The University Of Auckland Data Science

Data Science is a rapidly growing field. Our graduates have the right foundation to manage and analyse big data, driving innovation in organisations across all industries.

Subject overview

The last decade has seen an explosion in the amount of data available. It has evolved into the most important asset for many companies and people. Big data is ubiquitous, but to extract information, individuals require the ability to both manage and analyse the data. This ability to turn data into information, knowledge and innovative products often separates success from failure.

Data scientists have the skill set to drive innovation and affect the success of start-ups, established businesses and organisations, governments and science projects, as well as media, broadcasting and cultural events.

The Data Science major will provide initial preparation for students wishing to pursue a career in this area. It ties together courses from Computer Science, Statistics and Mathematics to provide the necessary background and training.

The Department of Statistics is the birthplace of the R Project. Founded in 1996 by Associate Professors Robert Gentleman and Ross Ihaka. R is a programming language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is taught around the world and is used by Ivy League universities, Google, Uber, and many more organisations.

Where can Data Science take you?

On the world stage, Data Science is a rapidly growing field with an unmet demand for suitably qualified graduates.

Data analyst
Data scientist
Database administrator
Developer
Information officer
Insight manager
Statistician

Undergraduate study in Data Science

What can you study in Data Science?

You can complete a Bachelor of Science in Data Science in areas such as:

Processing data and managing databases
Bringing together data from disparate sources
Extracting information and value from data
Conducting statistical and predictive modelling
Developing effective critical analysis, communication and reflective skills

Graduates will develop an enthusiasm for ideas, discovery and learning, and intellectual curiosity. You’ll have the opportunity to work independently and contribute to collaborative projects, and become a responsible citizen in a data-rich world.

Meet our students

Watch the video below and hear what two of our students – Alyssa Shi and Hanna Bramanto – have to say about studying undergraduate Data Science.

Structuring your undergraduate programme in Data Science

Bachelor of Science, specialising in Data Science from 2019
Bachelor of Science, majoring in Data Science, for students enrolled prior to 2019

Where can undergraduate study in Data Science take you?

There is currently an unmet demand for graduates in the field of data science. As a Data Science graduate, you will have a range of career opportunities available to you.

Jobs related to Data Science

Data analyst
Data scientist
Database administrator
Developer
Information officer
Insight manager
Statistician

Further study options

Master of Professional Studies

Scholarships and awards

Each year we award scholarships and prizes to thousands of students.

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for, search available scholarships or begin an application by visiting Scholarships and awards.

Help and advice

For further information and advice, please contact the Science Student Centre.

Science Student Centre
Level G, Room G 20
(beside the entrance to the Large Chemistry Lecture Theatre)
Building 301
23 Symonds Street
Auckland 1010

Phone: +64 9 923 7020
Email: [email protected]

Postgraduate study in Data Science

What can you study in Data Science?

There are two different options to consider when choosing your postgraduate qualification in Data Science.

The Master of Professional Studies specialising in Data Science concentrates on the application of data management and data analysis skills to a professional domain, such as business.

The Master of Data Science is an advanced programme and takes the skills learned from your undergraduate degree in Data Science to the next level. You will be taught how to apply state-of-the-art techniques from computer science and statistics to real-world problems.

Both options concentrate on a strong core of Computer Science and Statistics courses. You will have the opportunity to:

Apply techniques from large-scale data management, data mining, machine learning, statistical modelling and statistical analysis to relevant domains
Assemble theories and tools from Computer Science, Statistics and domains of Data Science to create information, knowledge, or innovative products, from data
Critically analyse data, but also assess the appropriateness and limitations of the methods and solutions
Take into account ethical considerations and evaluate the impact of their findings on culture, economy, environment and society
Utilise techniques for visualisation and communication to express and share their findings at a level that is appropriate for the target audience
Manage knowledge and time in Data Science projects

The Department of Statistics is the birthplace of the R Project. Founded in 1996 by Associate Professors Robert Gentleman and Ross Ihaka, R is a programming language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is taught around the world and is used by Ivy League universities, Google, Uber and many more organisations.

Structuring your postgraduate programme in Data Science

Master of Professional Studies in Data Science – 120-point (one-year) taught masters

At least 30 points from:

COMPSCI 751 Advanced Topics in Database Systems
COMPSCI 752 Big Data Management
COMPSCI 753 Uncertainty in Data
COMPSCI 762 Advanced Machine Learning

At least 30 points from:

STATS 762 Special Topic in Regression
STATS 769 Advanced Data Science Practice
STATS 782 Statistical Computing
STATS 784 Statistical Data Mining

Up to 30 points from:

COMPSCI 705 Advanced Topics in Human Computer Interaction
COMPSCI 711 Parallel and Distributed Computing
COMPSCI 720 Advanced Design and Analysis of Algorithms
COMPSCI 732 Software Tools and Techniques
COMPSCI 734 Web, Mobile and Enterprise Computing
COMPSCI 760 Datamining and Machine Learning
INFOSYS 720 Information Systems Research
INFOSYS 722 Data Mining and Big Data
INFOSYS 727 Advanced Information Security
INFOSYS 737 Adaptive Enterprise Systems
INFOSYS 740 System Dynamics and Complex Modelling
OPSMGT 760 Advanced Operations Systems
OPSMGT 762 Quality Management
SCIENT 701 Accounting and Finance for Scientists
SCIENT 702 Marketing for Scientific and Technical Personnel
STATS 707 Computational Introduction to Statistics
STATS 760 A Survey of Modern Applied Statistics
STATS 763 Advanced Regression Methodology
STATS 779 Professional Skills for Statisticians
STATS 783 Simulation and Monte Carlo Methods

30 points:

COMPSCI 791 Dissertation

Master of Data Science – 180-point taught masters

See our Master of Data Science page for information about how to structure the 180-point Taught Masters.

Master of Data Science – 240-point taught masters

From 2020 we will offer a 240-point taught masters option for the Master of Data Science. See our Master of Data Science page for information about how to structure the 240-point taught masters.

Courses

Explore the postgraduate courses you can take for a Data Science specialisation:

Where can postgraduate study in Data Science take you?

Jobs related to Data Science include:

Big data engineer
Business analyst
Data mining
Data scientist
Data steward
Machine learning engineer
Organisational change analyst
Programmer
Software architect
Software developer

Meet our graduate

Nishita Balamuralikrishna completed a Master of Professional Studies in Data Science and is now working as a Data Analyst and Business Intelligence Developer at EROAD. Watch her story below.