Master of Data Science and Decisions
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8959
- CRICOS code 0101866
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $10,000*
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2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $20,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $62,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $128,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Global top 20 university
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Industry connections
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Accelerate your career
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
Postgraduate Information Evening
Online | Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 6–7pm AEDT
Join us online for our Postgraduate Information Evening and get the information you need to plan your next move.
Hear from current postgraduate students, explore your study options and get your questions answered live by faculty and admissions experts.Ìý
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Find out what this means for you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
With quintillion bytes of data generated each day, data scientists have a huge role to play in shaping the future. Data science is a multidisciplinary field that blends mathematical methods, statistics, computing, businessÌýdecisionsÌýand communication to solve real-world problems.Ìý
91É«ÇéƬ’s Master of Data Science and Decisions is for STEM graduates and professionals who areÌýseekingÌýtoÌýspecialiseÌýin this rewarding field. Over two years,Ìýyou’llÌýstudy different programming languages and problem-solving techniquesÌýandÌýlearn how to process,ÌýinterpretÌýand present data using both qualitative and quantitative techniques.ÌýYou’llÌýgraduate with broad and advanced knowledge and skills across three core areas of data science: mathematics and statistics, computerÌýscienceÌýand economics.ÌýÌý
Data scientists work across a breadth of industries and sectors. They are key members of any strategic team – they translate data into insights that help drive business forward, enableÌýbreakthroughsÌýand make a positive difference. IfÌýyou’reÌýanalytical and detail-oriented, as well as curious andÌýcreatively-minded, a career in data science could be a great fit.Ìý
Key features
Accelerate your data science careerÌý
This degree is designed for STEM graduates who are looking to enter the field and professionals who are looking to upskill. IfÌýyou'veÌýrecently graduated with aÌýBachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours)Ìýor aÌýBachelor of Data Science and Decisions, this degree is a great next step on your professional journey. If you have industry experience in computer science, statistics or business analytics, thisÌýmaster’sÌýprogram will expand your skills and knowledge to position you as a leader in your field.
Hone your skills through foundational courses and project workÌý
This program willÌýconsolidateÌýyour skills across three key areas: mathematics and statistics, computerÌýscienceÌýand economics.ÌýYou’llÌýgain deeper knowledge in your area of interest by pursuing aÌýspecialisationÌýin computational, business,ÌýbehaviouralÌýor quantitative data science and decisions.ÌýYou’llÌýalso develop research and communication skills in data science through project work.
Harness theÌýexpertiseÌýof three schoolsÌý
You’llÌýbenefitÌýfrom theÌýexpertiseÌýof educators across three different schools:ÌýMathematics and Statistics,ÌýComputer Science and EngineeringÌýandÌýEconomics. Each of these schools is home to leading academics who are at the forefront of research in their respective fields.
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
Learn with the bestÌý
At 91É«ÇéƬ,Ìýyou’llÌýget to study some of the best programs in Australia and around the world.ÌýWe’reÌýrankedÌý#2 in Australia andÌý#42 globally for Mathematics,Ìý#1 in Australia andÌý#33 globally for Engineering & Technology, andÌý#2 in Sydney in Australia andÌý- globally for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
Leverage our industry connectionsÌý
Advance your career with industry-relevant skills and experience. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to expand your professional connections.
Join a supportive community
At 91É«ÇéƬ Science,Ìýyou’llÌýfind plenty of support as youÌýlayÌýthe groundwork for a successful career. Peer tutoring programs provide academic and social networking opportunities – and with 16 differentÌýclubs and societies,Ìýwe’llÌýhelp you find your place.
Ìý
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Science?
