Harness the power of AI at Monash Online.
From everyday life to business, AI is revolutionising our world. We need data scientists now more than ever. You can become one. Study a Master of Applied Data Science online and learn future-focused skills – from AI to big data – so you can thrive in our ever-evolving world.
Step into a future-proof career.
Data science is in Australia’s top five in-demand and highest-paying jobs. We can help you enter this exciting field, as our data science course is ranked #34 globally and #2 nationally.
Learn from the best.
To be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best. And that’s what Monash Online offers. You’ll learn directly from top researchers, who will give you invaluable insights and knowledge.
Shape the world with AI.
We can help you gain the skills and knowledge to change the world. Here, you’ll learn to harness the power of AI to help solve society’s most pressing issues.
Test your skills.
Graduate ready to use your newfound skills in the real world. The data you’ll work with is sourced directly from industry-based projects.
Fast-track your future career.
Enjoy all the benefits of flexible, online study. Our six-week teaching periods mean you can accelerate your learning without putting your current career on hold.
What’s the difference between the Master of Applied Data Science and the Master of Analytics?
The Master of Applied Data Science requires previous knowledge within the fields of IT and/or science or maths, since it focusses on programming and advanced mathematical modelling. It’s designed to help you develop the technical skills required for wrangling data and analysing it. The Master of Analytics, on the other hand, is designed for students who may not have had any formal IT experience. It builds on core data mining skills and how to analyse, solve, and present data and solutions for complex decision-making.
FAQsWhere a data science degree can take you.
Our world needs data science experts. Australia alone is expected to require 161,000 new AI specialists by 2030 across multiple industries. A Master of Applied Data Science can help you take control of your career’s future.
How Monash Online can change your world.
#2
Top-ranking degree
Our data science course ranked #2 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (2025).
#34
Globally recognised program
Thanks to Monash’s outstanding AI and data science research, we’re ranked #34 globally in the field.
#3
Top-ranked university
Monash is ranked #3 globally and #1 nationally (Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024).
Through the course I have gained skills in modelling and coding, which led me to landing my current job, and becoming a data scientist in a company which specialises in data!
Selena Chong
Master of Applied Data Science
Structure
The Master of Applied Data Science consists of 12 units (divided into four parts) and takes two years of part-time study to complete. You’ll be studying in 6-week semester blocks, so it’s easy for us to work with you to extend or shorten how long it takes to achieve your master’s degree.
Simply click the links below to see how you’ll gain the skills to master data.
PART A: Foundational Studies
These units will provide you with a solid knowledge base of applied data science. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete the following units:
Introduction to databases
Introduction to Python
Mathematical foundations for data science and AI
PART B: Core Studies
These units will give you knowledge and skills that you can use within the broad field of data science – from practice to research. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete the following units:
Introduction to data science
Data wrangling
Statistical data modelling
PART C: Specialist Studies
These are the units where you specialise in specific areas of data science. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete four of the following units:
Data exploration and visualisation
Applied data analysis
Machine learning
Data processing for big data
Data analysis for semi-structured data
PART D: Applied Practice
These units will focus on professional or scholarly work that will contribute to your professional development portfolio. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete the following units:
Applied practice 1
Applied practice 2
Need further clarification about our online course structure?
You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.
Entry Requirements
There are multiple ways that you can be eligible for studying a Master of Applied Data Science
ENTRY LEVEL 1:
You need an Australian bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent) with a credit average of 60%. This will need to be approved by the faculty.
OR
You need an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* and a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline* with a credit average of 60%.
If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 72 points to complete the course. It will take two years of study.
*A relevant discipline includes successful completion of relevant coursework on programming, foundational mathematics for computing, database and SQL.
ENTRY LEVEL 2:
You need a Monash University Graduate Certificate of Applied Data Science with a credit average of 60%.
OR
You need an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline* and a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline*, with a credit average of 60% in the higher degree.
If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 48 points to complete the course. It will take just under 1.5 years of study.
ENTRY LEVEL 3:
You need a Monash University Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science with a credit average of 60%.
If you enter the Master of Applied Data Science this way, you’ll need to achieve 24 points to complete the course. It will take just under one year of study.
English Language Requirements
We do have English Language Requirements for this degree, as you need to be proficient in English to get the most out of the course. You can learn more about our English Language Requirements here.
Need more information?
We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.
Fees
There are twelve units total with an estimated cost of $5,200 per unit. So, you’re looking at an approximate total cost of $62,400* for this degree.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually. Please reference the 2025 fees.
Scholarships
We celebrate success. This is why we offer over 360 types of scholarships (valued at up to $280,000). Not every scholarship is the same. Some are one-off payments, and some continue for the length of your course.
You can learn about Monash Scholarships here.
Financial Assistance
You may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan, so you don’t have to pay your fees upfront. And you’ll only need to begin repaying the loan when your income reaches a certain level. You can learn more about it by visiting the Study Assist website.
Need more information?
We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.
A course made for a career in data science.
We tailor the Master of Applied Data Science to your unique professional goals. The course material bridges theory and practice, with work sourced from industry-based projects. So, you’ll graduate with career-ready skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Master of Analytics and Master of Applied Data Science?
What's the difference between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning?
How are industries using data science?
Study a master’s qualification delivered by those who change it.
Study the same world-leading degree as our on-campus students – in a format that fits your life. Supported by our expert academics and student assistance team, you’ll experience the benefits of an immersive learning experience that extends beyond flexibility and is tailored to your needs. You’ll gain insights from experts at the forefront of data science and AI to elevate your career success.
Learn more about the story of Andrew Stedall, a student of the Graduate Diploma of Applied Data Science.
Meet your academic team
Dr Yi-shan Tsai
Online Course Director
Dr Yi-Shan Tsai is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology and a member of the Centre for Learning Analytics at Monash (CoLAM). She is also a member of the Digital Education Research Group at Monash and an associate scholar of the Centre for Research in Digital Education and the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity at the University of Edinburgh.
Dr Yasmeen George
Deputy Course Director
Dr Yasmeen George is a Lecturer with data science and AI department at Monash Faculty of Information Technology with over a decade of interdisciplinary research experience in AI for healthcare analytics. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne in 2018 (Australia), Master of Computer Science (by research) in medical image analytics in 2013 from the University of Ain Shams (Egypt).
Dr Guanliang Chen
Deputy Course Director
Dr Guanliang Chen’s research applies state-of-the-art language technologies to make use of textual data collected in a range of educational settings. His research focuses on the fairness, accountability and transparency of machine learning techniques and the collection of quality educational materials. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Delft University of Technology.
Studying online, the Monash way.
World-class education, online.
Monash is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), so we ensure you have the best educational experience, always. You’ll not only benefit from teaching and research excellence but graduate with a degree that’s highly sought-after by employers worldwide.
Study anytime, anywhere.
Level up your career without putting it on hold. We know life gets busy, so that’s why the study year is split into six teaching periods that are six weeks long. Better yet, online study means you can work from anywhere – even on holidays and work trips.
Tailored support, 7 days a week.
Monash Online has a dedicated student adviser team that’s available 7 days a week along with industry-connected teaching staff per unit. So, you have access to support when you need it.
Download a course guide
Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:
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course information
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career pathways
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how online study works
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how to apply