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Postgraduate

Master of Data Science (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning)

Domestic students International students
Master of Data Science (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning) (MADS)
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • Online
Campus
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May, Sep

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Overview

  • Study the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning specialisation with UniSQ and explore concepts regarding deep learning, natural language processing, information retrieval and knowledge management. 
  • In an increasingly data driven world, it's critical that we can use information retrieval technologies and systems to query and retrieve useful information to support advanced data analytics and inform high-level decision-making.
  • Explore concepts and learning within big data management, machine learning and data mining to ensure you have the knowledge for a career in this dynamic industry. 
  • Choose between two different pathways of research in your masters degree:
    • Research Project track — this pathway equips you with research skills and enables you to develop a research thesis in applied data science through an independent project in your chosen disciplinary application area.
    • Research Training track — this pathway allows you to develop your research capability and gain specialised cognitive and technical computational and information system skills to prepare for a professional career in science or your chosen disciplinary application area.

Further study

Upon successful completion of the Master of Data Science, students have the opportunity to move into PhD study.

Professional accreditation

The Master of Data Science is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), giving eligibility for ACS membership, and recognition by ACS for certification.

Career outcomes

  • This degree provides a diverse range of career outcomes with opportunity to advance your profession into any big-data, artificial intelligence or machine learning field. As a graduate, you will become an efficient data scientist, utilising predictive analytics, big data management, big data analysis and modelling, artificial intelligence and machine learning to produce insights that make important, real-life decisions.
  • Data scientists are highly sought after, and the demand is set to increase as organisations, within technical, engineering, science, business, education and research sectors, require skilled employees to understand and interpret data, navigate artificial intelligence and machine learning for the betterment of business. 
  • Careers with a focus on artificial intelligence may include a computer engineer, games developer, intelligence analyst, programmer, web developer. Data science careers can include data scientist, data analyst, data engineer or data manager. 

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

  • 3-year bachelor degree from an Australian university, or equivalent, in any area 
    • or
  • a minimum of 5 years' professional work experience equivalent to an AQF Level 7 qualification (bachelor).

There are inherent requirements that must be met in order to successfully complete this degree. Inherent requirements are fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the degree, while maintaining the academic integrity of the degree. Please read and understand the inherent requirements specific to the Master of Data Science before applying.

If you think you may experience any problems meeting inherent requirements, you can talk to a Student Equity Officer about reasonable adjustments that may be put in place to assist you. Any reasonable adjustments made must not fundamentally change the nature of the inherent requirement.

English language requirements

To meet the English language requirements for this degree, we accept the combined level and duration of study specified below, or the minimum English language proficiency scores from one of the following tests. Your test must be completed within two years of applying to UniSQ.

Tertiary study
(Diploma level or higher)
 1+ years full-time tertiary study in a country from the Accepted English-speaking countries list.
IELTS (Academic)  Minimum overall score of 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subscore (speaking, listening, writing, reading). 
Pearson Test of English Minimum overall score of 50 with a minimum of 50 in each subscore.
TOEFL iBT Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 19 in each subscore.

If you do not meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL).

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

UniSQ offers a number of bachelor degrees for you to study to help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 16 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 12
Research training courses
or
Elective courses		 4
Total 16

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Other specialisations

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 28960
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 9312

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August
Trimester 3, 2025 Monday 8 September Monday 1 September Monday 8 September Friday 5 December 

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

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