Master of Data Science and Decisions
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8959
- CRICOS code 0101866
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $10,000*
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2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $20,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $62,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $128,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Global top 20 university
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Industry connections
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Accelerate your career
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
With quintillion bytes of data generated each day, data scientists have a huge role to play in shaping the future. Data science is a multidisciplinary field that blends mathematical methods, statistics, computing, business decisions and communication to solve real-world problems.
UNSW’s Master of Data Science and Decisions is for STEM graduates and professionals who are seeking to specialise in this rewarding field. Over two years, you’ll study different programming languages and problem-solving techniques and learn how to process, interpret and present data using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. You’ll graduate with broad and advanced knowledge and skills across three core areas of data science: mathematics and statistics, computer science and economics.
Data scientists work across a breadth of industries and sectors. They are key members of any strategic team – they translate data into insights that help drive business forward, enable breakthroughs and make a positive difference. If you’re analytical and detail-oriented, as well as curious and creatively-minded, a career in data science could be a great fit.
Key features
Accelerate your data science career
This degree is designed for STEM graduates who are looking to enter the field and professionals who are looking to upskill. If you've recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics) (Honours) or a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions, this degree is a great next step on your professional journey. If you have industry experience in computer science, statistics or business analytics, this master’s program will expand your skills and knowledge to position you as a leader in your field.
Hone your skills through foundational courses and project work
This program will consolidate your skills across three key areas: mathematics and statistics, computer science and economics. You’ll gain deeper knowledge in your area of interest by pursuing a specialisation in computational, business, behavioural or quantitative data science and decisions. You’ll also develop research and communication skills in data science through project work.
Harness the expertise of three schools
You’ll benefit from the expertise of educators across three different schools: Mathematics and Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering and Economics. Each of these schools is home to leading academics who are at the forefront of research in their respective fields.
Why study at UNSW?
Learn with the best
At UNSW, you’ll get to study some of the best programs in Australia and around the world. We’re ranked #2 in Australia and #48 globally for Mathematics, #1 in Australia and #25 globally for Engineering & Technology, and #2 in Australia and #40 globally for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
Leverage our industry connections
Advance your career with industry-relevant skills and experience. Tap into our network of 400+ industry and research partners to expand your professional connections.
Join a supportive community
At UNSW Science, you’ll find plenty of support as you lay the groundwork for a successful career. Peer tutoring programs provide academic and social networking opportunities – and with 16 different clubs and societies, we’ll help you find your place.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification): With a substantial quantitative component in a cognate discipline; and
- An overall average of 70 or higher: As determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator
- Assumed knowledge: A mathematical background of a minimum of one course in several variable calculus and one course in linear algebra at the university undergraduate level
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English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
For entry into this degree, students must have:
- A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification): With a substantial quantitative component in a cognate discipline; and
- An overall average of 70 or higher: As determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Calculator
- Assumed knowledge: A mathematical background of a minimum of one course in several variable calculus and one course in linear algebra at the university undergraduate level
Cognate disciplines |
|
|
|
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The two-year Master of Data Science and Decisions program explores the methods for organising, modelling and analysing large and complex data for business, governments or other organisations. You’ll study core foundational knowledge combined with a specialisation in quantitative, computational, business or behavioural data science and decisions.
Full program structure
The Master of Data Science and Decisions can be completed in two years of full-time study. The program is made up of the following courses:
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Students must take 54 Units of Credit (UOC) of the following courses:
Database Systems (6 UOC)
Data Visualisation (6 UOC)
Fundamentals of Data Science (6 UOC)
- Business Economics (6 UOC)
Economics of Strategy (6 UOC)
Multivariate Analysis (6 UOC)
Statistical Inference (6 UOC)
Foundations of Computer Science or Principle of Programming (6 UOC)
Machine Learning and Data Mining or Data Mining and its Business Applications (6 UOC)
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Each specialisation comprises 30 UOC:
- Core courses (24 UOC)
- Prescribed electives (6 UOC)
Students must complete one of the specialisations below:
Computational Data Science and Decisions
Specialise in computational methods to manipulate, understand and predict data.Behavioural Data Science and Decisions
Specialise in interpreting, understanding and predicting data for use in business.Business Data Science and Decisions
Specialise in methods of interpreting, understanding and predicting data for use in business.Quantitative Data Science and Decisions
Specialise in mathematical and statistical methods to interpret, understand and predict data. -
Students must take 12 UOC of the following courses:
- Data Science and Decisions Project A (6 UOC)
- Data Science and Decisions Project B (6 UOC)
Or you could choose to undertake:
- Data Science and Decisions Project (12 UOC)
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The graduate certificate and graduate diploma provide an articulation pathway into the Master of Data Science and Decisions.
- Graduates who have completed Graduate Certificate (7959) and have a WAM of 65 may apply to transfer into this master's program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
- Students who have completed the full 48 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5959), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into the master's program and will receive up to 48 UOC of Advanced Standing.
- Students who have completed 24 UOC of the Graduate Diploma (5959), and have a WAM of 65, may apply to transfer into this master's program and will receive up to 24 UOC of Advanced Standing.
Future careers
Career opportunities in data science span across many industries from start-ups to established organisations. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products before they go to market, determine optimal schedules for warehouse or retail employees, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases – just to name a few examples. Wherever there is information to interpret and analyse, data scientists can play a role.
Career opportunities in data science span across many industries from start-ups to established corporations including Coles, AirBnB, Spotify, Netflix and Greenpeace, to name a few. As a data scientist, you might be asked to calculate the price of new products for the market, determine warehouse or retail employee schedules, make predictions of environmental phenomena and model the spread of new diseases.
Job prospects for data scientists are robust, with 11% projected growth over the next five years (Seek, 2025). With high earning potential, the typical salary for a data scientist in Australia is $130,000 (Seek, 2025).
Jobs in data science and decisions:
- Internet search
- Fraud detection
- Targeted advertising
- Logistics planning
- Speech recognition
- Image analysis
- Genetic risk prediction
- Virtual reality
- Customer loyalty
- Product development
- Autonomous vehicles
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply. Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*The indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees are an estimate based on the relevant student contribution band/s for a Commonwealth Supported Place undertaking a standard full-time load of 48 units of credit per year (1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load/1 EFTSL). To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fee listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
