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Software engineering course
Postgraduate Coursework

Master of Data Science

Key details

Duration

2 year/s full-time
4 year/s part-time
2 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2, Summer Semester
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

CDU Sydney, Casuarina campus, Online
CDU Sydney, Casuarina campus, Danala - Education and Community Precinct

Credit points required

160

Course code

SDASC2
SATAC codes

Overview

The Master of Data Science will further develop your technical and analytical skills needed to manage and interpret useful insights from large data sets. Your coursework will include project-based assessments allowing you to focus on what you are passionate about.



Professional recognition

The Master of Data Science is accredited by Australia Computer Society at the level of ICT Professional and therefore recognised internationally under the Seoul Accord.

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $31,688.00. This equates to $ $3,961.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.

  • #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.

  • #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries

What will I study?

The core units of this program will allow you to explore a range of data science concepts. Specialist elective units will allow you to explore complementary areas of interest through additional coursework units, an industry placement unit or a research thesis unit.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements

Core 
(12-13 units)

 

 

 

150cp

 

 

 

Compulsory Core units totalling 150 credit points as detailed below: 

HIT137 Software Now 
HIT140 Foundations of Data Science 
HIT220 Algorithms and Complexity 
HIT234 Database concepts 
PRT520 Principles of Computing Systems 
PRT531 Business Intelligence and Data Mining 
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and Reliability 
PRT563 Advanced Data Management 
PRT564 Data Analytics and Visualisation 
PRT565 Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms 
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software Development

Plus either: 

Practice Experience Option 
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) (new to core from 2024) 
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) (new unit from 2024)

OR

Research Project Option 
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) (repeatable) x 2

Specialist Electives 
(1 units)

 

 

10cp

 

 

 

Specialist Elective units totalling 10 credit points selected from one of the options detailed below: 

BUS508 Business Analytics (replaces BUS501 from 2022) 
PHM553 Biostatistics 
PRT532 IT Service Management 
STA510 Business Statistics
Course Total160cp 

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)


2024 - Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements 

From 2024, the course structure has changed as outlined below:

  • Research units have moved to become core unit requirements
  • Increase in the core unit requirement from 11 units (110cp) to 12-13 units (150cp)
  • New Practice Experience Option and units PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp0 and PRT840 IT Thesis have been introduced

Transitional Arrangements

  • Students that have already completed Part A of the PRT820 Master Thesis MUST enrol and complete Part B of PRT820.
  • From 2024, students will have the option of completing either the Professional Experience or Research option.

Any student who believes they will be disadvantaged by these changes should contact the course coordinator for assistance.

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveR = Research
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOHIT137 Software NowCO
PRT520 Principles of Computing SystemsCOHIT140 Foundations of Data ScienceCO
PRT531 Business Intelligence and Data MiningCOHIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCOSpecialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
PRT564 Data Analytics and VisualisationCOPRT563 Advanced Data ManagementCO
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCOPRT565 Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and AlgorithmsCO
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
COPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
CO

Top of Page

Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  HIT137 Software NowCO
  HIT140 Foundations of Data ScienceCO
  HIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOPRT563 Advanced Data ManagementCO
PRT531 Business Intelligence and Data MiningCOPRT565 Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and AlgorithmsCO
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCOPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
CO
PRT564 Data Analytics and VisualisationCO  
Year 3
PRT520 Principles of Computing SystemsCO  
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCO  
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
CO  

Top of Page

Students Commencing in Summer Semester

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in Summer Semester and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Legend:CU = Common UnitCO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective
Semester 1Semester 2Summer Semester
Year 1
    HIT137 Software NowCO
    PRT551 Project Management, Risk and ReliabilityCO
Year 2
HIT234 Database ConceptsCOHIT140 Foundations of Data ScienceCO  
PRT520 Principles of Computing SystemsCOHIT220 Algorithms and ComplexityCO  
PRT531 Business Intelligence and Data MiningCOSpecialist ElectiveSE  
Year 3
PRT564 Data Analytics and VisualisationCOPRT563 Advanced Data ManagementCO  
PRT574 Security Assessment in Software DevelopmentCOPRT565 Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and AlgorithmsCO  
PRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
COPRT604 Professional Experience (20cp) or
PRT840 IT Thesis (20cp) 
OR
PRT820 Master Thesis (20cp) x 2
CO  

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification.

International entry pathway

Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01), the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) or the ZMPP01 International Masters Preparation Program are eligible for entry.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.  
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.  
 

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

I have decided to stay in Darwin because I found an amazing job here. I wouldn’t be exposed to this variety of roles and experience anywhere else in Australia.

Srijana

CDU student

CDU student Srijana Ghimire standing against a backdrop of a national park in the Northern Territory

The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.

Nikki

CDU student

Nikki Govan

I have decided to stay in Darwin because I found an amazing job here. I wouldn’t be exposed to this variety of roles and experience anywhere else in Australia.

Srijana

CDU student

CDU student Srijana Ghimire standing against a backdrop of a national park in the Northern Territory

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Master of Data Science
Faculty/College
Faculty of Science and Technology
Sector
HE
Area of study
IT and Network Engineering

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about information technology at CDU

Kalyani is from India studying a Master of Information Technology (Information Systems and Data Science) at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about information technology at CDU

Kalyani is from India studying a Master of Information Technology (Information Systems and Data Science) at CDU. Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
CDU Sydney (FF)
1CM634
Casuarina campus (FF)
1CM611
Online (FF)
1CM611
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
CDU Sydney
103122M
Casuarina campus
103122M
Danala - Education and Community Precinct
103122M

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