Master of Data Science and Decisions

The Master of Data Science and Decisions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a rigorous coursework postgraduate programme designed for those who wish to develop advanced analytical and decision-making capabilities using mathematical, statistical, and computational tools. Structured over 2.5 years, this master's degree equips students with a deep understanding of mathematics, statistics, computing, and business applications central to data-driven problem solving in a changing digital world.

Australian master's degrees like this are typically organised into units of study, each carrying a designated number of credit points towards graduation. The programme may include core and elective units, allowing customisation to suit individual interests and career aspirations. The curriculum culminates in an independent research project, capstone, or applied industry placement, providing hands-on experience in real-world data science environments—which is highly valued by Australian employers.

Students will gain practical skills in data acquisition, cleaning, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation, as well as experience with programming languages, advanced algorithms, and the ethical considerations of data use. The course is ideal for graduates from quantitative backgrounds such as mathematics, engineering, computing, or sciences, as well as professionals aiming to upskill for careers in data analysis, machine learning, governance, and decision sciences.

Based in Sydney, students benefit from UNSW’s strong industry and research links in a thriving business and technology hub. International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 for coursework postgraduate entry, with equivalents accepted). Work-integrated learning opportunities are designed to boost employability, and international graduates may be eligible for Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after completing the degree. Students can also work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods, providing valuable opportunities to gain experience in the Australian workforce. Confirm specific course details on the official page.

• Data Scientist
• Business/Data Analyst
• Decision Scientist
• Consultant in analytics and insights
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Quantitative Analyst
• Risk Analyst

Graduates are sought after in major industries such as finance, technology, consulting, government, healthcare, transport, and telecommunications throughout Australia.