Major overview
Prepare for a successful career across a range of industries where advanced analytical skills are crucial.
This major is designed to address the growing demand for professionals who can extract insights from large and complex datasets, giving you the competitive advantage needed to succeed in the future workplace. You’ll learn how to use contemporary data science tools and programming languages, such as Python and R and develop innovation and critical thinking to tackle the complex challenges of the modern data-driven world.
As a Murdoch student, you'll have access to great scholarships like the $15,000 Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship Program, which can lead to networking opportunities with industry professionals and career opportunities before you graduate.
3 reasons to study Data Science at Murdoch
- Make use of our brand-new IT Innovation Hub, a cutting-edge learning teaching and research facility, fitted out with the latest mixed and augmented reality equipment, operational data centre and high-performance computing capabilities.
- This course has been designed in collaboration with industry partners with an emphasis on effective communication and the development of solutions to complex real-world IT problems.
- Learn from information technology experts and industry advisors as they share their experience and insights from a range of perspectives.
What you’ll learn
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- How to apply advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques to analyse and interpret complex data sets.
- Contemporary data science tools and programming languages, such as Python and R.
- How to apply data science techniques across various domains, including health, environment, business, and social sciences.
- The ethical implications of data science practices and handle data responsibly.
Your future career
There is a critical need for modern IT professionals responsible for establishing, maintaining and developing information systems in a wide range of sectors including commerce, telecommunications, health, education, architecture, mining, engineering, law and government and non-government organisations. Careers could include:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Data engineer
- Business Analyst
- Business strategist
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Start dates (Transnational)
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 2, 2026 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 1, 2027 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 2, 2027 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Kaplan Higher Education Academy Pte. Ltd | No | No | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.