phd data science melbourne

School of Computing and Information Systems

Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

The School of Computing and Information Systems is an international research leader in computer science, information systems and software engineering. We are focused on delivering impact in the following key areas:

Research themes

Artificial intelligence.

Our researchers address many different approaches to AI, encompassing deep learning, data mining, machine learning, natural language processing, and agent-based systems.

Computer science

Current areas of excellence include programming languages, algorithms, distributed computing, and cybersecurity and cryptography.

Human-Computer Interaction

We study, teach and are fascinated by issues arising from humans interacting with emerging technologies.

Information systems

The study of the interplay between information technology , its users ( people ), and the operations ( business processes ) through which this technology is used.

Research centres

• Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE)

Our research capability is focused on key challenges, including detecting attacks in large, complex systems, using formal methods to design platforms that are resilient to attack, designing robust controllers for critical infrastructure, and providing a legal framework for the governance of cyber operations that span a range of jurisdictions.

ARC ITTC in Optimisation Technologies, Integrated Methodologies and Applications (OPTIMA)

Training a new generation of industry practitioners and young researchers to build a highly skilled workforce, vanguarding the uptake of advanced optimisation technologies to support industrial transformation.

ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies

The Centre is aimed at creating a workforce that is expert in developing, applying and interrogating artificial intelligence applications in data-intensive medical contexts, to facilitate the next generation of data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies.

Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE)

Facilitating cross-disciplinary research, teaching and leadership on the ethical, regulatory and legal issues relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

Centre for Digital Transformation of Health

Health informatics and digital health are a recurring theme within all the School’s research areas. We specialise in health data analytics; personal technologies; and IT systems processes and management.

Centre for Research Excellence in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes

We leverage the ubiquitous availability of smart devices and digital technology to improve the health and wellbeing of the population, particularly those with different chronic conditions.

Melbourne Centre for Data Science (MCDS)

At the Melbourne Centre for Data Science, we are forging a vibrant, research rich and engaging interdisciplinary environment to lead advances in data science for the benefit of society.

ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub

The ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub will address key bioprocessing research challenges and develop new process and digital models that can predict and optimise manufacturing processes, resulting in greater yields, faster and more flexible processes and enhanced product stability.

• Research projects

View a showcase of projects carried out in collaboration with industry partners: Industry collaboration projects

Industry engagement in teaching

We recognise the value of a curriculum guided by industry. We invite industry members to contribute to the ongoing refinement of our curriculum.

• Host a student intern

Host a student within your organisation, to assist with a specific project or to preview potential future graduate employees.

• Mentor our students

Host 6–7 short meetings with a group of 4–6 students on a fortnightly basis.

• Student industry projects

Engage our students to work on a technical project of relevance to your organisation. These projects are undertaken by Masters students on campus.

• Become a guest speaker

An opportunity to share your organisation’s real-world knowledge with our students. We invite interested industry members to contribute their experience of the practical application of our curriculum.

The school of CIS offers undergraduate, graduate, and research courses in computer science, information systems, and information technology. Information about our courses, including support for current students, can be found at the links below.

First Year Centre

The First Year Centre, located in Level 3 of Melbourne Connect, is a space for first year CIS students to study, socialise, and receive academic support for their CIS subjects.

• Undergraduate programs

The school of CIS offers undergraduate majors through both the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Design. These include Computing and Software Systems, Spatial Systems, Data Science, and User Experience Design.

Graduate programs

A wide range of CIS courses are offered at the master's level. Many of these are purely coursework-based, and some involve significant research components. Entry requirements vary between degrees, with some not requiring completion of an undergraduate major in IT.

• Industry based learning

A unique opportunity to practise technical skills in a real-life work environment, supported by a dedicated workplace and an industry supervisor. Gain practical experience to enhance your employment prospects and networking opportunities.

All staff and research student listing

Head of School

Deputy Head, Research

Deputy Head, Engagement

Deputy Head, Academic

Operations Manager

School Executive Member

School email Email: [email protected]

Program coordinators

Secondary school activities.

Information on IT activities for high school students is available on the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology website:

Girl Power in Engineering and IT

A program for female year 9–12 students. It begins with an on-campus camp and offers mentoring, hands on activities, and work experience. For girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Girls’ Programming Network

Introduce your female students to computer programming with our interactive workshops as part of the Girls’ Programming Network, held on campus.

Hands On Engineering and IT

Introduce your Year 10 students to engineering and technology concepts and issues through our one day workshops, offering those with an interest in mathematics, science and technology the opportunity to visit campus and learn through interactive activities.

National Computer Science School (NCSS) Summer School

The National Computer Science School (NCSS) is a ten-day summer school that brings together talented young people from around Australia for an intensive course of computer programming and website development at university.

About the School

Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne has been part of the technology revolution for more than fifty years, and is an international leader in both teaching and research.

The history of computing at the University of Melbourne

Academic computing has a long history at the University of Melbourne, beginning in 1956 with CSIRAC, the first computer in the country.

• Alumni profiles

Our alumni work around the world in a diversity of industries and roles. View profiles of some of our recent graduates.

• Casual tutor, demonstrator, marker and project team supervisor opportunities

Information for prospective casual staff on how to apply for work.

