Master of Information and Communications Technology/Master of Data Science (3780)

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.

  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 3780
  • AQF Level: 9

CRICOS Code: 110877J

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

The Master of Information and Communications Technology/Master of Data Science is an attractive double degree that provides students with a significant advantage in a growing information technology and data driven world. Combining Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with Data Science will ensure students have an innovative skillset to apply to issues at the intersection of traditional and emerging disciplines in both fields. Students will be engaged in practical, work integrated learning activities and will be required to complete a work experience component. Employment opportunities include working in data analytics and ICT areas, as a data scientist, data analyst, business analyst, ICT consultant, software engineer, project manager, system administrator, and system developer.  

Early Exit

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 3701 Graduate Certificate in Information and Communications Technology or a 3750 Graduate Diploma in Data Science or on completion of 120 credit points with a 3700 Graduate Diploma in Information and Communications Technology

Study Mode

Three years full-time or six 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

Accreditation Note

Professional accreditation with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at Professional Level will be sought for this course.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline.  This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this program.  Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the link below for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Admission 2021 - 2022

This course has three Pathways (A, B and C) that vary in length and structure based on previous study.

Pathway A

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than computing, ICT or information systems.

Pathway B

Applicants must have successfully completed a Bachelors Honours or a Master qualification in a discipline other than computing, ICT or information systems.

Pathway C

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or higher in computing, ICT or information systems.

Additional information

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

Admission 2023 

Applicants must have successfully completed:

An undergraduate degree or higher in any discipline

OR

An undergraduate degree in any discipline AND a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in any discipline.

Additional Information

  • Applicants who have successfully completed an Australian Computer Society accredited (or equivalent) Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Computing or Information Systems OR an Honours degree or a Master degree in any discipline may be eligible for up to 40 credit points of Credit for Prior Learning subject to approval by the relevant Directors of Academic Programs (DAP).
  • Applicants who have successfully completed an Australian (or equivalent) Graduate Certificate in ICT may be eligible for up to 40 credit points of Credit for Prior Learning subject to approval by the relevant Directors of Academic Programs (DAP).
  • Applicants who have successfully completed an Australian (or equivalent) Graduate Diploma in ICT may be eligible for up to 80 credit points of Credit for Prior Learning subject to approval by the relevant Directors of Academic Programs (DAP).

Additional Information 

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

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International 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/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

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.

If you commenced in 2023 or later please refer to the Sequence 2023 tab for details.

Program Structure

The program length and structure varies based on the student’s previous study background and level, and work experience.

Students are categorised into three Pathways based on their previous study background and work experience as indicated below and course structure and length is set accordingly. See individual sections for detailed program structure.

Recommended Sequence

Pathway A - Three years

Students who have been admitted with an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than computing, ICT or information systems are eligible to complete the three year Pathway below.

Master of Communications Technology/Master of Data Science - Pathway A - 3 year program

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points which include twenty core subjects and five alternate subjects

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
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7005 IT Project Management 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select three subjects from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 30
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
INFO 7005 IT Project Management 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Spring session
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two subjects from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Students may also complete one of the listed majors below.

Artificial Intelligence, Testamur Major

Cloud and Distributed Computing, Testamur Major 

Cybersecurity, Testamur Major

Digital Futures, Testamur Major

Health Informatics, Testamur Major

Information Governance, Testamur Major

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Testamur Major

Management, Testamur Major

Networking, Testamur Major

Space Science, Testamur Major

Web and Mobile Computing, Testamur Major

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
MATH 7014 Social Media Intelligence, replaced by  COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence

Pathway B - Two and a half years

Students who have been admitted with an Bachelors Honours or a Master qualification in a discipline other than computing, ICT or information systems are eligible to complete the two and a half year Pathway below.

Master of Information and Communication Technology/Master of Data Science - Pathway B - 2.5 Year program

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 200 credit points which include twenty core subjects and one alternate subject

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
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7005 IT Project Management 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points200

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
INFO 7005 IT Project Management 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Spring session
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points200

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

Pathway C - Two and a half years

Students who have been admitted with an undergraduate degree or higher in computing, ICT or information systems are eligible to complete the two and a half year Pathway below.

