Master of Data Science

Master of Data Science

POSTGRADUATE

Harness the power of data and become a data scientist.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$39,360 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Gain the skills to navigate huge volumes of data generated via social media, financial transactions, transportation and scientific discovery as a data scientist.

This interdisciplinary field of data science combines computer science with mathematical statistics and domain expertise to manage and analyse data. As a data scientist, you'll develop the capability to derive insight and opportunity from the vast repositories of information that organisations collect. Data science also puts an emphasis on the specialised computational skills required to manage and analyse big data from sources such as massive sensors, mobile and transaction data.

Through data science, businesses gain a competitive edge, governments deliver more targeted services and research teams make new discoveries.

Why study the Master of Data Science at RMIT?

Put theory into practice

Gain hands-on, practical experience analysing data in a business setting through a capstone project conducted alongside industry.

Industry-led education

Learn from dedicated academics, guest lecturers and industry experts with research backgrounds and industry links.

Build contacts

Use RMIT's Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics to connect with data scientists, project partners and researchers in the field.

Is data science right for you?

The Master of Data Science appeals to people from a broad range of backgrounds, attracting graduates from computing, mathematics, science, engineering and health.

Studying in purpose-built facilities in the heart of Melbourne, you will build a mix of skills in analytics, statistics and computer science that will enable you to play a central role in business decision-making, corporate strategy and government planning. Upon graduation, you could pursue a career as a data scientist in a field driving scientific research, economic growth, public policy or corporate strategy, using technologies to aid the management and analysis of very big data sets.

During this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to experience a capstone industry project, giving you hands-on, practical experience analysing data in a business setting. Working within a corporate environment, you’ll integrate the knowledge you’ve acquired throughout the course into a solid skills base to take into your professional life.

Through exposure to theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, graduates of the Master of Data Science have the potential to become influential leaders within their organisations.

The Master of Data Science not only teaches students about the theory behind analytics and computer science. It also focuses on preparing students for working in a corporate environment. The practical elements of the degree, including projects based on solving real-world problems, helped me secure a covetable internship.
Portrait of Tanyya Varshney, Master of Data Science at RMIT - Tanyya Varshney, Master of Data Science at RMIT

Details

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RMIT is committed to providing students with an education that strongly links formal learning with workplace experience.

You will learn through a broad mix of study modes including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, project work and seminars using face-to-face, online and other flexible delivery mechanisms.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The degree has substantial links with the data science profession and related areas of business and industry, both in Australia and internationally.

The subjects are taught by academics with strong research backgrounds and links to industry, as well as sessional teachers, guest lecturers and leaders working in industry.

Employers and industry professionals with data science expertise are members of our Industry Advisory Committee and have contributed to the initial development and ongoing improvement of the degree. Their involvement ensures that the degree remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and the needs of employers.

Academics teaching in this course are also involved in RMIT’s Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics, a research hub for advanced data science projects, supporting researchers and helping Victorian and Australian businesses compete globally. This Centre applies text, user and data research to industry-driven projects that solve problems and provide efficiencies in key areas including smart cities, health, logistics, the environment and transportation. With its industry links and data focus, the centre is an excellent resource for master students to gain networking access to researchers in the field and project partners.

RMIT also collaborates with the Melbourne Data Science Meetup, one of the largest of its kind in the world, which provides clear pathways into the data science community on both a social and professional level. In fact, teams of RMIT students were runner-up in the Melbourne Datathon in both 2018 and 2019 and were subsequently hired by the ANZ Bank and other corporates.

  • 1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing)
  • 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time, Graduate Diploma of Data Science available as exit award.
  • 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

This degree is delivered on-campus. You will learn through a broad mix of study modes including lectures, tutorials, practical classes, project work and seminars.

Full-time study of this degree typically includes four nights per week, totalling around 16 hours of contact per week, and a further 24-30 hours of private study. Part-time enrolment enables local students to manage a lighter load.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Data Science's first year develops a solid foundation in computer science and statistics - core skills necessary for every data scientist in their professional work.

Students with an undergraduate background in either of these areas may gain some advanced standing, whereas students from other disciplines will first complete the introductory courses needed to prepare them for studying the advanced core courses and electives in the second year.

The second year includes a major project, which can be working on an industry or research problem while based on campus, or off-campus as an internship working as a data scientist with an industry partner.

The real-world focus of this degree provides an excellent networking environment that can lead to internship and industry-led project opportunities.

Building familiarity with programming and statistical techniques and tools, you’ll develop the technical and analytical skills essential for managing large data sets and making sense of them.

Faced with complex collections of data, you’ll be able to solve problems through in-depth analysis and evaluation.

To prepare you further for your data science career, whether in industry or research, you’ll also undertake case studies with input from industry-based data scientists, looking at the legal, ethical and policy issues that arise. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Data Science
Program code: MC267
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Data Science
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
MC267
093313B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Plan code
MC267
CRICOS
093313B
View plan
Master of Data Science
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC267
093313B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC267
CRICOS
093313B
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Any organisation handling large volumes of data needs qualified data scientists. Across all sectors of the economy – including IT, business, banking and finance, science and engineering, government, health and medical – organisations can gain a competitive edge by better managing and analysing their data.

As data science is still a new and emerging field, the roles available are quite varied and diverse.

As well as the title of data scientist, other positions include analytics specialist, business intelligence analyst/developer, data analyst, data architect, data engineer, data miner, research scientist and web analyst.

While industry expertise is at the heart of this degree, studying at RMIT also means you are physically located close to Melbourne’s data professionals in the central business district – with many opportunities to forge links with local industry and jobs, including meet-ups, events and seminars, as well as other networking occasions.

After being exposed to the latest theoretical and practical expertise, graduates are expected to become influential leaders within their organisations.

There is also a research stream in this course, in which students work with a data science researcher on more technical data science innovation.

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The Master of Data Science is conditionally provisionally accredited at a professional level by the Australian Computer Society, which accredits Information and Communication Technology related programs that are offered by Australian universities, both onshore and offshore.

Students and graduates can join the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia (IAPA). IAPA is the professional organisation for the analytics industry in Australia, incorporating business analytics and data mining across multiple disciplines and sectors.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree in computing, science, engineering, or health, or statistics with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent. 

OR 

  • You may also be considered if you have an Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent and; relevant completed courses in programming and statistics in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or a minimum three years’ of current, relevant work experience or professional practice as a programmer, statistician or equivalent.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree in computing, science, engineering, health, or statistics with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent. 

OR 

  • You may also be considered if you have an Australian bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0, or equivalent and; relevant completed courses in programming and statistics in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree or a minimum three years’ of current, relevant work experience or professional practice as a programmer, statistician or equivalent.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

The Graduate Diploma in Data Science is available if you choose to exit the master's program after 96 credit points. This excludes any courses awarded as credit (exempted).

Students with relevant studies in computer science, information technology, software engineering, data science, analytics or statistics will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Graduate certificate

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

(AQF Level 8 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Upon successful completion of this program you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including the Master of Computer Science (Research) and PhD in Computer Science, subject to entry requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Master Advanced Standing

Students with relevant studies in computer science, information technology, software engineering, data science, analytics or statistics will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Graduate certificate

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

(AQF Level 8 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$39,360.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$80,640.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information