Join us at CIS

News and events

2022 2021 2020 2019

• Life in Melbourne
• CSIRAC’s vital statistics
• CSIRAC chronology
• CSIRAC design
• How did CSIRAC work?: Storage
• How did CSIRAC work?: Console
• CSIRAC uses
• CSIRAC: Designers
• The music of CSIRAC
• CSIRAC emulator
• Jurij Semkiw
• CSIRAC and computer history links
• The Last of the First, CSIRAC: Australia’s First Computer
• CSIRAC photo gallery
• History of computing in the department
• Starting the Department of Information Systems
• Early internet
• Memories of the department
• Programming
• Student life in the department
• Women in computing
• Submission Guidelines
• Colloquium Photos
• Program_open
• Participation and Awards
• Volunteers and Judges
• CISDC 2022 Photos
• 2019 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2018 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2017 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2016 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2015 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2014 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• 2013 CIS Doctoral Colloquium
• Keynote speaker
• Colloquium sponsors
• Call for papers
• Application_closed
• Submission_info
• Program_pending
• Registration_pending
• Cyber attack maps to underpin better strategic responses
• Surgeons gain implant expertise with virtual training
• Informatics analyses value in digital health technologies
• Data contrasting highlights changing use of city
• Online community designed to support mental health for young people
• Satisfaction score to improve quality of internet search results
• Supply chain scheduling keeps automated mining operations on task
• Combined data adds power to decision-making
• New algorithms help interpret vision loss from digital images
• CIS-EEE Seed Funding
• How data can prevent overdiagnosis
• CIS - IE 2022 Research Collaboration Seed Funding
• 2021 news and events
• 2020 news and events
• 2019 news and events
• CIS-ME 2023 Seed Funding round
• CIS-IE 2023 Seed Funding round
• Graduate Reseachers
• Graduate Researchers
• Digital Health
• Graduate coursework programs
• Graduate research programs
• Programming proficiency test
• Study with CIS
• Become a tutor
• Publications
• Mining and optimisation
• Automated planning languages
• Foundations of human-agent collaboration
• People-oriented software engineering
• Explainable artificial intelligence
• Multimodal human-agent collaboration
• Industry engagement
• User Experience Lab
• Interactive Technologies Lab
• Engineering Workshop
• Telstra Creator Space
• News and Events
• Graduate researchers
• Adaptive learning technologies
• Ageing and avatars
• AI-enabled assistance for strategic planning in games
• Wearable technology for arm monitoring in health
• Augmented fitness
• Augmented learning environment for physiotherapy education
• Biometric Mirror
• Changing views
• Citizen Heritage
• Cognition-aware systems
• Cognitive interaction
• Completed projects
• Connecting learners for collaboration across diverse communities
• Cross-community information systems
• Crowdsourcing
• Death and the Internet
• Deceptive AI
• Designing for scale
• Designing technologies for indigenous knowledge
• Digital commemoration
• Digital domesticity
• Conceptualising and measuring digital emotion regulation
• Emerging technologies for enrichment in old age
• Ethics and digital games
• Evaluation of natural user interfaces in query auto-completion
• Examining the ‘digital’ in hybrid digital boardgames
• Exploring complex data sets using highly engaging environments
• Exploring natural user interfaces during meal times
• Getting well and being present
• Growing old and staying connected
• HandLog: tangible interactions for game input and rehabilitation
• Improving Vitamin D status and related health in young women
• Insertable technology for human interactions
• Interactive displays
• Interactive spaces and media architecture
• Kinecting with orang-utans
• Mediating intimacy
• Mobile fieldwork and learning
• Multimodal human–agent collaboration
• Music streaming and algorithmic recommendation
• Near-infrared spectroscopy
• Orygen Virtual World Project
• Promoting student peer review in Australian tertiary education
• Personal sensing for mental health and wellbeing
• Pholiota Unlocked
• Reading on ubiquitous devices
• Smart Garden Watering
• Smartphones for science
• Social gaming events: Warhammer 40K
• Social networking sites for ambivalent socialisers
• Social play in immersive gaming environments
• Social robots and virtual assistants for older people
• Sociophysical interactions
• Social Orientated Requirements Engineering
• Spectating eSports and Let’s Play
• Supporting social interactions for video calls in the home
• Teleconsultation: enhancing interactions between clinicians and patients
• Virtual co-presence
• Virtual Reality and climate change communication
• VR therapy for youth mental health
• Robot Assisted Learning and Rehabilitation
• XR for Human-Robot Interaction
• Social and Domestic Drones
• Human-Centred Agent Learning
• Child of Now
• Smart Spaces
• Ubiquitous computing
• Digital health
• Digital nature
• Novel interactions
• Design for ageing
• Games and play
• Social computing and communities
• Human information interaction
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Past seminars 2020
• Past seminars 2019
• Past seminars 2016–2018
• Past seminars 2011–2015
• Past seminars 2006–2010
• Past seminars 2004–2005
• HCI programs for potential students
• HCI subjects
• Masters projects
• Potential PhD students
• Process science and technology
• Business analytics and decision making
• Cybersecurity management
• Innovations in the digital society
• Current Students

• Melbourne Centre for Data Science
• Education and Training
• For Students

Master of Data Science

Melbourne Centre of Data Science staff oversee and teach into the Master of Data Science course at the University of Melbourne. The course is facilitated by the Faculty of Science and comprises both statistics and computer science.

Thinking about a Masters?

The world-class Master of Data Science is made up of core statistics subjects, core computer science subjects, elective subjects, including prerequisite subjects if needed, data science or professional skills subjects or a research project plus a capstone data science project.

Check out the full course information

The Master of Data Science equips students with the technological abilities and analytical skills needed to manage and gain insights from large and complex collections of data. Students in their final year are suited to projects including data exploration and visualisation, statistical inference, model building for prediction and classification, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Examples of past projects include:

• Identifying effects of disease symptoms and environmental factors for disease prediction in agriculture
• E-commerce data analysis for modelling customer behaviour to improve retention and user experience
• Computer vision algorithms for identifying objects in user photographs for more efficient customer support
• Using machine learning for predicting patient outcomes

Some previous industry partners

Sounds great? What's next?

Contact the Careers and Industry team to find out how we can collaborate to achieve your organisation’s goals.

Contact the Faculty of Science Industry Internship Team

Full information on Faculty of Science Graduate Student Professional Projects, including FAQ's

• Research degrees
• Your research options

Supplementary PhD Programs

Give yourself an edge. Join a multidisciplinary PhD Program to enrich your graduate research experience. These programs are supplementary learning opportunities in addition to your core PhD studies. They provide the chance to work with others who share a passion for discovering new knowledge in your area of interest.

