Master of Decision Analytics (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Distance (online with some face-to-face)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 8634
- CRICOS code -
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $39,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $49,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Fully online
-
Optional research project
-
One year program
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
As people, organisations and governments produce more data, the ability to interpret and apply this information has become essential for effective decision-making. The Master of Decision Analytics at UNSW Canberra trains you to navigate complex data environments and make informed decisions that influence business outcomes.
This program is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of data analysis and its application in real-world scenarios. You’ll learn both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse information and support decision-making in areas like operations, strategy and risk management.
Whether you're looking to improve processes within your current role or expand your career opportunities, this degree offers the advanced analytical skills needed to succeed in diverse industries.
Key features
Undertake a hands-on research project
Gain practical experience through a 12-unit research project that allows you to apply decision analytics tools to real-world problems, ensuring you're job-ready upon graduation.
Flexible elective options
Tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing up to two elective courses from other UNSW postgraduate programs, expanding your expertise beyond decision analytics.
Advanced decision-making tools
Develop both qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, including data modelling, risk management and scenario analysis, equipping you to handle complex operational challenges.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Be part of Australia's defence hub
UNSW Canberra is located at the heart of Australia's defence and government sectors, giving you unparalleled access to industry professionals and potential career opportunities in areas like defence strategy and national security.
Grow your network
Learn from leading experts in analytics and decision science, while benefiting from UNSW’s strong links with government bodies and industry leaders.
Small class sizes and personalised support
Enjoy a more personalised learning experience with small class sizes at UNSW Canberra, where you’ll have greater access to academic support, networking opportunities and mentorship.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for entry requirements.
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.
Please refer to the UNSW Handbook for entry requirements.
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 Master of Decision Analytics allows students to build foundational knowledge in key areas, such as evidence-based decision making and capability option analysis. Students also have the flexibility to pursue up to 4 electives from a prescribed list, including simulation applications and applied machine learning. For those interested in independent research, there is an option to pursue a 6 or 12-unit research project on a topic of their choice.
The program is offered fully online and can be completed in one year with full-time study.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students will complete:
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- Evidence-based Decision Making
- Capability Option Analysis
- Decision Making Analytics
- Simulation
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- Advanced Test and Evaluation Techniques
- Project Management Body of Knowledge
- Systems Thinking and Modelling
- Simulation Applications
- Research Practices for Operations Analysis
- Applied Machine Learning
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- Project Report - Decision Analytics Part-Time
- Project Report - Decision Analytics Full-Time
Future careers
Graduates of the Master of Decision Analytics will enter a growing field where data-driven decision-making is transforming industries across the globe. With expertise in both qualitative and quantitative analysis, you'll be prepared to guide organisations in making informed strategic choices, optimising operations and mitigating risks.
From business consulting to defence strategy, decision analytics is becoming a critical skill set in a wide range of sectors, including government, Defence, finance and technology.
Potential careers
- Analytical Researcher
- Business Intelligence Consultant
- Computational Problem-Solving Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Defence Strategy Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Organisational Strategy and Decision Analyst
- Policy Analyst (Data-Driven Decision Making)
- Project Manager
- Risk Management Analyst
- Strategic Consultant
- Systems Analyst
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
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees 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.
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech (SCOPR report, 2024)
