Master of Data Science

At the end of the program, students of the Master of Data Science can:

1. Reflect critically on a complex body of data science knowledge, research principles and methods to demonstrate mastery of professional practice.
2. Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to analyse complex concepts in authentic data science scenarios.
3. Apply communication and collaboration skills in designing solutions to data sciences problems.
4. Use high level self-management skills to initiate, plan and execute a substantial data science focused project.

Data Science is an inter-disciplinary field, drawing on mathematics, statistics, and computer science, that uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.

This course provides the necessary foundations in the disciplines of mathematics, statistics and computer science, and develops student knowledge and skills in some of the key tools and techniques relevant to data science. It also pays specific attention to ethical issues surrounding the manner in which data is gathered, stored and analysed/utilised.

Data Science is a significant area of growth and potential employment in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Programming Principles
• Biostatistics
• Mathematical Fundamentals
• Applied Multivariate Statistics.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $66,600

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

Explore ECU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).
• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU.
• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.
• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

If you have completed units of study at University or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal.

Work Experience requirement

Students have the opportunity to spend their final semester undertaking a professional placement embedded within a host organisation. Successful applicants for this capstone placement opportunity will enrol in and complete SCI6700 Professional Placement (Science and Mathematics).

Attendance requirements

Students are required to complete a placement which is equivalent to one semester of full-time study. Whilst attendance is negotiated with the WIL host organisation, typically students will be expected to undertake a minimum of 300 hours over a maximum of 17 weeks. Typical full-time placements usually comprise 450 hours of professional placement.

Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

Students, the WIL host organisation and the school's WIL Coordinator must complete a WIL documentation pack (which includes all required OSH and Risk Assessment documents) before the placement can commence. WIL host organisations may have additional clearance requirements of applicants, including evidence of police clearance, non-disclosure agreements or research ethics clearances.

There may also be vaccination or other similar requirements, including those imposed by government or third-party placement hosts, that apply to Professional Placements which form part of your course. Please consider this requirement before applying for Professional Placement and speak with the WIL and Course Coordinator if this raises any concerns. You may not be able to complete the Professional Placement unit if you are unable to meet the placement requirements.