We currently offer a wide range of multidisciplinary programs with the details below. Each has a different focus, such as mental health, cancer, or infection and immunity. The programs feature a series of activities to enhance your learning experience. You can attend masterclasses, workshops and seminars, delivered by experts in your field. You will keep up to date with research findings and breakthrough discoveries. And you may have opportunities for mentoring and internships.

When you join a PhD Program, you’ll connect with graduate researchers from other disciplines. And you’ll engage with relevant external organisations. By participating, you’ll broaden your networks and improve your career prospects.

Please note, these programs run in addition to your PhD research . If you are looking for information about possible topics for your core PhD research, please explore the breadth of PhD research themes available.

Why join a PhD Program?

By joining a PhD Program, you will set yourself up for success. You'll have extra support and opportunities throughout your research degree. This will enable you to:

• Access a breadth of expertise from across the University
• Consider your research from the perspective of other disciplines
• Place your research in a broader multidisciplinary context
• Build multidisciplinary networks that lead to postdoctoral pathways
• Develop professional skills to enhance your career prospects
• Improve your research and communication skills to become an accomplished graduate researcher.

Are you eligible?

• To take part, you must be enrolled in a PhD at the University of Melbourne. Your thesis topic must relate to the PhD Program theme.
• When you join a PhD Program, you will remain enrolled in your current department.
• You can join a PhD Program at any time during your candidature. You will remain part of the program until you complete your doctoral studies.

Explore the individual PhD Programs

The Biomedical Engineering Innovation PhD Program is a multidisciplinary research training initiative. It is a supplementary learning opportunity that enriches the graduate research experience.

The program brings together people who work on research related to biomedical engineering, including:

• PhD students, supervisors and alumni from across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct
• Industry and clinical partners.

The program is facilitated by:

• The Graeme Clark Institute
• The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne.

Find out more

The Child and Adolescent Health PhD Program complements your PhD studies. As a participant, you will join more than 200 graduate researchers at the Melbourne Children’s Campus . This campus is a fully integrated paediatric teaching hospital, University department and research institute. Our research streams include:

• Cell biology
• Clinical sciences
• Population health
• Infection and immunity.

We undertake multidisciplinary research in the following areas:

• Clinical trials
• Stem cell medicine
• Global health
• Life-course (longitudinal population) studies
• Health services research
• Digital health
• Data science.

The Comprehensive Cancer PhD Program provides specialist cancer research training and support for PhD candidates. It complements your core PhD activities.

The program provides a unique opportunity for PhD candidates researching cancer-related topics to work together. It attracts PhD candidates from a range of disciplines.

To be eligible, you must be enrolled as a PhD student in a partner organisation. Together, these organisations form the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) alliance . Through this program, you will experience clinical and research activities across the alliance.

Upon completion, you will be ready to conduct world-class cancer research. The program will also prepare you for a wide range of career options. It does this by broadening the scope of your research knowledge. And by providing professional development and career training programs.

The Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Program in Indigenous Settler Relations enhances the experience of Masters and PhD students by creating an enriching cohort experience. The program develops an intellectual community and facilitates opportunities for you to deepen your academic knowledge and skills.

The program is open to graduate researchers in any faculty. You must be undertaking graduate research related to Indigenous settler relations in Australia and the world.

As a participant, you will work with others who share a passion for discovering new knowledge about infection and immunity. In this program, you will:

• Learn from global leaders in infection and immunity
• Access high-calibre scientists and facilities
• Work in an environment where discovery research meets diagnosis and surveillance
• Work with experts in infectious diseases, epidemiology, genomics and more.

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity delivers this PhD Program. The institute is a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital. You may join this program if you are:

• A graduate researcher at the Doherty Institute
• Enrolled in a PhD at the University of Melbourne.

The Doherty Institute is home to high-quality discovery research. It has large diagnostic operations in virology and bacteriology. So, the institute can provide vast research training opportunities in many areas, including:

• Epidemiology
• Clinical and translational research
• Infectious diseases surveillance
• Outbreak investigations.

As a program participant, you will access first-class research training in your primary discipline. And you can supplement this with extra workshops, seminars and potential internships. Our key partners in biopharmaceutical-linked industries provide these extra training opportunities. These connections will assist with future employment opportunities, beyond the pure research environment.

When you join the Medical Biology PhD Program, you will work with others who share a passion for research related to medical biology.

You will learn more about:

• Medical biology
• Research management
• Commercialisation of research
• Clinical translation.

The Medical Biology PhD Program is delivered by the Department of Medical Biology at the University of Melbourne. When you join, you will undertake research training at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI).

When you join the Mental Health PhD Program, you’ll feel part of a community. You will work with others who share a passion for discovering new knowledge about mental health. All graduate students from the University of Melbourne working in a mental Health related field are welcome to join any time. We have graduate researchers from a wide range of disciplines spread across at least 15 schools or departments at the University of Melbourne, including:

• Epidemiology and community mental health
• History and philosophy of psychiatry
• Psychiatric nursing
• Social work
• Linguistics

This interdisciplinary PhD program offers PhD candidates in mental health a unified research training experience. It is a joint initiative of the following schools and departments:

• School of Psychological Sciences
• Melbourne School for Population and Global Health,  Centre for Mental Health
• Department of Psychiatry
• The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

The Migration, Statelessness and Refugee Studies PhD Program is delivered by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute at the University of Melbourne.

You will work with others who share a passion for discovering new knowledge in this area. You will engage with researchers from other disciplines across the University. And you will connect with relevant external organisations.

These connections will allow you to:

• Consider your research from the perspective of others
• Develop your research in reference to current real-world challenges
• Enhance your career prospects.

During the program, you will attend masterclasses, workshops and seminars. There will be a focus on ethics and research methods. And you will learn how to communicate your research to diverse audiences.

