Facts & figures
News_
Which degree is right for me: data science or digital health?
Find out which course suits your needs
Learn how our Master of Data Science compares to our Master of Digital Health and Data Science.
As we live and work in an increasingly data-driven world, data science skills are highly valued across a broad range of industries. Our Master of Data Science allows you to explore the latest in data mining, machine learning and data visualisation to meet growing industry needs.
Meanwhile, healthcare is undergoing a major digital transformation. In recent years the industry has become more reliant on digital health solutions and data, including remote patient monitoring, telehealth capabilities, tracking vaccine sentiments, and modelling infection rates to make critical public health decisions.
In response, the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Medicine and Health have launched the Master of Digital Health and Data Science: a multidisciplinary course that prepares you to manage data-driven technologies in healthcare.
But which course is right for you? Below, we break down the differences between our Master of Data Science and Master of Digital Health and Data Science to help you choose your path.
What skills will I gain?
Our Master of Data Science will develop your analytical and technical skills to use data science to guide strategic decisions. You’ll explore the latest in data mining, machine learning and data visualisation, and learn to communicate data insights to key stakeholders.
You will study principles of data science, machine learning, data mining, visual analytics, and computational statistical methods, and can further enhance your knowledge in areas such as AI or data science for business.
In our Master of Digital Health and Data Science, you’ll work with academics from both the School of Computer Science in the Faculty of Engineering, and the Faculty of Medicine and Health.
You’ll study tailored content which focuses on the needs and expectations of the health industry, and have the opportunity to apply your skills through capstone projects that offer ‘real health data’ problems.
Topics you'll cover include how to analyse health data and use it to aid preventative care, the role of AI in diagnosing and improving patient outcomes, and what the design process looks like in a healthcare setting.
What are the career outcomes?
Our Master of Data Science equips graduates to operate as a data scientist across a wide range of industries. Possible careers include becoming a data scientist for hire, building intelligent data-driven systems in an existing area of expertise (e.g. mining analyst), or improving scientific research through training in data management, analysis, and modelling.
Our Master of Digital Health and Data Science prepares you for a career in the health industry. You could take up data scientist and solutions architect roles, or digital health consultant positions in hospitals, healthcare departments, and consulting firms. Alternatively, you could work in the private sector with the opportunity to work directly on healthcare solutions, devices, and analytics platforms to advance the modern health industry.
What are the entry requirements?
The Master of Data Science is a specialist program suited to those with a strong mathematical or quantitative background, and assumes some background in programming and data management. To study our Master of Data Science you will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s degree in a quantitative discipline.
Graduates from a broader range of disciplines can apply for our Master of Digital Health and Data Science. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree with honours, or a bachelor’s degree along with two years of relevant work experience in fields such as data science, engineering, economics, health sciences or medical sciences, you could be eligible to apply.
Making your decision
Both courses offer specialised knowledge, opportunities to learn from leading academics, and the chance to work with industry on real life projects. The decision should come down to what you enjoy and where you would like your career to go.
We recommend you review the course pages for both our Master of Data Science and our Master of Digital Health Science for more information. If you have further questions, or need more information to make your choice, we encourage you to submit an enquiry.
If you’re ready to start your application, the following resources and guides are available to prospective students:
20 October 2021