In a nutshell
Take the first step towards an exciting new career helping manage, understand and manipulate data with this Master of Data Science course from Deakin University.
The sheer volume and complexity of data at the fingertips of businesses and organisations give rise to huge challenges – and huge opportunities. As a skilled data science graduate, you’ll be well-positioned to glean key insights from data and use what you learn to support critical day-to-day and long-term strategic decision-making.
In this course, you’ll learn the various origins of data, methods to manage and organise data, and develop a solid understanding of the regulatory, ethical and security constraints of data manipulation. You’ll graduate with an advanced qualification and the skills required to contribute to making meaningful and important decisions for businesses seeking to work more efficiently, gain competitive advantages, and use data to learn.
This course is designed for students with varied backgrounds and offers three different entry points for those with previous experience. Depending on your prior work or study experience, you may graduate in as little as one year of full-time study.
A growing employment field, data science is a specialised profession in high demand, and its graduates highly valued. If you’re seeking an exciting, creative and stimulating new career, data science may be for you – and it starts with this course.
What you’ll need
To be eligible to study this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:
To study 1 year full-time (2 years part-time):
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; OR
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline and have two years of relevant work experience; OR
- Hold a Graduate Certificate of Data Science or equivalent; OR
- Demonstrate evidence of academic capability deemed to be equivalent.
To study 1.5 years full-time (3 years part-time):
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; OR
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline and have two years of relevant work experience; OR
- Hold a Graduate Certificate of Data Analytics or equivalent; OR
- Demonstrate evidence of academic capability deemed to be equivalent.
To study 2 years full-time (4 years part-time):
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline; OR
- Demonstrate evidence of academic capability deemed to be equivalent.
English language proficiently requirements also for all applicants.
Subject summary
In this data science course, the subjects you may study include:
Core subjects:
Part A: Fundamental data analytics studies
- Academic integrity
- Foundation skills in data analysis
- Real world analytics
- Security and privacy issues in analytics
- Research and development in information technology
Part B: Introductory data science studies
- Machine learning
- Statistical data analysis
- Modern data science
- Descriptive analytics and visualisation
Part C: Mastery data science studies
- Multivariate and categorical data analysis
- Practical machine learning for data science
- Project analysis and design
- Project delivery
Elective subjects:
- Major thesis; OR
- Professional practice; OR
- Minor thesis; AND
- Two additional level 7 SIT/MIS-coded elective units OR
- Internship – information technology
Why Deakin University?

Established in 1974 as Australia’s first regional university in Victoria, Deakin University has consistently raised the bar in delivering quality tertiary education with a focus on excellent teaching and research.
The multi-award winning education provider teaches over 53,000 students a year, offering renowned courses that integrate real-world expertise and practical skills. Get recognised with Deakin in a range of industries, including nutrition, sports management, property management, law, business and more. Plus, they’ve have ranked in the top 2% by the acclaimed Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
As a student of Deakin, you’ll get support every step of the way along your learning journey!
They’ve got a range of on-campus facilities and online features to help ease the pressure of study, including on-campus childcare services, a medical centre with qualified nurses and doctors, free and confidential counselling (face-to-face or via phone) and more.
Deakin also offer advisers and resources to help develop your academic skills. Advisers are available on campus and online to help guide you in your research, assignment and study practices.
Campus locations
This course can be delivered on campus to provide you with practical training in a face-to-face learning environment. It is available to study at the following locations: