects using new Unreal Engine Learn More

Program Outline

Outline:

  • The Master of Data Science (Professional) is a specialized program that provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in data science and its applications.
  • The program comprises a total of 16 subjects divided into two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time.
  • Core subjects cover foundational concepts in data science, such as statistical methods, data visualization, database systems, programming and data analytics using Python, and career planning.
  • Students also complete a capstone project that involves applying data science techniques to solve a real-world problem.
  • In addition to core subjects, students choose from a range of elective subjects that allow them to specialize in areas such as data mining, machine learning, data visualization, and data management.

Teaching:

  • The Master of Data Science (Professional) is delivered through a combination of on-campus lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions.
  • Students also have access to online learning resources and support through the university's learning management system.
  • The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and industry.
  • Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry partners.

Careers:

  • Graduates of the Master of Data Science (Professional) are highly skilled specialists with invaluable professional expertise.
  • They are prepared for a wide range of careers in data science, including data scientist, data engineer, data analyst, data architect, visualization specialist, and statistician.
  • Graduates can work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and government.
  • The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue further studies in data science or related fields.
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Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • Completion of an AQF level 7 bachelor degree; or
  • Minimum five years relevant industry experience in IT or Data Science/Data Analytics; or
  • Equivalent qualifications or practical experience recognized by the Dean, College of Science and Engineering as equivalent to the above.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

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