Process to move specialisations in the MC-DATASC Program

The Master of Data Science (MC-DATASC) program offers four specialisations. Each specialisation has unique requirements and focuses on different aspects of data science:

  1. Foundational Data Science specialisation;
  2. Statistical Data Science specialisation;
  3. Computational Data Science specialisation; and
  4. Computational and Statistical Data Science specialisation.

The main difference between the specialisations lies in the number and focus of elective subjects. For example, the Statistical Data Science specialisation emphasises statistical subjects. The availability of specialisations depends on the number of foundation subjects you’ve completed before enrolling in the program.

Foundation subjects

Foundation subjects serve as prerequisites for the core subjects in the MC-DATASC program. The foundation subjects are:

It is your responsibility to make sure you take the necessary foundation subjects during your studies to enable you to enrol in the core subjects.

Eligibility for specialisations

Your eligibility for each specialisation depends on how many foundation subjects you’ve completed before commencing the MC-DATASC:

  • If you have completed less than 25 points of foundation subjects, before commencing the MC-DATASC you can enrol in the:
    • Foundational Data Science specialisation;
  • If you have completed 25 points or more but less than 50 points of foundation subjects, before commencing the MC-DATASC you can enrol in the:
    • Foundational Data Science specialisation;
    • Statistical Data Science specialisation; or
    • Computational Data Science specialisation.
  • If you have completed 50 points or more of foundation subjects, before commencing the MC-DATASC you can enrol in the;
    • Foundational Data Science specialisation;
    • Statistical Data Science specialisation;
    • Computational Data Science specialisation; or
    • Computational and Statistical Data Science specialisation.

How to change specialisations

In order to change specialisations, you need to demonstrate to the course coordinators that you have completed the required number of foundation subjects and that you have a course plan that meets the requirements of your chosen specialisation. You can consult our 2025 handbook for more information on these requirements.

To change specialisations:

  1. Complete a course plan demonstrating you meet the requirements of the specialisation. Note this will require you to have completed the required number of foundation subjects before enrolling in the MC-DATASC,
  2. Submit your request to the course coordinators.
    1. Include your proposed course plan
    2. Include any requests for exemptions from foundation subjects (see below)
    3. For requests to move to the Statistical Data Science specialisation contact Statistics Coordinator,  A/Prof Karim Seghouane 
    4. For requests to move to the Computational Data Science specialisation contact the Computer Science Coordinator, Dr Jean Honorio
    5. For requests to move to the Computational and Statistical Data Science specialisation contact both coordinators above.

Troubleshooting foundation subjects

If you believe you’ve completed a foundation subject, but it still appears in your course plan, you should contact the relevant course coordinator for those subjects.

Note that it is your responsibility to ensure that all prerequisites for core subjects are met.

To enquire about :

  • MAST90105 Methods of Mathematical Statistics; or
  • MAST90104 A First Course In Statistical Learning

You should contact the Statistics Coordinator,  A/Prof Karim Seghouane Karim.

To enquire about :

  • COMP90041 Programming and Software Development;
  • COMP90038 Algorithms and Complexity;
  • COMP20008 Elements of Data Processing; or
  • INFO90002 Database Systems & Information Modelling.

You should contact the Computer Science Coordinator, Dr Jean Honorio.