C6009 Master of Data Science

The course comprises 96 credit points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies, Part B. Core master's study and Part C. Advanced practice. 

Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies

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 cognate field.

Part B. Core master's study

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.

Part C. Advanced practice

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

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

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at entry level 1 you complete 96 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C.

• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 72 credit points, comprising Part B and Part C.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced data science studies(24 points), Part B. Core master's study (48 points) and Part C. Advanced practice (24 points). 

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

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

You must complete:

• ITI9132 Introduction to databases
• ITI9136 Algorithms and programming foundations in Python
• ITI9137 Introduction to computer architecture and networks
• ITI9004 Mathematical foundations for data science and AI

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

You must complete:

a. six units (36 points)

• ITI5125 IT research methods
• ITI5145 Introduction to data science
• ITI5147 Data exploration and visualisation
• ITI5196 Data wrangling
• ITI5197 Statistical data modelling
• ITI5202 Data processing for big data

b. one unit (6 points) selected from:

• ITI5149 Applied data analysis
• ITI5201 Machine learning
• ITI5212 Data analysis for semi-structured data

c. one level 5 elective unit (6 points). You must have the required prerequisites for the unit you choose. Note: Some units may have restrictions on enrolments.

Part C. Advanced practice (24 points)

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Industry experience:

• ITI5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
• ITI5122 Professional practice
• one FIT level 5 unit (6 points). 

b. Minor thesis research:*

• ITI5126 Masters thesis part 1
• ITI5127 Masters thesis part 2
• ITI5228 Masters thesis part 3
• ITI5229 Masters thesis final

Enrolment in the research units is dependent on available supervisors and projects. Eligible students will be ranked based on their entire academic record and assessed for suitability to undertake the research component of this program.

* To be eligible for the research option, you must have successfully completed 24 credit points of level 5 ITI-coded units and have achieved an overall average of at least 75% across four completed ITI-coded level 5 units, and have achieved at least a distinction (70%) in ITI5125 IT research methods.