Master of Data Science

Duration

1.5-2 years (full-time) or 3-4 years (part-time)

Type

Coursework

Intakes

February and July

Fees

In 2026, the tuition fees for the course are:

General fees

• Application (once only) - RM100
• Registration (once only) - RM200
• General amenities (per semester) - RM100
• International student pass application - Click here.

Credit exemption

You can accelerate your study and graduate in 1.5 years if you have a previous IT-related qualification. If you don't have a background in IT, our foundation units will prepare you for the course at no additional cost.

The Master of Data Science comprises 96 credit points structured into three parts:

Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies (24 credit points)

These studies will provide an orientation to the field of data science at graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a relevant field.

• Introduction to databases
• Algorithms and programming foundations in Python
• Introduction to computer architecture and networks
• Mathematical foundations for data science.

Part B. Core master's studies (48 credit points)

These studies draw on best practices within the broad realm of data science practice and research. You will gain a critical understanding of theoretical and practical issues relating to data science.

• Project management
• IT research methods
• Introduction to data science
• Data exploration and visualisation
• Data wrangling
• Statistical data modelling
• Data processing for big data.

Choose one of the following:

• Machine learning
• Malicious AI.

Part C. Advanced practice (24 credit points)

These studies focus on professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options:

• Industry experience: A program of coursework involving advanced study and an industry experience studio project
• Master’s thesis: A research pathway including a thesis. If you wish to use this course as a pathway to a higher degree by research you should take this option.

More information

The Monash University Handbook has detailed information about the course structure and requirements.

View the course map here.

Quality education

Monash University is ranked #48 in the world for data science and artificial intelligence (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Your degree will be recognised wherever you want to work or study.

Industry standards

We offer 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), plus Hadoop and Spark (for distributed processing).

Enter a new field

You don't need a degree in IT to study this course. If you're looking for a career change or a new challenge, this course includes foundation units in programming, databases and mathematics or statistics that will give you the knowledge needed to complete the course.

Accelerate your study

If you have an IT-related qualification from previous studies or work experience, you may be exempted from the foundation units and graduate in 1.5 years of full-time study.

Get practical

Complete a research project as a potential pathway to a PhD, or take part in an industry experience team project and work with industry mentors to develop data-driven IT solutions. This hands-on training lets you put into action all that you’ve learned and ensures your job readiness upon graduation.

Flexibility

Choose between full-time or part-time study. As a part-time student, you’ll have access to the same resources as your full-time peers.

Bursaries

If you are a Monash graduate, you'll receive a 10% tuition fee waiver when you successfully enrol in the Master of Data Sciences course. Click here for more details.

Here are some careers you could pursue with a master's degree in data science:

• big data engineer
• business intelligence developer
• chief technology officer
• data scientist
• data architect
• data engineer
• data analyst
• machine learning specialist
• research scientist
• software developer
• statistician.

To enter Monash University, you must satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements.

To apply for the Master of Data Science, you must meet either one of the criteria below:

Entry level 1: Up to 96 points to complete (Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)

• An Australian bachelor's degree (or equivalent), not necessarily in IT, with a minimum WAM 60.

Entry level 2: Up to 72 points to complete (Duration: 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time)

• An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline relating to IT, or a business, engineering or science degree with an IT major including python programming, databases, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems and networks, and mathematics (including calculus, linear algebra and probability and statistics), with a minimum WAM 60.

The pathway to Entry Level 1 or Entry Level 2 is subject to an internal assessment of the applicant's qualification to conform to the MQA Program Standards for Computing.