Master of Communications Technology/Master of Data Science - Pathway C -2.5 yr program

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 200 credit points which include seventeen core subjects and four alternate subjects

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
INFO 7005 IT Project Management 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
Select one subject from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two subjects from Foundation, Specialised or Multi-disciplinary subject lists 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points200

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

Additional Completion Requirements

Students must complete a four week full-time or part-time equivalent industry placement as a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component and must enrol in the ICT Practicum unit to receive recognition for WIL.

INFO 7004 ICT Practicum

Foundation Subjects

Note: Subjects in this list may be included in the program structure as Core Subjects and cannot be selected as one of the list subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
INFO 7003Advanced Topics in User System Interaction10
INFS 7004Content Management Systems and Web Analytics10
INFO 7005IT Project Management10
COMP 7013Network Technologies10
ENGR 7017Professional Practice and Communication10
COMP 7015Programming Proficiency10
NATS 7057Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies10
INFS 7008Systems and Network Security10
INFS 7007Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems10
INFS 7009Web Technologies10

Specialised Subjects

Note: Subjects in this list may be included in the course structure as Core Subjects and cannot be selected as one of the list subjects.

Subject Title Credit Points
COMP 7018Advanced Cloud Computing10
PUBH 7001Advanced Health Classifications and Coding10
INFS 7001Advanced Healthcare Data Environments10
INFS 7002Advanced Healthcare Software and Systems10
INFO 7001Advanced Machine Learning10
INFO 7002Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence10
INFO 7014Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity10
INFS 7003Advanced Topics in ICT10
COMP 7002Advanced Topics in Networking10
INFO 7015Applied Cybersecurity10
COMP 7019Applied Machine Learning10
COMP 7020Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Organisations10
COMP 7004Cloud Computing10
INFO 7018Cloud Systems Development10
COMP 7007Information Security Management10
COMP 7008Internet of Things10
COMP 7021Knowledge Representation and Reasoning10
COMP 7009Mobile Computing10
COMP 7011Multimedia Communication Systems10
COMP 7022Natural Language Understanding10
COMP 7012Network Management10
INFO 7017Postgraduate Project B10
INFS 7006Software Testing and Automation10
INFO 7013Web Engineering10
COMP 7017Wireless Networking10

Multi-disciplinary Subjects

A maximum of four subjects are allowed from this list.

Subject Title Credit Points
BUSM 7018Contemporary People Management10
HUMN 7012Cyber Justice (PG)10
ECON 7001Economics10
BUSM 7028Entrepreneurial Management Capabilities10
ACCT 7015Financial Reports for Decision Making10
COMM 7003Foundations of Media Arts Production (PG)10
CULT 7004Global Digital Futures10
BUSM 7040Governance, Ethics and Social Entrepreneurship10
LAWS 7015Information and Data Governance Law and Policy10
BUSM 7048Innovation, Creativity and Foresight10
BUSM 7046Innovation for New Markets10
BUSM 7045Innovation Through Digital Technology10
MKTG 7019Marketing Systems10
COMM 7009Mobile Media10
COMM 7013Ideate, Develop: Makerspace 110
BUSM 7072New Venture Finance10
COMM 7011Researching Convergent Media10
BUSM 7084Start-up10
BUSM 7086Strategic Business Management10
BUSM 7099Understanding Contemporary Organisations10

Replaced Subjects 

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

ENRG 7018 - Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies, replaced by NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies

COMM 7007 - Media Project Proposal, replaced by COMM 7013 Ideate, Develop: Makerspace 1

This sequence applies to students who commenced in 2023 or later. If you commenced prior to 2023 please refer to the Sequence 2021 - 2022 tab for details.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.

