Master of Data Science (3735)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

  • Approved Abbreviation: MDataSc
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 3735
  • AQF Level: 9

CRICOS Code: 089442E

This program applies to students who commenced in 2021 or later.

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

Commencement year 2016 - 3735.1 - Master of Data Science

Increasingly in the digital age data plays an important role in most, if not all, occupations. Extracting information from data has become a science in itself, blending skill sets from mathematics, statistics and computing. With a strong applications focus, this program covers the nature of data including Big and Unstructured Data, how to embark on data driven investigations and visual and computational analytics. The program graduates will have the knowledge and skills required to operate effectively in a data driven world.

Early Exits

Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 3751 Graduate Certificate in Data Science or on completion of 80 credit points with a 3750 Graduate Diploma in Data Science

Study Mode

Two years full-time or four years part-time.

Program Advice

Program Advice

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Campus Attendance Mode Advice
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road Full Time Internal See above
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road Part Time Internal See above

Admission

To enter the Master of Data Science program applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline.

Additional Information

Previous experience of statistics or computer programming will be an advantage but is not essential.

Applicants with the following may be eligible to receive up to 80 credit points in advanced standing:

  • an undergraduate degree in data science and 2 years full-time equivalent managerial/professional work experience in roles relating to data science, machine learning, statistician, data analyst or associated roles;

OR

  • a graduate certificate, or higher, in data science.

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application. 

Statement of Service form

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.  

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below. 

Recommended Sequence

Full-time start-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
MATH 7007 Genomic Data Science was replaced by MATH 7017 in 2021  
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Equivalent Subjects    

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier.  

MATH 7011 Predictive Analytics, replaced by  COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics

MATH 7012 Programming for Data Science, replaced by COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science

Replaced Subjects    

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier.  

MATH 7007 Genomic Data Science, replaced by  MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
MATH 7007 Genomic Data Science was replaced by MATH 7017 in 2021  
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two elecitves 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points160

Equivalent Subjects    

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier.  

MATH 7011 Predictive Analytics, replaced by  COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics

MATH 7012 Programming for Data Science, replaced by COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science

Replaced Subjects    

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2021 or earlier.  

MATH 7007 Genomic Data Science, replaced by  MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models

Elective subjects

Students may select their electives from any program offered by the university, provided any requisite requirements are met.

Elective Spaces

Students may select their electives from any program offered by the university, provided any requisite requirements are met. Elective subjects must be at Postgraduate Level.

Students may use their elective subjects towards obtaining one of the approved Majors:

Alternatively, students may use their elective subjects towards completing 40 credit points from one of the following Master of Business Administration AACSB approved Majors.