Master of Data Science (Professional)

The sheer volume and complexity of data at the fingertips of business gives rise to challenges that must be solved by tomorrow's graduates. Modern organisations are placing increasing emphasis on the use of data to inform day-to-day operations and long-term strategic decisions. You will explore the various origins of data and the methods to manage, organise and manipulate data within regulatory, ethical and security constraints.

You will develop specialised skills in categorising and transferring raw data into meaningful information for the benefit of prediction and robust decision-making. You will gain the technical skills to harness the power of data through artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop innovative solutions to the challenges being faced by industry and governments. With a growing demand for data specialists in every sector, you will be equipped with the skills to optimise performance and add a competitive advantage.

Want to take your career to the next level with specialised study?

The Master of Data Science (Professional) is designed to extend the specialised skills obtained in the Master of Data Science by providing you with the opportunity to undertake a period of industry-based learning or a research project under the supervision of our internationally-recognised staff.

You will also have the opportunity to hone your skills is a specialisation of your choosing, with options ranging from cyber security to blockchain and software development, networking and cloud technologies to AI and more.

You will develop expert knowledge of the technical aspects of data science as well as in-depth skills in your chosen area of specialisation.

To complete the Master of Data Science (Professional), students must attain 16 credit points. Full-time students' study 4 credit points per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

The course is structured in three parts:

• Part A. Core Data Science Studies (8 credit points),
• Part B. Specialisation (4 credit points) or course electives (4 credit points), and
• Part C. Professional Studies (4 credit points)

The three parts comprise the following:

• eight (8) credit points of core units,
• four (4) credit point specialisation, or four (4) credit points of course electives (level 7 SIT or MIS coded units) (excluding SIT771, SIT772, SIT773 and SIT774)
• four (4) credit points of professional units
• completion of DAI001 Academic Integrity Module Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

Students commencing in Trimester 3 may be required to complete units in subsequent Trimester 3 teaching periods depending on their choice of specialisation and/or Professional Studies option.

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Recognition of prior learning may be granted for relevant postgraduate studies, in accordance with standard University procedures.