Online Master of Data Science
Find solutions to society’s evolving challenges with data science
Ranked above world standard*
Ranked in the top 400 CS courses worldwide**
Choose an industry-focused specialisation
Learn more today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
Duration
18–24 months
Cost per subject
$4,050
Total subjects
12–16
- Career-ready. Learn the skills needed for today’s data science roles.
- Industry-focused. Choose a specialisation aligned to the most in-demand areas of data science.
- Hands-on. Use the same skills and technologies professionals rely on every day.
Program overview
Data science professionals are in high demand in today’s data-driven world. Whether you’re already working in data science or you’re ready to make a career change, our Master of Data Science prepares you for a successful career in this exciting field.
Designed in collaboration with our industry partners, this degree gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to transition from university to the workplace. And with two early exit points along the way, you can be sure that every subject contributes to your career.
You’ll build fundamental skills in programming, databases, probability, statistics, data exploration and analysis. Have an interest in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics or sport analytics? You can specialise in these areas and others, as well as big data and cloud computing and data modelling and analytics.
As you study, you’ll have opportunities to work with our industry partners on real-world projects and take on an industry work placement. If your sights are set on a research career, you can choose to undertake a thesis in computer science or statistics.
Every step of the way, our highly qualified teaching staff will be there to support you.
Career outlook: step into an in-demand career
Due to rising demand, the average annual income of data science professionals with a postgraduate qualification is set to increase to more than A$130,000 in 2021–22.2
Career outlookChoose an industry-focused specialisation
Choosing a specialisation gives you more knowledge and experience in the area you want to focus on in your career. This can make you a top candidate for the role you want after graduation.
At La Trobe, you can choose from two specialisations featuring coursework aligned with the most in-demand skills in data science.
Gain advanced skills and experience in meta and spatial analysis, cloud-based web applications, data mining and machine learning.
Gain deeper knowledge and experience in analysing repeated measures, data in finance, healthcare, bioinformatics, spatial applications and more.
Course structure: gain real-world experiences
12–16 subjects
180–240 credit points
Our 100 per cent online Master of Data Science gives you the knowledge, skills and experience you need to step into data science and analyst roles with confidence. And you don’t need to have studied or worked in data science before.
Course completion options
You’ll complete your online Master of Data Science course in a way that makes sense for your career path. Choose from:
- Industry-based learning. Complete part of your learning through your workplace or at another organisation.
- Project-based learning. Use La Trobe’s extensive network to complete a real-world project with one of our partner organisations.
- Research-based learning. Complete a thesis research project that adds to theCSE5BDC Big Data Management on the Cloud
Subject Highlights:
- STM4PSD Probability and Statistics for Data Science
- CSE5DEV Data Exploration and Analysis
- CSE4IP Introduction to Programming
Entry requirements: enrol today
No cognate degree required
No application fee
To enrol in La Trobe’s online Master of Data Science course, you’ll need:
| successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) |
| transcripts from all prior universities |
Fee details: invest in your future
$4,050 per subject
12–16 subjects
Scholarships available
It’s not too late to step into the lucrative data scientist roles. The online Master of Data Science at La Trobe provides learning pathways based on the cognate area of your undergraduate degree. So regardless of your background, you can start building the skills, knowledge and experience you need to accept in-demand data scientist positions with high-paying salaries.
The course consists of 12–16 subjects. The number of subjects depends on your educational background. Subjects are $4,050 each. Fees are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Scholarships are available.
Learn MoreCourse outcomes
When you graduate from La Trobe’s online Master of Data Science, you’ll be ready for roles in this rapidly growing sector with the advanced skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience in:
- Data science Get practical experience with open-source software and platforms, including Python, R and Hadoop. Understand database fundamentals, programming languages such as Java and Python, and cloud-based services offered by Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft.
- Mathematics and statistics Learn how to create complex models and use powerful tools for advanced analysis and problem-solving. Build your skills using real data sets from our industry partners and learn how to solve data challenges facing businesses and organisations.
- Project management Learn how to manage large-scale IT projects and work in a team to develop a small-scale, industry-based system.
- Complementary skills in other disciplines Boost your knowledge through electives in business, health sciences, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Graduate Certificate and Diploma options
Early exit points mean that every part of your degree contributes to your future career. Exit after six months with a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Fundamentals, or after one year with a Graduate Diploma in Data Science.
Your teachers
Learn from experienced researchers and practitioners who can guide you through real-life examples and provide industry insights. They’ll provide expert guidance in the online Master of Data Science so that you can take on in-demand roles with confidence.
Dr. Andriy Olenko’s research interests cover a broad range of topics from the theory of stochastic processes, spatial statistics, Shannon and wavelets stochastic approximation, statistical inference and statistical applications focusing on signals processing and cosmology.
He is currently supervising research students on topics in spatial stochastic modelling and applications. Andriy actively collaborates with several research groups in France, UK, Canada, Spain, Sweden and Ukraine.
Andriy is a current editorial board member for the International Journal on Wavelets and Multiresolution Processing, Journal of Classical Analysis, and the Theory Probability and Mathematical Statistics.
What’s it like to learn online?
As an online student, you’ll work with the same accomplished teachers who deliver our on-campus subjects. You’ll receive one-on-one support and benefit from the same opportunities as our students on campus. However, you’ll get to learn where and when it’s most convenient for you.
Discover moreStudy assist
La Trobe online courses are eligible for FEE-HELP for domestic students. Speak with an enrolment adviser. We can help you discover what’s available to help you pay for your course.
Talk to usFrequently asked questions
We’re always happy to chat with you. If you’d rather talk one-on-one or have a question you don’t see answered here, request more information or call (+61 3) 9917 3009.
Tuition fees do not include health insurance or living expenses such as food, accommodation, transport, medical costs, personal expenses and other fees you might incur. Individual subjects may include an additional fee. You can review all fee details here.
Yes, you’ll choose a specialisation in either Big Data and Cloud Computing or Data Modelling and Analytics.
If you’ve completed previous study, you may qualify to reduce the number of required subjects to complete your course, so you graduate sooner and spend less. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your studies and the number of subjects completed. You can review the full policy and search for credit here.
You can learn more about our entry requirements here.
The online Master of Data Science does not follow a cohort model. You may choose from La Trobe’s four start dates per year.
- 28 February 2022
- 02 May 2022
- 18 July 2022
- 05 September 2022
Our online Master of Data Science is designed for maximum flexibility. That means you can study full time and two subjects may be taken every seven weeks.
To see the curriculum, view our subjects page.
Our online course is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time with one subject every seven weeks. This allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, study, and personal responsibilities. To see the curriculum, view our subjects page.
Sources
*Ranked by the Australian Research Council in 2019 for our research in information systems.
**by Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University Rankings 2021 by subject: computer science.
- Burning Glass Technologies. (2017). The Quant Crunch: How the demand for data science skills is disrupting the job market
- Deloitte Access Economics. (2018). The future of work: Occupational and education trends in data science in Australia