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  • Postgraduate
  • Degree

Master of Data Science

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Toowoomba
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 9,312
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • Be at the forefront of a data-driven world with UniSQ’s Master of Data Science. Graduate with the skills you need to help organisations to extract new insights from raw data – insights which inform the development of new products, improved services and new businesses.  
  • Work independently and collaboratively to apply key ICT and data science technologies and programming skills to interpret major theories and critically investigate and solve contemporary core issues in a global market.  
  • Tailor your degree to your career aspirations and study a general Enterprise Data Science stream or focus your learning with one of two specialisations – artificial intelligence and machine learning, or data analytics.   
  • Choose from two different pathways of research in your masters degree – the research project track (develop a thesis in an independent project) or the research training track (gain specialised skills to prepare for a professional career).  
  • Gain an industry recognised qualification – this degree is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.  

Specialisations in the Master of Data Science

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Delve into the world of AI, machine learning and big data to turn information into insights and support smart decision-making.

  • Data Analytics

    Be prepared to excel in a data driven world – gain essential skills in big data and analytics to uncover insights and solve real-world challenges.


Limitless opportunities

Studying at UniSQ has opened doors to limitless opportunities, equipping me with the skills to shape a safer, smarter world through innovation.

Jamil - Information Technology

Career outcomes

Advance your profession into any big-data, artificial intelligence or machine learning field. As a graduate, you will become an efficient data scientist, utilising predictive analytics, big data management, big data analysis and modelling, artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce insights that make important, real-life decisions. 

Data scientists are highly sought after, and the demand is set to increase as organisations, within technical, engineering, science, business, education and research sectors, require skilled employees to understand and interpret data, navigate artificial intelligence and machine learning for the betterment of business.  

Professional accreditation

This masters degree is accredited at professional level by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries. The Seoul Accord is a multi-lateral agreement that allows ACS accreditation to be recognised globally. This means that graduates from this program will have their degree recognised by the other countries who are members of the Accord.

Why study Information Technology at UniSQ?

Top starting salary

#1 in Queensland for graduate starting salary in computing and IT.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Globally ranked

According to QS World University Rankings 2025, we are a top computer science and information systems university.

Be ready for the future

Meet the demands of the rapidly-growing IT industry with strong leadership skills and real-world knowledge.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Master of Data Science, you must successfully complete 16 units of study.

Degree structure

A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.

Select one of the following three (3) options

Students wishing to pursue a PhD are encouraged to complete the research dissertation courses below as their electives.
OR

Students wishing to pursue a research and development career are encouraged to complete the applied research skills courses below as their electives.
1 elective postgraduate course
(1 Unit)
OR

Any four (4) postgraduate courses, subject to pre-requisite satisfaction

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Master of Research or the Doctor of Philosophy  (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.

  • Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area  
    or 
  • a minimum of 5 years' professional work experience equivalent to an AQF Level 7 qualification (bachelor). 

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

During your study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet these requirements throughout your studies.

Inherent requirements are fundamental skills, capabilities, and knowledge that you must be able to demonstrate to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the degree, while maintaining the academic integrity of the degree.

If you think you may experience any problems meeting inherent requirements, you can talk to an Accessibility Support Officer about reasonable adjustments that may be put in place to assist you. Any reasonable adjustments made must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

Review the inherent requirements and make sure this degree is right for you.

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 9,312
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
MADS

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February 
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May 
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 16 February Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 

More information on application key dates is available.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:

  • interviews and selection criteria
  • CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
  • referee reports.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

The IT industry has been identified as having a significant shortage of qualified professionals. Now is the ideal time to embark on an exciting career that is ever-changing and in demand across a large variety of industries within government, private sectors and internationally. 

When you study a MS in Data Science at UniSQ, you will enhance your key transferrable skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, collaboration and critical thinking, giving you a solid foundation in the IT industry.

By participating in research projects/ training during your Master of Data Science study, you’ll learn about meaningful real-world data science experiences that you can use to positively impact our increasingly data reliant world. 

The entry requirements to study a Master of Data Science (also known as a MS in Data Science) will vary depending on the education provider you choose.

At UniSQ you need to have a 3-year bachelor degree from an Australian university or a minimum of 5 years’ professional work experience to gain entry into our data science masters program.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements, UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees as a pathway to UniSQ’s Master of Data Science online in Australia or on-campus. 

For further information on entry requirements, please view the entry requirements section of this page. 

If you enjoy analysing data, analytical challenges and want to build on your existing skill set to advance in your career, a Masters in Data Science may be for you. By studying data science, you can open the door to an array of job opportunities, including:

If you want to continue to enhance your Information Technology knowledge, you can use your MS in Data Science degree at a stepping-stone into a PhD.

Are you passionate about all things data including correlating, reading and interpreting data? If so, a career in data science may be right for you. By using modern tools and techniques you will have the knowledge and skills needed to find patterns and derive meaning from data which influence business decisions within your organisation.

A research masters is a good option if you want to contribute to the development of new knowledge through the completion of data science research project. It is also likely to assist you with career progression or launching into the job change you may be considering. 

  • UniSQ’s Master in Data Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), giving eligibility for ACS membership, and recognition by ACS for certification.
  • Tailor your learning experience to suit your interests and career goals. You can choose from two different research pathways with UniSQ’s Master of Data Science – a research project or research training.
  • Study our Master in Data Science online or on-campus. Regardless of how you choose to study, you’ll experience the same level of support and opportunity to connect with others as a UniSQ MS in Data Science online student.

Your earning potential after completing a MS in Data Science will vary significantly depending on your area of specialisation, the industry you work in and your location. 

According to Seek, the typical salary of a Data Scientist in Australia is over AUS 100 000.