Online Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership

Online Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership

POSTGRADUATE

Lead data-driven teams through the strategic use of machine learning and AI.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
12 courses (2 years part-time)*
16 courses (2.7 years part-time)
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
January, March, May, July, September, October
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
12 courses (2 years part-time)*
16 courses (2.7 years part-time)
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
January, March, May, July, September, October
Location:
Online

Overview

Designed for professionals wanting to be senior leaders of organisations that are, or need to be, shaped by data science and transformed for the future.

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Lead people and strategy and deliver on the promise of data science

Big data is driving the demand for a new type of business leader who can be the critical link between data science and organisational strategy.

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Become the data science leader industry needs

This course will give you the in-demand data science skills that can be applied across key business functions as well as the strategy and leadership skills to engage, communicate and influence at an executive level.

Deliver organisational value

Develop the strategic and leadership skills to deliver on the promise of data science

Designed with industry, for industry

Gain relevant and in-demand knowledge from industry and academic leaders

Be an in-demand leader, sooner

Get the skills industry needs by graduating with masters in under two years

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What you will study

Develop the capabilities and competencies required to be a senior leader of data science and analytics teams and drive organisational strategy shaped by data science, machine learning and AI. Study a combination of contemporary courses that develop technical, strategic and leadership skills.

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Your online experience

The 100% online degree delivers a convenient online program without the requirement for on-campus attendance and commitments. All lecture material and content is delivered directly to you, wherever you are.

Australian student visas

RMIT's online Master does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.

Details

Why the RMIT Online Master of Data Strategy Science Strategy and Leadership?

RMIT Online’s Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership has been designed to provide a pathway for you to be a C-suite leader in organisations that are, or need to be, transformed by data science, machine learning and AI. It will help you to:

  • Understand how to assess, select and leverage the potential of data science and technology across sectors and industries
  • Solve business issues with Data Science, Machine Learning and AI
  • Ensure ethical data management & accurate data outcomes
  • Better lead DSA teams or analytics centred function such as finance, marketing, tech, ops, and partner up, down and across organisations
  • Use enhanced communication skills to engage key stakeholders
  • Gain credibility across business functions to drive change.
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The online program comprises eight core courses, and four elective courses picked from one or multiple concentration areas.

The 100% online, accelerated program means your learning – and graduation – is fast-tracked and focused. You can enrol in any one of our six, seven-week teaching periods each year.

You can view online resources and learning activities, access course materials via Canvas, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account anywhere, anytime.

Our online learning platform is purpose-built and brings authenticity to your learning experience, available using your laptop, tablet or smartphone. Coursework is delivered in an engaging way and easy to follow.

You will also have access to discussion boards, online forums, electronic assignment submission, the library and business journals.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the teaching period and includes essays, reports, presentations, case studies, quizzes and research projects. 

Designed with industry, for industry

The Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership has been designed by experienced academics in collaboration with leading DSA practitioners and companies. You’ll be learning best practice and industry standards from data science professionals, using real-world case studies, examples and problems.

The program has been validated and tooled with industry partners such as Tableau. It has been co-designed with industry leaders in the intersection of data science and organisational strategy including:

  • Felipe Flores, Founder of Data Futurology, ex-Head of Data Science at ANZ
  • Andrew Wilson-Ann, Consultant, ex-Head of Business Initiatives at ANZ
  • Stephen Duckett, Director of Health Program at the Grattan Institute
  • Simon Dunstall, CSIRO Research Program Director

  • 12 courses (2 years part-time)*
  • 16 courses (2.7 years part-time).

*If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 12 course masters, you may have the opportunity to enrol in a 16 course masters. Please see admissions section below. 

The RMIT Online Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership program consists of:

  • 12 core courses (12 course masters)
  • 12 core courses + 4 electives (16 course masters).

For more information about these courses, see Study Online.

Career

RMIT’s Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership has been designed by industry experts to enhance your credibility amongst data scientists and with business leaders.

In addition to future-proofing your data science practices, you’ll develop the soft skills to lead and influence in this age of digital disruption. 

Some positions to move into after studying this qualification include: 

  • Head of Digital, Data and Technology
  • Data Science and Analytics Director
  • Chief Technical Officer
  • Chief Marketing Officer
  • Head of Customer Insights
  • Marketing Data Analyst
  • Data Consultant
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Manager.

 

Entry requirements and admissions

12 course Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership 

  •  An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification in a business, information technology or engineering discipline from a recognised tertiary institution*

    OR

  • An Australian bachelors degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0)* plus a minimum of two years relevant work experience

    OR

  • The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Data Science**.

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. 

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 12 course masters, you may have the opportunity to enrol in a 16 course masters.

16 course Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership 

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

**Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you will have the opportunity to progress to the masters degree.

12 course Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership 

  •  An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification in a business, information technology or engineering discipline from a recognised tertiary institution*

    OR

  • An Australian bachelors degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 1.0 (out of 4.0)* plus a minimum of two years relevant work experience

    OR

  • The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Data Science**.

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. 

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 12 course masters, you may have the opportunity to enrol in a 16 course masters.

16 course Master of Data Science Strategy and Leadership 

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

**Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you will have the opportunity to progress to the masters degree.

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 at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

The Graduate Certificate of Data Science is also a pathway to the Master of Data Science, Strategy and Leadership for some students (see entry requirements).

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications* with a major in a business or related discipline, or an unrelated discipline with two years relevant work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows: 

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Master degree (AQF level 9) Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

The Graduate Certificate of Data Science is also a pathway to the Master of Data Science, Strategy and Leadership for some students (see entry requirements).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

Fees

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2025 tuition fees:

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (annual).

Fees apply to 2025 only.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF) based on your enrolment load, which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. Eligible local students can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer payment of their SSAF.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a program.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

Expand all sections

2025 tuition fees:

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (annual).

Fees apply to 2025 only.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF) based on your enrolment load, which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. Eligible local students can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer payment of their SSAF.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

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.

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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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

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.

More information