Health Data Science University of New South Wales

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with the Master of Science in Health Data Science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), the first of its kind in Australasia. This pioneering programme is tailored for professionals eager to lead advancements in healthcare through data science. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover the entire data science pipeline, equipping students with the skills needed to tackle real-world health problems.

UNSW is a leader in health data education, with its Medicine & Health faculty ranked #54 globally for life sciences and medicine according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2025. The programme is offered by the Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH), Australia's foremost institute in health big data, ensuring that students learn from experts in the field. This collaborative environment fosters a dynamic learning experience, where students engage in discussions and workshops that enhance their understanding and application of health data science.

The tuition fees for the Master of Science in Health Data Science are structured as follows:

• Domestic students: AUD 9,500 per year
• International students: AUD 49,000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

The programme comprises core courses, research components, and prescribed electives, totalling 72 units of credit (UOC). The core courses include:

• Context of Health Data Science
• Statistical Foundations for Health Data Science
• Management and Curation of Health Data
• Health Data Analytics: Machine Learning I
• Health Data Analytics: Statistical Modelling I
• Health Data Analytics: Statistical Modelling II
• Visualisation and Communication of Health Data

Students also select one of the following:

• Principles of Programming
• Computing for Health Data Science

Additionally, students will engage in research courses, culminating in a dissertation or capstone project, allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

The Master of Science in Health Data Science positions graduates for influential roles in a rapidly growing field. With data increasingly central to healthcare decision-making, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can manage complex datasets and derive actionable insights. Potential career paths include:

• Chief Data Officer or Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• Clinical Informatics Lead
• Director of Health Analytics
• Policy Director or Health Strategy Advisor
• Research Fellow or Academic
• Senior Data Scientist or Consultant

Graduates can expect competitive salaries, with chief information officers earning approximately AUD 225,000 annually and data scientists around AUD 120,000, reflecting the programme's capacity to enhance career mobility and leadership opportunities in the health sector.