The Melbourne Neuroscience PhD Program brings together graduate researchers from across disciplines. These researchers share a passion for discovering knowledge in the area of neuroscience. When you join, you will access the best in neuroscience research from across the university.   This is a competitive program that complements your core PhD project. You will receive close mentoring from experts in the field of neuroscience. And you will benefit from a broad range of research initiatives.

The Melbourne Neuroscience PhD Program will help you to:

• Connect with other researchers from across the University
• Build relationships with relevant external organisations
• Develop your career path after graduation
• Consider your research topic from different perspectives
• Contribute to the discovery of new knowledge
• Expand your professional and personal networks
• Learn how to engage with industry.

All graduate students from the University of Melbourne working in a Neuroscience related field are welcome to join any time, even if it is not their primary discipline. We have graduate researchers from a wide range of disciplines spread over 20+ schools/departments at the University of Melbourne, including:

• Anatomy and Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medicine and Radiology
• School of Population and Global Health
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Royal Melbourne hospital

The Population and Global Health Graduate Research Program provides an engaging and practical skills-based training environment and cohort experience for graduate researchers.

The program enables you to maximise the value of your graduate research experience. It also helps you to make informed choices about your future career path.

It will focus on:

• Public health
• Health policy
• Epidemiology and biostatistics.

First published on 22 February 2022.

Keep reading

Where your research can take you.

Your degree will prepare you for an academic career in research, but it can also lead to roles in the private sector, small business, government or not-for-profit organisations.

Explore research areas

Discover your graduate research options at the University of Melbourne.

International PhD opportunities

Discover the fully funded Joint PhD opportunities that are currently available with universities and research institutions around the world.

Get in touch to learn more about collaborating with the University of Melbourne.

PhD (Computer Science)

• RMIT Europe
• RMIT Global
• RMIT Vietnam
• Study online
• Courses by study area
• Undergraduate courses
• Postgraduate courses
• Vocational studies
• Pre-university studies
• Online courses and degrees
• Entry pathways
• Single courses
• Short courses and microcredentials
• Courses for international students
• How to apply
• Scholarships
• School leaver information
• Student services
• Student experience
• Frequently asked questions
• Career advisers
• Study experience
• Student life
• Support for students
• Global opportunities
• Industry connections
• Our strategy
• Governance & management
• Schools & colleges
• Respect for Australian Indigenous cultures
• Our locations and facilities
• Our heritage
• Our research
• Partnerships
• Find RMIT researchers
• Centres and collaborations
• Research degrees
• Recruit students and graduates
• Workforce development
• Collaborate with RMIT
• Research partnerships
• Facilities, equipment and services
• Contact Industry Engagement
• Giving to RMIT
• Study in Australia
• International student enquiries
• Fees and scholarships for international students
• International student services
• Key dates for international students

Use your advanced research skills to contribute to the growth of computer science. 

You're viewing program information for local students.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

Asylum seekers who reside in Australia and study onshore are required to pay international onshore tuition fees for higher education courses.

If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not a local student?

You're viewing program information for international students..

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or  hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not an international student?

Not applicable

Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$36,480 (2024 annual)

As a computer science research candidate, you have the flexibility to pursue an individual topic, or contribute to one of our existing research areas.

You will join an active research community, working with academics, peers and partner organisations who have demonstrated research success in a range of specialities, including:

• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• data science and analysis 
• distributed systems and networking
• heuristic optimisation
• information retrieval and web search 
• software engineering.

RMIT's success is demonstrated in international university rankings, with computer science and information systems at RMIT ranked #10 in Australia and in the top 200 globally per QS Rankings by Subject 2024, in the top 150 globally for ShanghaiRankings by Subject 2022 and 124th globally (top 150) for 2022 NTU World University Rankings.

The Australian Research Council identified our research in Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing and Information Systems as above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) reports.

Research collaborations

There are many research collaborations with national and international institutes, centres, groups and partners, including strategic partnerships with:

• RMIT Data Analytics Lab
• Australian-India Research Centre for Automation Software Engineering (AICAUSE).

Research support

Throughout your candidature, you will be supported through:

• expert supervision
• participation in high-quality professional development programs delivered by RMIT's School of Graduate Research
• access to RMIT's extensive facilities, laboratories and equipment and those of our partners.

Computer science candidates may be eligible for a range of scholarships including:

• Australian Postgraduate Awards – funded by the Australian Government
• PhD and Research Masters Scholarships – funded by RMIT University
• PhD scholarships in computer science and IT – funded by the School of Science
• other postgraduate research scholarships.

How you will learn

Research at rmit, time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Computer science and information technology projects are heavily based on industry needs and we are currently working with:

• Australia Council for the Arts
• Deloitte Digital
• RealThing Entertainment Pty Ltd

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

You are required to complete:

Research Integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research Techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university, be employed in senior leadership, management and research positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories, or work in or start high tech companies.

On completion, our candidates have gone on to senior positions with industry leaders including SENSIS, Seek, CSIRO and Tinder.

Minimum requirements for admission

Prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year;  or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at  RMIT English Worldwide .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$151,680.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

• Find a project

Course saved!

You can compare up to courses.

You can compare more courses.

View comparison dashboard

Compare limit reached!

To save more courses you will need to unsave some courses in your dashboard.

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

• Levels of study
• Applying to RMIT
• International students
• Careers advisers
• Find research
• Research contacts
• Staff development and training
• Facilities and equipment services
• Governance and management
• Sustainability
• Schools and colleges
• Copyright © 2024 RMIT University |
• Accessibility |
• Website feedback |
• Complaints |
• ABN 49 781 030 034 |
• CRICOS provider number: 00122A |
• TEQSA provider number: PRV12145 |
• RTO Code: 3046 |
• Open Universities Australia

Study Abroad 365

• United Kingdom
• Free Tuition
• Low Tuition
• Medical School
• Write a Guest Post
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy policy

7 Australian Universities That Offers PhD in Data Science

Obtaining a PhD in Data Science helps deepen your knowledge in the field that is undoubtedly producing the greatest number of lucrative jobs in the world presently. Some of the best universities in the world are located in Australia, making it an ideal place to get your PhD in data science.

