Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL)

Program Overview

Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL)

Course Details

• ODL (Online Distance Learning)
• Duration: 2 years 6 months
• Intake Date: 13 June 2025, 15 August 2025, 31 October 2025
• Awarding Body: APU, Malaysia

Why choose APU?

• Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
• 5-Star Excellence Rating (SETARA)
• 100% Employability Rate
• Ranked No.16 for International Students in the World
• More than 80,000 Graduates & Alumni

Part-Time Module Schedule

• Click here to download 2025 Part-Time Module Schedule

Dual Degree

• APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme
• Students who are under Masters Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme.
• Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

Accreditation

• More Than Just A Data Science And Business Analytics Master Programme
• APU's Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL) programme is designed to provide you an edge with the latest technologies that are in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Requirements

• Entry Requirements
• General Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and with relevant working experience, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.
  • Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses.
• English Requirements
  • IELTS: 5.5
  • Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (previous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree taught in English) are exempted from English requirements.

Programme Outline

• What We Teach
  • Knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence.
  • Overall understanding of the impact of data science upon modern processes and business.
  • Exposure towards data science tools and techniques, as well as methods of data collection and utilisation, to turn data into useful information via various processes.
• The Benefits of the Programme
  • In addition to the degree award, a Joint Professional Certification will be offered by SAS Institute, USA.
  • 30% of the curriculum will allow for mini projects assessed as in-course work allowing for practical skills development in Data Analytics.
  • The curriculum covers a wide range of subject matter from Analytical Technologies, Exposure to tools such as R & SAS Modelers, Data Visualisation, Customer/User Behavioural Studies, Forecasting Methods and to Presenting the Business Intelligence reports.
  • External Programme Annual Reviews by International University Partners.
  • Programme Support by an Industry Advisory Panel involving data analytical experts from Petronas ICT, RedTone, SharePoint, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Maxis, IBM, Microsoft, Fusionex and Axiata.
  • Research opportunities via APU’s Centre of Analytics - APCA.
• Who Should Attend
  • This programme is designed to provide students with knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence.
  • It aims to develop analytical and investigative knowledge and skills using data science tools and techniques, and to enhance data science knowledge and critical interpretation skills.
  • Students will understand the impact of data science upon modern processes and businesses, be able to identify, and implement specific tools, practices, features and techniques to enhance the analysis of data.

Modules & Project

• Pre-Requisite Modules (For Non-Computing Students: Duration: 4 months (ODL))
  • Programming in Python
  • Database for Data Science
  • Statistics
• Core Modules
  • Big Data Analytics & Technologies
  • Data Management
  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Research Methodology for Capstone Project
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Data Analytical Programming
  • Multivariate Methods for Data Analysis
  • Capstone Project 1
  • Advanced Business Analytics and Visualisation
  • Capstone Project 2
• Specialisation Modules (Choose 1 Pathway Only)
  • Pathway 1 (Business Intelligence)
    • Behavioural Science, Social Media and Marketing Analytics
    • Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
    • Strategies in Emerging Markets OR Multilevel Data Analysis OR Operations Research and Optimization
  • Pathway 2 (Data Engineering)
    • Cloud Infrastructure and Services
    • Deep Learning
    • Natural Language Processing OR Building IoT Applications OR Data Protection and Management

100% Online

• Open & Distance Learning (ODL)
• The ODL (Open & Distance Learning) programmes are designed to address the theoretical, practical and scientific skills and contribute towards new and meaningful knowledge in their field of expertise.
• ODL allows students to learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace - this power of freedom has ignited more interest & excitement in learning.
• All the Master (ODL) programmes are available for part-time study mode. The minimum duration of study is 2.5 years.
• Students are to register the modules on a modular basis. Each module will be offered over a two-month duration.

Facilities

• Facilities at APU
• The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.

Career Path

• Your Career Path
• Data Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• Data Analytics Manager
• Business Analyst Manager
• Data Innovation Manager
• Machine Learning Scientist
• Business Process Engineer
• Data Wrangler / Munger / Miner
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Analytics & Reporting Manager
• Decision Analytics Manager

Professional Certification

• Joint Professional Certification by Tibco Software Inc.
• Upon completion of the Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL) programme, in addition to their Masters Degrees, students will receive a professional certificate from TIBCO Software Inc.
• TIBCO is amongst the global leaders in Integration, Data Management and Analytics platforms that has a global clientele.
• In addition to the certification, TIBCO, as APU’s industry partner, has provided all students & lecturers with complimentary access to the TIBCO Spotfire software for academic purposes.
• Students are utilizing the software to perform tasks & projects related to data analytics.

Fees & Certification

• Malaysian: RM36,800
• International: RM36,800 (USD8,560)
• MQA Cert: Programme code : (N-DL/0613/7/0026)(03/26)(MQA/PA14220)
• Fees stated above do not include Enrolment Fees, Registration Fees and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.
• All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.