QUALIFICATION
Master's Degree (Level 9, 180 points)
Duration
Full-Time: 1 to 1.5 Years / Part-Time: Up to 5 years available
Location
Ilam Campus (Christchurch), Distance Learning, or Fully Online
Fees
NZD 56,850
Entry Score
IELTS: Academic 6.5 overall (no band less than 6.0)
Next Intake
February & July
Programme Overview
The Master of Applied Data Science is a conversion degree designed for students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds not just those in technical fields. It focuses on the exponential growth of "big data" and prepares students to provide business analytics and insights into future trends.
The programme emphasizes the "applied" nature of the field, moving beyond just coding to include problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students benefit from UC’s research strengths in Geospatial Research and the HIT Lab NZ, with the potential to work on real-world industry projects.
What You'll Study
The 180-point structure includes foundational courses, advanced competencies, and a major project.
Foundation Courses (unless exempt)
- DATA401: Introduction to Data Science
- COSC480: Computer Programming (Python-focused)
- MBIS623: Data Management
Advanced Data Science Competencies
- DATA420: Scalable Data Science (handling massive datasets)
- DIGI405: Texts, Discourses and Data (Data science in the Humanities)
- STAT448: Big Data
- STAT462: Data Mining
Applied Project Options (Choose One)
- DATA601: Applied Data Science Project
- DATA603: Industry Project (Work directly with a company)
- DATA605: Industry Research Project
Why Choose This Programme?
- Conversion Degree: Specifically designed to help students transition into data science from unrelated fields like Arts, Health, or Business.
- Flexible Delivery: Choose between on-campus learning, distance learning with intensives, or a 100% online version.
- Work-Integrated Learning: The industry project (DATA603) provides a direct bridge to employment by solving real data problems for NZ businesses.
- Research-Led: Taught by experts from UC’s various data-centric research centres, including the Geospatial Research Institute.
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Corporate & Finance | Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Financial Analyst |
| Government | Policy Analyst, Data Insights Lead, Urban Planner |
| Tech & Research | Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, Research Officer |
| Specialized Fields | Health Informatician, Geospatial Analyst, Marketing Scientist |
Entry Requirements
- Academic: A Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average in final-year papers. Evidence of achievement at a postgraduate level is also accepted.
- Pathways: International students not meeting the GPA requirement can enter via the International Pre-Master’s pathway.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher.
- Background: No specific major required, but a basic understanding of mathematics or statistics is beneficial for the advanced STAT modules.