Now, let’s look at seven best universities in Australia that offer a PhD degree in Data Science.

Australian Universities Offering PhD in Data Science

University of melbourne.

University of Melbourne (UniMelb), was founded in 1853 and has its primary campus at the Melbourne suburb of Parkville, with its other campuses situated across the state of Victoria. The 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings rated University of Melbourne as the best university in the country and 32 nd  in the world.

READ ALSO:  Top 8 Institutions in Delhi to Study Data Science

The school has a student population of over 50,000, with 36 percent from outside Australia. Multiple Nobel laureates and Australian PMs have graduated from UniMelb.

Students can obtain a PhD in Data Science from this university. The program, which takes place at the Parkville campus, is a 4-year duration for a full-time student and eight years for a part-time student. It doesn’t involve any necessary coursework, only requested by the students.

University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) was established in 1909 with its main campus, a 281 acres of land at St Lucia, Queensland lying on the bank of Brisbane River. The student population at University of Queensland is over 53,000, with about 18,000 being international students.

Queensland University also offers a PhD degree in Data Science with School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) of the university. The program is only available in full-time format and takes a duration of 3-4 years. All through the program, the work of student is managed by two or more supervisors.

3. Monash University

Monash University, a public research institution, always rank among the top 100 universities in the world. Monash University was established in the year 1958, and presently has a student population north of 78,000.

READ ALSO:  Top 10 Courses to Study in Australia for Getting Jobs

The university has two large campuses in Melbourne, at the suburbs of Clayton and Caulfield, while others lie across the state of Victoria.

Students can study to obtain a PhD in Data Science in Australia by coming up with a research problem that lies within the field that gets approved by the Faculty of Information Technology. A supervisory team that consists of at least two supervisors will support a student all through the program. Students will carry out a set of necessary coursework that covers advanced training in IT research methods. The course takes a duration of four years in full-time format and eight years for part-time students.

4. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney was founded in 1850, making it the oldest university in Australia. QS World Rankings ranks the University of Sydney first in the Land Down Under and fifth globally for graduate employability. The school’s main campus occupies around 178 acres of land in the inner-west Sydney suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington.

University of Sydney has a student population of over 61,000. This prestigious university is the alma mater of two Nobel laureates and seven Aussie prime ministers.

Students can obtain a PhD degree in Data Science in the University’s Faculty of Engineering by presenting a thesis that is an original contribution to the field of Data Science. Data Science students will have access to two research centers:

• Centre for Distributed and High-Performance Computing and
• UBTECH Sydney Artificial Intelligence Centre.

The PhD program in Australia is available in only full-time study and takes a duration of three years.

5. RMIT University

RMIT University started as a night school in 1887 and attained the status of a University in 1992. Presently, this public research university has a student population of about 87,000. According to QS World Rankings, RMIT University is the second in Australia and 15 th  in the whole world for graduate employability.

RMIT University also offers PhD in Data Science and Analytics. PhD students with a subject in the particular research area use the RMIT Data Analytics Lab as their research incubator. The program takes about three to four years to complete full-time format and six to eight years for part-time format.

University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA), a public research university, was established in 1911 as the sixth university in the land of kangaroos. Its main campus is situated at the suburb of Crawley in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The university has two other campuses sited at the Perth suburb of Claremont and at the port city of Albany. The school has a student population north of 24,000.

UWA also provides students with the opportunity to earn a Ph.D. degree in Data Science through an independent, managed research program. The program is commenced after a research topic has been mutually agreed upon by a student, their supervisor, head of the Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and the Board of the Graduate Research School. It is available in both full-time that covers a duration of four years.

University of Technology Sydney

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), was established in 1988. The university has been recognized as one of the top ten young universities in the world by QS World Rankings. Its main campus is located at the Sydney suburb of Ultimo with a student population of about 46,000, with 15,000 of this total being international students.

Students can pursue a PhD degree in Analytics and Data Science at UTS, under the Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation. The degree is carry out fully by thesis, a work in the scope of 80,000 to 100,000 words. The program, which takes four years in full-time study mode and eight in part-time, is arranged in three phases:

• In the first phase, students and their supervisor discuss a study plan that includes details on kinds of support that will be required.
• In the second phase, the students develops their individual program of research.
• In the third phase, the students prepares and submits the thesis.

Bottom line

These are the top seven (7) universities in Australia that offers PhD in Data Science. Most of the schools offers part-time programs, that would allow certain students who are engaged in other tasks not to be left out. Though the tuition fees at these universities weren’t stated, but they are quite affordable for international students who wish to obtain a PhD in Data Science and Analytics.

Article source: uscolleginternational.com,        Image source: meetup.com

You cannot copy content of this page

Are you satisfied with the job search?

Sign up or login to continue

• Receive alerts for relevant job opportunities
• Save opportunities and keep track of your applied jobs
• Follow your favourite employers
• Access free Careers Advice, resources and more!

Featured Data Science and Analytics employers

View jobs calendar

View our career advice

Data Science and Analytics Graduate Jobs and Graduate Programs in Melbourne

1 - 20 of 83 results, sorry, we couldn't find an exact match....

Try these generalist jobs that will accept your application.

