Master of Data Science

Data is a vital asset valued by virtually every organisation in the world. It provides the basis for sensible, evidence-based decision making, and the ability to manage and make sense of data is a key skill in the modern workplace. In the last decade, streams of data of various types have grown in volume and velocity such that they require specialist skills in order to get the most value from them. Data scientists are responsible for building intelligent systems, mastering intuitive processes and bringing structure to the vast quantities of data to unlock the potential for improvement and competitive advantage.

The Master of Data Science will provide students with the required knowledge and practical skills to analyse and manage data. They will learn how to deal with large and diverse data sets and apply a variety of technologies to extract meaning from them. This course will prepare students to solve complex and challenging problems in science, health, business and beyond, through a combination of engaging coursework subjects and a comprehensive capstone project experience.

The Master of Data Science is an entry-level postgraduate course that complements any existing skill set and provides opportunity to up-skill for positions that have a rigorous quantitative aspect. Graduates from this program will be well-equipped to tackle complex data science challenges and play a leading role in the future development of data science solutions globally. Data science is a rapidly growing field with outstanding employment prospects for appropriately qualified professionals. Potential positions include: data scientist, business intelligence analyst, data engineer, data architect, data strategist, healthcare data managers, bioinformatics analyst, computational scientist and research scientists.

The Master of Data Science has been granted Professional Level accreditation by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.

Students are required to complete the following required core units and an additional three directed electives:

• COSC110 Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
• COSC210 Data Management Systems
• COSC472 Management Information Systems
• COSC510 Software Project Management
• COSC550 Artificial Intelligence
• COSC580 Algorithms in Machine Learning
• MTHS120 Calculus and Linear Algebra 1
• SCI410 Introduction to Scientific Programming
• STAT100 Introduction to Statistical Modelling
• STAT210/410 Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design
• STAT430 Statistical Learning
• COSC591 Information Technology Project
• SCI501 Special Topics in Science A

Our aim is to offer you the most flexible study options without losing any of the rigour required in a quality tertiary education. You can study on campus for a traditional face-to-face education experience, or from wherever you are; our new generation of online study is making tertiary education more accessible than ever. Originally named New England University College, UNE was established as a college of the University of Sydney in 1938. It was the second university established in New South Wales and Australia’s first regional university. In 1954 the University became fully independent as the University of New England and pioneered teaching by correspondence to external students.

UNE offers a distinctive on-campus experience which is strengthened by one of Australia’s oldest residential systems. Living in any of the eight colleges offers students the best in modern on-campus living with superb academic support, pastoral care and the opportunity to partake in a wide range of social and sporting activities. UNE is internationally recognised for its innovative approach to online teaching and research excellence with 87% of its research fields rated world standard or above.

Research endeavours are supported through a number of flagship research centres:

• The Animal and Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU)
• The Centre for Agriculture and Law (AgLaw)
• Centre for Local Government
• Institute for Rural Futures (IRF)
• The Paleoscience Research Centre and
• The National Centre of Science, Information and Communication Technology, and Mathematics Education for Rural and Regional Australia (SiMERR).

As the biggest regional employer and an externally engaged organisation, the University actively pursues effective partnerships and plays a significant role in Armidale and wider rural and regional communities.