Data Science - C6004
Expert master degree
Data Scientists are in demand in the information age, where big data is ever changing and ever challenging. Data Science extracts value from data assets, helping us understand the past, better manage the present, and effectively plan for the future. It plays a critical role in advancing industry, commerce, governance and research so graduates skilled in this area are highly sought after.
The Master of Data Science (MDS) teaches you how to explore data and discover its potential – how to find innovative solutions to real problems in science, business and government, from technology start-ups to global organisations. With a degree in science, engineering, arts or computing, you can pursue a Master of Data Science, gaining skills in data management, data analytics and data processing – skills needed in this fast-growing field.
The MDS expands your knowledge of the analytical, organisational and computational aspects of data. You learn to manage data and gain an understanding of its impact on society.
The MDS caters to students from a variety of backgrounds by including foundation units in programming, databases and maths or statistics. However, if you have this background from previous studies or work experience, you may accelerate your study with an exemption from these units, or choose to take more data science electives.
The core coursework covers data science objectives, data analysis, data pre-processing and visualisation. You then select data science electives such as machine learning, learning from semi-structured data like text, and big data handling. Your course electives allow you to build deeper skills in data analytics and machine learning.
Our highly regarded faculty takes great pride in developing the most up-to-date material while maintaining a solid core of established theory and platforms, including Python and R (two of the most popular open-source programming languages for data analysis), Hadoop and Spark (for distributed processing). You also gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and get exposure to key industry players.
In your final semester, you will take part in an Industry Experience team project, working with industry mentors to develop data-driven IT solutions. Or you will undertake a minor-thesis research project, investigating cutting-edge problems under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers.
Students wishing to exit early can complete with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Data Science.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
|
|---|---|
Duration |
1.5 or 2 years full-time depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements. |
Start date |
Semester One (February), Semester Two (July) and October Intake |
Qualification |
Master of Data Science |
Data Science
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
Entry level 1: | An Australian bachelor degree, not necessarily in IT, with at least a 60% average, or equivalent qualification approved by the faculty. |
Entry level 2: | An Australian bachelor degree in a cognate discipline relating to IT, or a business, engineering or science degree with an IT major including programming, databases, and mathematics, with at least a 60% average, or equivalent qualification approved by the faculty. |
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies, Part B. Core master's study and Part C. Advanced practice.
Making the application
Future students
Current Monash students
Current Monash students should apply for an internal transfer.
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
The average annual student contribution amount is:
A$7500
Note: see information on how average fee is calculated.
Fee assistance
As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:
- pay all of your student contribution upfront, or
- defer payment through the HECS HELP loan scheme.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year.
A$35,300
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.