Generalist Jobs

Generalist jobs accept a wide range of disciplines including Data Science and Analytics

Graduate Engineers (Electrical/Data Analytics)

Jemena-Zinfra

Sign up or login to apply

Graduate Jobs

Available locations

• Melbourne - Bayside and South Eastern Suburbs
• Melbourne - CBD and Inner Suburbs, AU
• Melbourne - Eastern Suburbs
• Melbourne - Northern Suburbs
• Melbourne - Western Suburbs
• Port Melbourne

Hires applicants with degrees in

• Data Science and Analytics
• Engineering
• Engineering Electrical
• Mathematics

<p>Join Jemena as <strong>Graduate Engineer</strong> starting as soon as possible, to energise your career in Australia's evolving energy sector. Gain hands-on experience in our Network Planning team! </p>

2025 KPMG Graduate Program - Engingeering

Everyone’s career is different, and we support unique growth and pathways. With a range of disciplines and specialities, you can start in one place and go almost anywhere as you build your career with KPMG.

2025 KPMG Graduate Program - Technology and Digital

• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Information Systems
• Information Technology

2023 Technical Consultant Graduate Program

• Engineering Software
• Project Management
• Telecommunications

Take advantage of FDM’s 30+ years helping thousands of graduates globally to obtain the skills, guidance & support to fast-track their career development. No STEM degree required – we provide fully funded training, support & invaluable real world commercial experience to set you up for success!

2025 EY Graduate Data and Analytics Program

• Banking and Finance
• Business and Commerce

Join us full-time as an accounting graduate and let's shape your bright future together. We're committed to nurturing your career with continuous support, learning opportunities, and dynamic experiences.

Cyber Consulting Graduate Program - mid to late 2024 start

Accepts International

Calling all Cybersecurity grads. Come and join Australia's leading graduate program and let us help you get the future you want! Mid to late 2024 Commencement!

Digital and Strategy Consulting Graduate Program - mid/late 2024 start

Calling all strategists and big thinkers with a passion for helping businesses grow. Come and join Australia's leading grad program and let us help you get the future you want!

Data & Analytics Consulting Graduate Program - mid to late 2024 start

Are you ready to apply your knowledge, studies and background to exciting new challenges? From learning to leadership, this is your chance to take your career to the next level. Search and apply for the Capgemini graduate program today and get the future you want.

Information Technology Graduate Program 2025

Applications are now open for our Information Technology Graduate Program. As a graduate you could be involved in cyber security, business applications, web infrastructure, supercomputing, networks and more.

2025 DXC Graduate Program Australia - Technical Pathways

DXC Technology

PLEASE NOTE Applications have officially closed as of 8 April 2024. You can still apply after this point in time as we will hold onto your application for consideration.

Expression of Interest - Suncorp 2025 Graduate Program

• Agriculture
• Arts and Humanities
• Communications
• Customer Service
• Human Resources
• Psychology, Counselling and Social Work
• Recruitment

Please note, completion of this form is not an application for either our Graduate program. The sole purpose of this form is to capture your interest in being alerted by us when applications open (early August 2024).

2025 ANZ Plus Graduate Program

• Engineering Aerospace/Aeronautical
• Engineering Environmental
• Engineering Geotechnical
• Marketing and Sales
• Media and Advertising
• Research and Development

There’s something special about being part of ANZ. From the moment you join us, you’re part of a team working towards a common goal: improving the financial wellbeing and sustainability of our millions of customers - and that’s big. Join our ANZ Plus Graduate Program now!

2025 ANZ Australia Retail Graduate Program

• Administration
• Funds Management
• Investment Banking

There’s something special about being part of ANZ. From the moment you join us, you’re part of a team working towards a common goal: improving the financial wellbeing and sustainability of our millions of customers - and that’s big. Join our Australia Retail Graduate Program now!

2025 Kmart Graduate Program - Expression of Interest

• Exercise Physiology
• Health Policy, Promotion and Administration
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Pharmacy and Pharmacology
• Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Radiography and Medical Imaging
• Speech Pathology

Register your interest now for our 2025 Kmart Graduate Program!

Property and Services Graduate Program 2025

• Regional Victoria
• Environment

Applications are now open for our Property and Services Graduate Program. Your graduate experience rotations could involve our many property projects for our national facilities and security requirements.

People, Process & Analysis Consulting Graduate Program - mid to late 2024 start

Calling all grads with a knack for people and engagement. We invite you to come and join Australia's leading grad program and let us help you get the future you want!

Mars 2025 Graduate Program - Expression of Interest

Mars Australia

• Regional New South Wales
• Construction
• Engineering Mechanical
• Engineering Petroleum
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods
• Food Technology
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Medical and Biomedical Science
• Procurement

Are you a future Martian? Register your interest in the Mars 2025 Graduate Program!

2025 DXC Graduate Program Australia - Business Pathways

2025 ANZ Australia Commercial Graduate Program

• Actuarial Studies

There’s something special about being part of ANZ. From the moment you join us, you’re part of a team working towards a common goal: improving the financial wellbeing and sustainability of our millions of customers - and that’s big. Join our Australia Commercial Graduate Program now!

2025 ANZ Graduate Program (First Nations Applications only)

There’s something special about being part of ANZ. From the moment you join us, you’re part of a team working towards a common goal: improving the financial wellbeing and sustainability of our millions of customers - and that’s big.

There is no Jobs Guide for this search.

Too many applications, too little time?

Simplify things with our handy template for tracking jobs

Related Searches

• Business and Commerce Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 74 )
• Computer Science Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 59 )
• Engineering Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 58 )
• Information Technology Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 56 )
• Banking and Finance Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 48 )
• Business and Commerce Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 48 )
• Information Systems Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 46 )
• Accounting Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 44 )
• Engineering - Software Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 40 )
• Mathematics Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 40 )
• Economics Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 39 )
• Business and Commerce Graduate Jobs in Canberra  ( 38 )
• Banking and Finance Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 36 )
• Management Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 36 )
• Business and Commerce Graduate Jobs in Perth  ( 35 )
• Consulting Graduate Jobs in Sydney  ( 32 )
• Information Technology Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 31 )
• Computer Science Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 30 )
• Accounting Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 30 )
• Engineering Graduate Jobs in Brisbane  ( 30 )

Enter an employer or university you want to find in our search bar.

