Important note: the University of Sydney is not accepting new applications for the Master of Data Science (online) from 5 May 2026. If you are interested in studying a degree in data science, visit Master of Data Science. Or visit University of Sydney’s website for alternative study options at the University of Sydney.
The University of Sydney’s
Master of Data Science | Online
Make a meaningful impact on the future of data. With the University of Sydney’s online Master of Data Science, you will work closely with leading researchers in artificial intelligence and machine learning to prepare for a career as an influential data scientist.
Create the future of data and tech
The University of Sydney’s Master of Data Science (Online) prepares you to make an impact and lead in the rapidly growing field of data technology.
You will benefit from a multidisciplinary, innovative course structure and learn from international experts in AI and machine learning, with the added flexibility of being 100-percent online.
Data science meets confident leadership
The online Master of Data Science will challenge you to go beyond mastering the technical side of data science, helping to cultivate key ethical, professional and business skills. You can choose to specialise in machine learning or data engineering and explore units of study in leadership and IT professionalism to equip you to guide strategic decision-making for key stakeholders.
You can complete the program in as little as 18 months full time or 36 months part time. For tuition information, please visit our tuition and funding options page.
If you are interested in exploring our on-campus Master of Data Science, visit our on-campus course webpage.
“Completing the Master of Data Science program has been an enriching experience. The flexibility of the online format allowed me to balance work and study, and the program provided practical skills that I am excited to apply in my future career. I’m grateful for the support from both the faculty and my peers throughout this journey.”
A comprehensive, rigorous course for data-driven leaders
In such a fast-growing field, you need a course that evolves and reflects the latest in data science research and encourages innovative thinking, dynamic leadership and curious collaboration.
The online Master of Data Science covers every major area of data science, IT and machine learning, as well as IT professionalism units of study to support you in becoming an expert and leader in your industry.
100%
online
2
specialisations available in machine learning and data engineering
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma available
The University of Sydney also offers a Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Data Science designed to empower you to build upon existing experience or upskill through a shorter degree to advance your career. The Graduate Certificate option is 24 credit points and the Graduate Diploma is 48 credit points. These options are also a good pathway into the Master of Data Science if you do not meet the admissions requirements for entry directly into the full course. To learn more about available options, please visit our admissions page.
The online learning environment
The University of Sydney’s Master of Data Science translates seamlessly to an online setting. Your lecturers will lead you through discussion-based tutorials on how to build intelligent systems to manage, interpret, understand and derive key knowledge to guide future technologies and applications.
As an online Master of Data Science student, you will have access to:
dedicated technical support and student services teams
exclusive on-campus resources and events
a powerful network of classmates and academics through a mix of live and asynchronous coursework
You will also participate in a capstone project to apply your learnings to a problem in your current workplace or to further explore a research topic.
Study with us
online
Admissions requirements
To be eligible for admission, you are required to have:
- a three year Australian bachelor’s degree in a cognate discipline* with a minimum credit average (65 percent), or
- the University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Data Science with a minimum credit average (65 percent), or a qualification deemed to be equivalent, or
- completed 24 credit points of the University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Data Science or Graduate Certificate in Data Science with a minimum credit average (65 percent). The 24 credit points must include 12 credit points of Data Science Core units and 12 credit points of Data Science specialist elective units.
If you have the equivalent of an Australian AQF Level 8 degree or above in a cognate discipline, you may be eligible for a Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL) of up to 24 credit points or 0.5 years/one semester.
*Cognate disciplines include computer science, data science, software/computer engineering or other disciplines that are deemed cognate by the program directors.
If you do not meet the requirements for degree admissions but have qualifications in areas such as health or education, you may apply to the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma programs.
The final application deadline for the upcoming August 2026 cohort is 6 June 2026.
To learn more about admissions requirements, please visit our admissions page.
Career opportunities
More and more companies are realising how important data is for their business growth and success. As an online Master of Data Science graduate, you will have highly marketable skills combined with the University of Sydney’s highly regarded reputation.
Some career opportunities you will be able to explore include:
- data engineer
- data manager
- data analyst
- data scientist
- machine learning manager.
Harness the power of big data and bold leadership
If you’re ready to broaden your skills with some of Australia’s leading researchers and drive business decision-making and research outputs, it’s time to apply to study the University of Sydney’s Master of Data Science (Online).
Make your mark
on the data science world.
1QS World University Rankings, QS Top Universities, Accessed April 2026.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
2Best Global Universities for Computer Science August 2024arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference
3Best Global Universities for Computer Science, U.S. News & World Report. Accessed April 2026.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference