The first degree of its kind in Australasia
This degree will enable you to become a hi-tech data specialist with the relevant skills to take you to the forefront of this fast-paced industry.
The Bachelor of Information Sciences (Data Science) gives you the skills to fill the rapidly growing number of jobs in the area of data science and analytics.
You’ll learn how to make sense of complexities so others can understand them and how to apply computing to data-oriented challenges. You may have an interest in commerce, government, natural and social sciences. You can learn how to apply technology to drive potentially world-changing innovation, decision-making and research in those fields.
Data Science brings together some of the most interesting aspects of computer science, IT and statistics in order to make a unique, custom-designed and relevant specialisation for the current job market.
LinkedIn’s 2020 Emerging Jobs Report lists Data Scientist and Artificial Intelligence Specilists as being the top three professions for the last three years. This trend is likely to continue throughout the disruptions in the job market and economic uncertainties.
Data scientists are in high demand because they:
The skills you learn at Massey University and the qualification you will receive are recognised throughout the world and enable you to work in any industry or government sector.
Some examples of careers that could lead on from this qualification include:
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme, outside of university admission regulations.
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
It is strongly recommended that you have a sound background in mathematics at NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent).
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
Core courses
Elective courses
Ensure that overall, you also have:
Attend field trips, workshops, tutorials and laboratories as required.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 120 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 158222 | Data Wrangling and Machine Learning | 15 |
| 158333 | Applied Machine Learning and Big Data Processing | 15 |
| 158337 | Database Development | 15 |
| 159201 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 15 |
| 159302 | Artificial Intelligence | 15 |
| 161250 | Data Analysis for Biologists | 15 |
| 161251 | Regression Modelling | 15 |
| 161324 | Data Mining | 15 |
| Between 15 and 30 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 159333 | Programming Project | 15 |
| 247310 | ICT Industry Engagement Project | 30 |
This is a guide. You are advised to check the Courses for this Programme section and the regulations for this programme on this page for the latest information on courses.
First year for a full-time student usually consists of eight courses. Take electives (or courses from other majors) to get the total number of courses to eight. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study. You can change your major up until the start of your second year and it is a good idea to keep your options open by taking courses such that you are ready to move on to several different majors. In the first year of study, you should take the following courses:
See ‘Courses for this programme’ for the required courses at 200-level and 300-level.
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
You may choose a minor from any University undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another undergraduate degree, the regulations of that programme will apply.
If you are not studying towards a Bachelor of Information Sciences (Data Science) and wish to complete a minor in data science see the regulations for the requirements of this minor.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
EROAD has endorsed this degree. EROAD provide an automated solution for Road User Charge purchase and management.
Big data is unlocking a whole new world for businesses by shaping a better understanding of our most valuable commodity - our customers. Those that understand it, make meaning of it and evolve the field of big data further will be the game-changers of the future. We commend Massey University for having the foresight to develop such a valuable course in Data Science which will see graduates play a vital role in the evolving businesses of the future.
Being a leading New Zealand-based big data and data warehousing company, and the global pioneer in data warehouse automation software, WhereScape is excited to see Massey University offer a qualification specialising in data science. This qualification will create significant opportunities for the graduates to build their knowledge and skills working with cutting edge software automation technology, in a dynamic and fast growing industry.
The future of health delivery is precision medicine and personalised healthcare: bringing together all sources of health and social information to tailor care to each individual, while delivering better decision making, health outcomes and efficiencies for providers and communities.
Data science provides the tools and insights for us to create these future solutions, and we commend Massey on building a degree that prepares graduates to make a tangible contribution in our industry."
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Electives are courses that are not compulsory. Certain guidelines are usually provided on courses you may take. Elective courses contribute to the programme, but not to your major or specialisation.
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.