More from Swinburne University

• Giving to Swinburne
• Student login
• Staff login
• Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Built Environment and Architecture
• Engineering
• Film and Television
• Games and Animation
• Information Technology
• Media and Communication
• Trades and Apprenticeships
• Study online
• Transition to university from VCE
• Direct entry into university
• Returning to study
• Vocational Education and Training at Swinburne
• Early Entry Program
• University entry requirements
• Transferring to Swinburne
• Recognition of prior learning in the workplace
• Study Abroad in Melbourne
• Study support for indigenous students
• Guaranteed pathways from TAFE
• Short courses
• University certificates
• Pre-apprenticeships
• Apprenticeships
• Associate degrees
• Bachelor degrees
• Double degrees
• Certificates
• Traineeships
• Trade short courses
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master degrees
• Graduate diploma courses
• Graduate certificate courses
• Studying outside of Australia
• Study on campus
• Loans and discounts for local students
• Fees for international students
• Fees for local students
• Student Services and Amenities Fee
• Scholarship conditions
• Scholarships for international students
• How to apply as a local student
• How to apply for a research degree
• How to apply as an international student
• Apply as an asylum seeker or refugee
• How to enrol
• Understanding your university offer
• Course planner
• Setting up your class timetable
• Enrol as a PhD or master degree student
• Why study in Australia?
• Plan your arrival in Melbourne
• Arriving in Melbourne
• Things to do in Melbourne
• Getting around Melbourne
• Money, living costs and banking in Australia
• International student stories
• Student email, password and Wi-Fi access
• Your student ID card and Swinburne login
• Student discounts and concessions
• Special consideration and extensions
• Accommodation
• Study and learning support
• Health and wellbeing
• Support for international students
• Independent advocacy for service
• Indigenous student services
• Financial support and advice
• AccessAbility services
• Legal advice for students
• Spiritual Wellbeing
• Assault reporting and help
• Asylum seeker and refugee support
• Care leaver support
• LGBTIQ+ community support
• Childcare for the Swinburne community
• Industry-linked projects
• Internships
• Student stories
• Professional Degrees
• Industry study tours
• Get paid to podcast
• Real industry experience stories
• Overseas exchange
• Overseas study tours
• Overseas internships
• Students currently overseas
• Improve your employability
• Career services
• Professional Purpose program
• Partner Stories
• Hosting students with disabilities
• Work with our accreditation placement students
• Benefits of working with our students
• Apprenticeships and traineeships
• Workshops, events and outreach programs
• Work experience
• Knox Innovation, Opportunity and Sustainability Centre
• Australian Synchrotron Science Education
• PrimeSCI! science education
• Student projects
• Meet our facilitators
• Meet our consultants
• Meet our leadership and management teams
• Learning design and innovation
• Hybrid working solutions
• Training needs analysis
• Why partner with Swinburne
• 4 simple steps to setting up a partnership
• Achievements and success stories
• Research engagement
• Facilities and equipment
• Achievements and recognition
• Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute
• Social Innovation Research Institute
• Space Technology and Industry Institute
• Innovative Planet Research Institute
• Research centres, groups and clinics
• Platforms and initiatives
• Indigenous research projects
• Animal research
• Biosafety and Defence
• Data management
• Funding from tobacco companies
• Human research
• Intellectual property

Data Science

Data science isn’t just about crunching numbers — it’s finding insights that solve real-world problems. Data scientists interpret the information we have, and use it to create new opportunities, to solve complex problems — and even predict the future.

Our data science degree will teach you how to collect different types of data (including metadata) and how to use the latest tools to store, process, extract, visualise and find insights within it. You’ll also learn how to turn insights into decisions, and how artificial intelligence is changing how we see the world.

With data playing such a critical role in modern society, learning data science gives you the skills you’ll need to work in a range of fields — from marketing, to mining and beyond. 

Better still, with our data science course under your belt, you’ll have the skills to not only solve problems with data — but to see them before they even happen. Browse our courses to find detailed course information, application dates, entry requirements, fees, subjects,  ATAR calculator  and more. 

Browse our Data Science courses

• Student News

Donor scholarship sets student on cyber security path

Swinburne University of Technology have announced the inaugural recipient of the Adrian Di Marco Women in Software Development Scholarship, offered by TechnologyOne.  The scholarship recipient is Teisha Damman, who is studying a Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology.

Swinburne is leading the way in multi-cloud architecture education

Swinburne is rolling out a new course to handle the emergence of multi-cloud digital systems in workplace organisations, giving our students the latest expertise in the modern workplace to ensure job readiness.

Related Information Technology courses

Business analysis, computer science, data analytics, data management, software development, software technology.

Language Technologies Institute

School of computer science.

Master of Computational Data Science

The Master of Computational Data Science (MCDS) program focuses on engineering and deploying large-scale information systems, and includes concentrations in Systems, Analytics, and Human-Centered Data Science.

Requirements

The MCDS program offers three majors: Systems, Analytics, and Human-Centered Data Science. All three require the same total number of course credits, split among required core courses, electives, data science seminar and capstone courses specifically defined for each major. The degree can also be earned in two different ways, depending on the length of time you spend working on it. Regardless of the timing option, all MCDS students must complete a minimum of 144 units to graduate.

Here are the options:

• Standard Timing — a 16-month degree consisting of study for fall and spring semesters, a summer internship, and fall semester of study. Each semester comprises a minimum of 48 units. This timing is typical for most students. Students graduate in December.
• Extended Timing — a 20-month degree consisting of study for fall and spring semesters, a summer internship, and a second year of fall and spring study. Each semester comprises a minimum of 36 units. Students graduate in May.

