Master of Data Science – University of Auckland

Programme overview

The ability to turn data into information, knowledge and innovative products is a skill in high demand within industry. By completing a strong core of Computer Science and Statistics courses, you will gain a unique combination of skills in Data Science, enabling you to comprehend, process and manage data effectively to extract value from it. Graduates will be critical, reflective practitioners able to pursue professional goals or further postgraduate study.

We also offer the Master of Data Science (MDataSci) as a 240-point taught masters as a March intake only. This is suitable for students who have a background in either Computer Science or Statistics, but not both.

Students who have majored in Data Science, or a combination of Computer Science and Statistics, should apply for the 180-point taught masters.

Programme structure

180-point taught masters

240-point taught masters (The intake for the 240-point taught masters is in March only.)

Postgraduate pathway

Download the Science postgraduate pathway (117KB, PDF)

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

University of Auckland Another tertiary institution

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Taught 180 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Bachelor of Science in Data Science or a Bachelor of Science with a major in Computer Science and a major in Statistics
Study option

Taught 240 points

Grade required

GPA Grade Point Average 4.0

Bachelor of Science

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Select your study option:

Taught 180 points Taught 240 points

You must have completed either:

A Bachelor of Science in Data Science from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II.

OR

A Bachelors degree in an IT-related field with a GPA of 4.5. 60 points must be from courses at Stage III.

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a similar field with a GPA of 4.0 in 60 points at Stage lll or above, and passed COMPSCI 130, MATHS 108, and STATS 101, or equivalent prior study.

Other pathways to study

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Programme requirements

Minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Study option

Taught 180 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

An undergraduate science degree
Study option

Taught 240 points

Grade required

GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

An undergraduate Science degree
Qualification

IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System

Score required

6.5

No bands less than 6.0

See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

You must have completed an undergraduate science degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant discipline with a Grade Point Equivalent of 4.0.
Relevant disciplines include data science, or a mixture of computer science and statistics. A minimum amount of study in a relevant discipline is required - this would be at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30 percent of your degree, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Data Science cost per year?

2026 fees

Domestic students: NZ$11,545.20*

International students: NZ$52,585 – $52,842*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

See course fees for each faculty

Find out about financial support information

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Key dates

The Late Year term entry is only available for the 240 point programme.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Application closing dates

Semester One 2026: 8 December 2025

Semester Two 2026: 8 June 2026

For detailed information about a specific programme, including its courses and regulations, visit the Curriculum Catalogue. For the general university requirements for admission, enrolment and fees, visit the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

With the current demand for continued professional development in Data Science, this advanced qualification will help you to develop your skills to become well-positioned to pursue employment in the data science industry.

Jobs related to this programme

Business analyst
Big data solutions architect
Data mining engineer
Data scientist
Digital product designer
Machine learning engineer

Student career planning service

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Quick guides to postgraduate Data Science for international students

International guides for Chinese students

International guides for Indian students

Experience the University

Meet the programme director

Learn more about the MDataSci programme from Professor Sebastian Link at the School of Computer Science.

Do you need help?

Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?

Our student support team is here to help. Use our online contact form.

Need to speak to someone?

You can phone us directly.

Auckland: 923 5025
Outside Auckland: 0800 61 62 63
International: +64 9 373 7513

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Master of Data Science MDataSci

Programme overview

Programme structure