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
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 6001 IT Project Management 10
Select one subject from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
Select one subject from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 7015 Applied Cybersecurity 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two subjects from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Full-time mid-year intake

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Spring sessionCredit Points
MATH 7016 The Nature of Data 10
COMP 7024 Programming for Data Science 10
INFS 7007 Systems Analysis and Database Management Systems 10
ENGR 7017 Professional Practice and Communication 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7016 Visualisation 10
COMP 7015 Programming Proficiency 10
INFO 7003 Advanced Topics in User System Interaction 10
Select one subject from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Spring session
COMP 7006 Data Science 10
INFO 6001 IT Project Management 10
COMP 7023 Predictive Analytics 10
COMP 7013 Network Technologies 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
COMP 7003 Big Data 10
COMP 7025 Social Media Intelligence 10
NATS 7057 Research Preparation in Post Graduate Studies 10
Select one subject from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools. 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Spring session
MATH 7002 Advanced Statistical Methods 10
INFO 7001 Advanced Machine Learning 10
INFO 7016 Postgraduate Project A 10
INFO 7015 Applied Cybersecurity 10
 Credit Points40
Autumn session
MATH 7017 Probabilistic Graphical Models 10
INFO 7017 Postgraduate Project B 10
Select two subjects from your Major, Alternate or Multi-disciplinary subject pools 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Alternate Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
COMP 7018Advanced Cloud Computing10
PUBH 7001Advanced Health Classifications and Coding10
INFS 7001Advanced Healthcare Data Environments10
INFS 7002Advanced Healthcare Software and Systems10
INFO 7001Advanced Machine Learning10
INFO 7002Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence10
INFO 7014Advanced Topics in Cybersecurity10
INFS 7003Advanced Topics in ICT10
COMP 7002Advanced Topics in Networking10
COMP 7020Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Organisations10
COMP 7004Cloud Computing10
INFO 7018Cloud Systems Development10
INFS 7004Content Management Systems and Web Analytics10
COMP 7007Information Security Management10
COMP 7008Internet of Things10
COMP 7021Knowledge Representation and Reasoning10
COMP 7009Mobile Computing10
COMP 7011Multimedia Communication Systems10
COMP 7022Natural Language Understanding10
COMP 7012Network Management10
INFS 7006Software Testing and Automation10
INFS 7008Systems and Network Security10
INFO 7013Web Engineering10
INFS 7009Web Technologies10

Multi-disciplinary Subjects

A maximum of four subjects are allowed from this list

Subject Title Credit Points
BUSM 7018Contemporary People Management10
HUMN 7012Cyber Justice (PG)10
ECON 7001Economics10
BUSM 7028Entrepreneurial Management Capabilities10
ACCT 7015Financial Reports for Decision Making10
COMM 7003Foundations of Media Arts Production (PG)10
CULT 7004Global Digital Futures10
BUSM 7040Governance, Ethics and Social Entrepreneurship10
LAWS 7015Information and Data Governance Law and Policy10
BUSM 7048Innovation, Creativity and Foresight10
BUSM 7046Innovation for New Markets10
BUSM 7045Innovation Through Digital Technology10
MKTG 7019Marketing Systems10
COMM 7009Mobile Media10
COMM 7013Ideate, Develop: Makerspace 110
BUSM 7072New Venture Finance10
COMM 7011Researching Convergent Media10
BUSM 7084Start-up10
BUSM 7086Strategic Business Management10
BUSM 7099Understanding Contemporary Organisations10

Majors

Students may also complete one of the listed majors below.

Artificial Intelligence, Testamur Major

Cloud and Distributed Computing, Testamur Major 

Cybersecurity, Testamur Major

Digital Futures, Testamur Major

Health Informatics, Testamur Major

Information Governance, Testamur Major

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Testamur Major

Management, Testamur Major

Networking, Testamur Major

Space Science, Testamur Major

Web and Mobile Computing, Testamur Major

Additional Completion Requirements

Students must complete at least 120 hours full-time or part-time equivalent industry placement as a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component and must enrol in the ICT Practicum unit to receive recognition for WIL

Subject Title Credit Points
INFO 7004ICT Practicum0