Core Curriculum

All MCDS students must complete 144 units of graduate study which satisfy the following curriculum:

• Five (5) MCDS Core Courses (63 units)
• Three courses (3) from one area of concentration curriculum (36 units)
• Three (3) MCDS Capstone courses (11-635, 11-634 and 11-632) (36 units)
• One (1) Electives: any graduate level course 600 and above in the School of Computer Science (12 units)

Area of Concentration

• During the first two semesters in the program, all students take a set of five (5) required core courses: 11-637 Fundamentals of Computational Data Science, 15-619 Cloud Computing, 10-601 Machine Learning, 05-839 Interactive Data Science, and 11-631 Data Science Seminar.
• By the end of the first semester, all students must select at least one area of concentration — Systems, Analytics, or Human-Centered Data Science — which governs the courses taken after the first semester.
• To maximize your chances of success in the program, you should consider which concentration area(s) you are best prepared for, based on your educational background, work experience, and  areas of interest as described in your Statement of Purpose.
• You are strongly encouraged to review the detailed curriculum requirements for each concentration area, in order to determine the best fit given your preparation and background.

For a complete overview of the MCDS requirements read the  MCDS Handbook .

To earn an MCDS degree, students must pass courses in the core curriculum, the MCDS seminar, a concentration area, and electives. Students must also complete a capstone project in which they work on a research project at CMU or on an industry-sponsored project.

In total, students must complete 144 eligible units of study, including eight 12-unit courses, two 12-unit seminar courses, and one 24-unit capstone course. Students must choose at minimum five core courses. The remainder of the 12-unit courses with course numbers 600 or greater can be electives chosen from the SCS course catalog. Any additional non-prerequisite units taken beyond the 144 units are also considered electives.

Students who plan to select the Systems concentration may wish to enroll in 15-513 “Introduction to Computing Systems” during the summer session preceding their enrollment in the program; this course is a prerequisite for many advanced Systems courses, so it should be completed during Summer if you wish to enroll in advanced Systems courses in the Fall.

Click here   to see the MCDS Course Map.

Some example courses of study are included below.

Example 1: Analytics Major, 16 Months

Example 2: Systems Major, 16 Months

Example 3: Human-Centered Data Science Major, 16 Months

Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science has a centralized  online application process . Applications and all supporting documentation for fall admission to any of the LTI's graduate programs must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed. Information about the Fall 2025 admissions cycle will be available in summer 2024.

Application Deadlines

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in cases of financial hardship, or for participants in select "pipeline" programs. For more information, please refer to the  School of Computer Science Fee Waiver page .

The School of Computer Science requires the following for all applications:

• A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• GRE scores: These must be less than five years old. Our Institution Code is 2074; Department Code is 0402. (This requirement is waived for CMU undergrads.)
• The GRE At Home test is accepted but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible.
• Unofficial transcripts from each university you have attended, regardless of whether you received your degree there.
• Current resume.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation
• A short (1-3 minutes) video of yourself. Tell us about you and why you are interested in the MCDS program. This is not a required part of the application process, but it is STRONGLY suggested.  
• Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proof of English Language Proficiency: If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you (native language…meaning spoken at home and from birth), we are required to formally evaluate your English proficiency. We require applicants who will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and for whom English is not a native language, to demonstrate English proficiency via one of these standardized tests: TOEFL (preferred), IELTS, or Duolingo. We discourage the use of the "TOEFL ITP Plus for China," since speaking is not scored.

We do not issue waivers for non-native speakers of English. In particular, we do not issue waivers based on previous study at a U.S. high school, college, or university. We also do not issue waivers based on previous study at an English-language high school, college, or university outside of the United States. No amount of educational experience in English, regardless of which country it occurred in, will result in a test waiver.

Applicants applying to MCDS are required to submit scores from an English proficiency exam taken within the last two years. Scores taken before Sept. 1, 2021, will not be accepted regardless of whether you have previously studied in the U.S. For more information about their English proficiency score policies, visit the  MCDS  admission website.  Successful applicants will have a minimum TOEFL score of 100, IELTS score of 7.5, or DuoLingo score of 120. Our Institution Code is 4256; the Department Code is 78. Additional details about English proficiency requirements are provided on the  FAQ  page. 

Applications which do not meet  all  of these requirements by the application deadline (see above) will not be reviewed.

For more details on these requirements, please see the  SCS Master's Admissions page.

In addition to the SCS guidelines, the LTI requires:

• Any outside funding you are receiving must be accompanied by an official award letter.

No incomplete applications will be eligible for consideration.

For specific application/admissions questions, please contact  Jennifer Lucas  or Caitlin Korpus .

Program Contact

For more information about the MCDS program, contact Jennifer Lucas or Caitlin Korpus

Jennifer Lucas

Caitlin korpus, online graduate certificate program, program handbook.

Personalise your experience

Graduate Research

Doctor of Philosophy - Science

• Course code:   DR-PHILSCI

Course overview

Join one of our world-renowned research groups, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and soak up all the professional development opportunities and international connections that come with studying at Australia's leading university.

With many research disciplines to choose from (Ecosystem Sciences, BioSciences, Chemistry, Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics and Physics), and more than 500 academic researchers to work with, you’re sure to find a team and a PhD project that will suit you.

Global opportunities

In addition to our own leading PhD program, we also offer several joint PhD opportunities, where you can conduct your research at both the University of Melbourne and a  top research institution overseas .

Industry connections

To prepare you for your post-PhD career, you can take advantage of the time between submitting your thesis and it being conferred by completing a 3–6 month industry placement through our Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists .

Not just a researcher

The Melbourne experience enables our graduates to become specialists within their field, leaders in communities, attuned to cultural diversity, and active global citizens.

Related study areas

• Agricultural and veterinary sciences
• Agricultural sciences
• Bioinformatics
• Biological sciences
• Biomedical sciences
• Computer science
• Conservation
• Data and analytics
• Data science
• Earth and environmental sciences
• Engineering
• Environment
• Environmental engineering
• Environmental law, policy and sustainability
• Food science
• Health sciences
• Information systems
• Information technology and computer science
• Mathematics and statistics
• Veterinary science