Entry requirements
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification):ÌýWith a substantial quantitative component in a cognate discipline; and
- An overall average of 70 or higher:ÌýAs determined by the
- Assumed knowledge: A mathematical background of a minimum of one course in several variable calculus and one course in linear algebra at the university undergraduate level
Cognate disciplines | |
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English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification):ÌýWith a substantial quantitative component in a cognate discipline; and
- An overall average of 70 or higher:ÌýAs determined by the
- Assumed knowledge: A mathematical background of a minimum of one course in several variable calculus and one course in linear algebra at the university undergraduate level
Cognate disciplines | |
|
|
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The two-year Master of Data Science and DecisionsÌýprogramÌýexplores the methods forÌýorganising,ÌýmodellingÌýandÌýanalysingÌýlarge and complex data forÌýbusiness,ÌýgovernmentsÌýor otherÌýorganisations.ÌýYou’llÌýstudy core foundational knowledge combined with aÌýspecialisationÌýin quantitative, computational,ÌýbusinessÌýorÌýbehaviouralÌýdata science and decisions.
Full program structure
The Master of Data Science and Decisions can be completed in two years of full-time study. The program is made up of the following courses:
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Students must take 54 Units of Credit (UOC) of the following courses:
Database Systems (6 UOC)
Data Visualisation (6 UOC)
Fundamentals of Data Science (6 UOC)
- Business Economics (6 UOC)
Economics of Strategy (6 UOC)
Multivariate Analysis (6 UOC)
Statistical Inference (6 UOC)
Foundations of Computer Science or Principle of Programming (6 UOC)
Machine Learning and Data Mining or Data Mining and its Business Applications (6 UOC)
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Each specialisation comprises 30 UOC:Ìý
- Core courses (24 UOC)
Students must complete one of the specialisations below:
Specialise in computational methods to manipulate, understand and predict data.Ìý
Specialise in interpreting, understanding and predicting data for use in business.
Specialise in methods of interpreting, understanding and predicting data for use in business.
Specialise in mathematical and statistical methods to interpret, understand and predict data. -
Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses:Ìý
- Data Science and Decisions Project A (6 UOC)
- Data Science and Decisions Project B (6 UOC)
Or you could choose to undertake:
- Data Science and Decisions Project (12 UOC)
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The graduate certificate and graduate diploma provide an articulation pathway into the Master of Data Science and Decisions.
- Graduates who have completed Graduate Certificate (7959) and have a WAM of 65 may apply to transfer into this master's program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
- Students who have completed the full 48 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5959), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into the master's program and will receive up to 48 UOC of Advanced Standing.Ìý
- Students who have completed 24 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5959), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into this master's program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Future careers
Career opportunities in data science span across many industries from start-ups toÌýestablishedÌýorganisations. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products before they go to market,ÌýdetermineÌýoptimalÌýschedules for warehouse or retail employees, make predictions of environmentalÌýphenomenaÌýand model the spread of new diseases – just to name a few examples. Wherever there is information to interpret andÌýanalyse, data scientists can play a role.
Career opportunities in data science span across many industries fromÌýstart-ups to established corporations including Coles,ÌýAirBnB, Spotify, Netflix and Greenpeace, to name a few. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products for the market, determine warehouse or retail employee schedules, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases.
Job prospects for data scientists are robust, with 11% projected growth over the next five years (Seek, 2025).ÌýWith high earning potential,Ìýthe typical salary for a data scientist in Australia is $130,000 (Seek, 2025).Ìý
Jobs in data science and decisions:
- Internet search
- Fraud detection
- Targeted advertising
- Logistics planning
- Speech recognition
- Image analysis
- Genetic risk prediction
- Virtual reality
- Customer loyalty
- Product development
- Autonomous vehicles
How to apply
Apply for this degree through theÌý. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.ÌýSome high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have earlier application deadlines or commencement dates.
Application closing dates vary by program and intake. Please refer to our application closing dates page for current deadlines and program-specific information before submitting your application.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýour service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Offers to international students are issued through offer rounds. You can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) onÌýtheÌýinternational admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program.ÌýYour eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide onÌýhow to apply. 
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visitÌý91É«ÇéƬ Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking theÌýdegree/program.ÌýThe indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed whenÌýrequiredÌýand may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
#19 Worldwide
91É«ÇéƬ is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
91É«ÇéƬ has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
