Program Overview

Overview of the Master of Data Science Program

The Master of Data Science is a comprehensive program that combines high-level analytical and technical skills with industry-specific knowledge and essential professional attributes. It is designed to prepare students to tackle complex data science challenges and play a leading role in the future development of data science solutions globally.

Program Highlights

• Benefit from the most comprehensive data science program in Australia.
• Study advanced topics from computing, statistics, and mathematics.
• Learn how to make informed decisions in data-intensive environments.
• Graduate with a combination of high-level technical skills and a capacity for creative and disruptive thinking.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Master of Data Science program, applicants must meet specific requirements based on their previous qualifications and experience.

2-Year Degree (32 Units of Study)

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, or
• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) which includes all of the relevant discipline content, or
• Successful completion of 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Data Science.
• A grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in the previous qualification.

1.5-Year Degree (24 Units of Study)

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline with studies in at least 3 courses in mathematics, 2 courses in statistics or probability, and 4 courses in computer sciences.
• A GPA of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in the previous qualification.

Relevant Disciplines for Previous Qualifications

Relevant disciplines include computer science, information technology, information systems, mathematics, engineering, physics, actuarial studies, science (majors in statistics, applied statistics, physics, or mathematics), and data science.

GPA Equivalent

The GPA equivalent is used as a guide. When applying, the university calculates the GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades are included. Entry requirements are subject to change.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6.
• TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21, and speaking 19.
• PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub-bands.
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub-bands.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative Annual Fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Fees will vary according to selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

Government Assistance

• HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
• Centrelink support: The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships.

How to Apply

Applying Online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If preferred, you can use an approved UQ agent near you. The program code for the Master of Data Science is 5660.

Important Dates

• The closing date for this program is:
  • To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.

Program Structure and Courses

What You'll Study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

• Introduction to Data Science
• Responsible Data Science
• Data Analytics at Scale
• Machine Learning

Dual Programs

Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Master of Data Science as part of these dual programs:

• Bachelor of Mathematics / Master of Data Science
• Bachelor of Computer Science / Master of Data Science

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Market researcher
• Data scientist
• Risk analyst
• Supply chain analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data miner
• Big data engineer
• Portfolio manager
• Actuarial and analytics consultant
• Software developer

Average Annual Salary Range

• Data Scientist: $115–$135K
• Data Engineer: $120–$140K

Next Steps After Graduation

Master of Data Science graduates will be expertly prepared to work in Australia or overseas across a large number of industry sectors, government agencies, and technology companies, as well as in consulting and market-research firms. The median salary of data scientists is typically reported in six-digit figures and in China, it is reported to be 3.5 times higher than in comparable positions.