Master of Data Science at UNSW Online
The UNSW Online Master of Data Science has seven-week units, asynchronous study, technical computing content, and strong salary data.
The Master of Data Science from UNSW Online is an efficient technical degree that will boost your standing with employers as well as your skills. Graduates of postgraduate computing courses from UNSW have the highest median starting salaries in Australia.
Students study part-time in seven-week blocks while concentrating on one subject at a time. The curriculum covers machine learning, programming, statistical modelling, and computational analysis rather than lightweight business analytics.
Delivery: 100% online, asynchronous
Structure: 12 subjects across seven-week hexamesters
Study mode: Part-time, one subject at a time
Completion: 2 years part-time
Advantages of the UNSW Online Degree
The Master of Data Science from UNSW Online combines flexible online study with technical computing content and strong graduate outcomes. Participants benefit from:
- Part-time online study with asynchronous delivery
- One subject at a time in seven-week hexamesters
- Skill development in machine learning, programming, statistics, and computational analysis
- Australia’s highest postgraduate computing salaries
7-Week Study Periods
With UNSW Online, each subject is completed over a seven-week teaching period called a hexamester. Study is part-time and students are able to concentrate on one subject at a time.
The degree consists of 12 subjects, with 6 core subjects and 6 electives. The core subjects are:
- Foundations of Data Science
- Principles of Programming
- Statistical Inference for Data Scientists
- Regression Analysis for Data Scientists
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Data Science Project
Students then choose 6 electives from a list that includes deep learning, Bayesian inference, database systems, data visualisation, big data management, ethics, and strategic decision-making.
Technical Emphasis
The data science masters curriculum includes machine learning, statistical inference, regression modelling, multivariate analysis, Bayesian computation, and programming foundations. Python, R, and Tableau programming languages are also covered.
Compared with many online analytics degrees, the curriculum is more mathematically and statistically grounded, emphasising coding and computational analysis.
Job Outcomes for UNSW Computing Graduates
UNSW postgraduate Computing & Information Systems graduates report the highest median salaries among Australian universities offering comparable data science qualifications.
Australian Government survey data shows a median salary of $120,000 for UNSW postgraduate computing graduates, compared with a national average of $104,400. Full-time employment outcomes are also strong at 88.8%.
| Outcome | UNSW | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time employment | 88.8% | 85.8% |
| Median salary | $120,000 | $104,400 |
Data comes from the Australian Government’s Graduate Outcomes Survey. Extracted on 27 May 2026.
Results apply to all UNSW postgraduate computing students, not specifically students in the online Master of Data Science.
UNSW Reputation With Employers
Graduates from UNSW recorded Australia’s highest median postgraduate salaries in the Australian Government’s QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey.
UNSW has also ranked first nationally multiple times in the Australian Financial Review Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, which assesses graduate employability through employer-driven recruitment and assessment processes.
The university is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight research-intensive universities.
The final Data Science Project also involves solving business challenges using real datasets from an industry partner organisation.
Asynchronous Online Delivery
Students with UNSW Online complete lectures, readings, coding exercises, discussions, and assessments on their own schedule during each study week.
There are no compulsory live lectures or classroom sessions at fixed times.
Some subjects may include optional live webinars, workshops, presentations, or Q&A sessions through Zoom or Teams. Instructional sessions are typically recorded and made available afterward.
Continuous Assessment
Assessment within the online Master of Data Science is continuous rather than relying on final examinations. Assessment tasks may include:
- coding exercises
- quizzes
- assignments
- reports
- projects
- presentations
- capstone work
Mathematics and Computing Background Required
You are required to have prior quantitative preparation as part of the admission requirements for UNSW Online. Applicants must either:
- complete the Graduate Diploma in Data Science with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65, or
- hold a bachelor degree in a cognate discipline such as computer science, economics, mathematics, or statistics, with an average mark of at least 65 across at least 3 Level III courses in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or econometrics
UNSW Online also offers the Graduate Certificate in Data Science as a shorter postgraduate pathway.
More info: Detailed course information is available at the UNSW Online course page for the Master of Data Science
#best masters of data science #data analysis courses australia