In our rapidly changing world, data is being captured, stored and shared every day. Being able to use and understand the vast amounts of information that we access can lead to better productivity; and efficiency, and is increasingly necessary for effective leadership.
Skills in data science and data management are in hot demand around the world, and graduates will stand out from the crowd with applied skills, technical knowhow, and analytical expertise.
With flexible study options, you can choose as you learn whether you'd like to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Data Science, or progress through to complete a Master of Applied Data Science.
With the Master of Applied Data Science, you'll test your skills through a research project based in industry, giving you a head start into your next career move.
With the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science, you'll gain a broad understanding of the principles of data science, the software tools that can be used to track and describe data trends, as well as analytical capability in a fast-tracked timeframe.
Associate Professor, Director of Teaching | University of Canterbury
Professor, Head of School | University of Canterbury
Senior Lecturer | University of Canterbury
Professor | University of Canterbury
Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact enrolment support for course information, technical help and enrolment support.
The Tuihono UC | UC Online Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science is a fast-tracked programme designed for those with non-technical backgrounds to develop advanced knowledge, skills and competencies in data science.
The Tuihono UC | UC Online Master of Applied Data Science is a taught master's degree to enable you to move into your next career step in Data Science, and is designed for those with non-technical backgrounds.
Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online postgraduate study in Applied Data Science gives you the same quality education as our on-campus programmes, with the flexibility of online learning.
This includes 24/7 learning, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study anywhere, anytime, at your pace.
Aotearoa New Zealand and many other countries are currently experiencing a skills shortage in this area, and the need for data savvy professionals with applied experience is growing.
Graduates will be ready to work in a range of industries including: government, corporates, the IT sector, market research and finance, agriculture, and transport.
Learn more about Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science career opportunities:
Learn more about Master in Applied Data Science career opportunities:
The estimated tuition fees per course based on the 2024 fee schedule:
Total programme investment for the 120-point PGDipADS based on the 2024 fee schedule:
Total programme investment per year for the 180-point MADS based on the 2024 fee schedule:
*Fee estimates are based on the 2024 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $1.83 per academic point in 2024. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
The PGDipADS can be completed part-time over 2 years, and must be completed within four years.
The MADS can be completed part-time over 2 and a half years, and must be completed within three years.
Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and Tuihono UC’s programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as our on-campus programmes.
A taught master's degree can give you the next step in your career, or support you to shift into a new career in data science.
The robustness of the academic programmes are the same, but the online programmes offer greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.
Each programme is delivered with a majority of coursework online, using a range of technologies including video conferencing, online discussion forums, and interactive learning experiences.
Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.
Applications are made online through our UC Online website – view open enrolments and/or expressions of interest for when enrolments open.
If you are a domestic learner, the below process will apply. If you are an international learner, the application process is slightly different, and we recommend getting in touch with our enrolment team at info@uconline.ac.nz to answer any questions.
For domestic learners, your application will be assessed by our academic team to make sure you meet all entrance criteria (including academic and English language requirements). We may be in touch to ask you further questions about your experience, or to request additional supporting documentation. If your application is accepted, you will be sent an 'Offer of Place' to let you know your enrolment has been conditionally approved.
Following this, we will generate an ‘Enrolment Agreement’ outlining your courses, fees and student agreement, which you need to sign and accept. Your enrolment is only complete when the fees outlined in this agreement are paid in full (view payment options), at which point you’ll become ‘Fully Enrolled’ and receive a ‘Welcome to Tuihono UC | UC Online’ email with details of your next steps to start learning. If you have any questions during the enrolment process, please get in touch with our team via info@uconline.ac.nz.
Learners are expected to participate actively in forum discussions, and complete assessments on time.
Each programme is a standalone professionally relevant qualification.
Any learner interested in pursuing a PhD or further research would be encouraged to contact the Faculty of Science advisors.
An on-campus version of the PGDipADS as well as an on-campus version of the MADS are both available through the University of Canterbury.
We are also developing our online offerings - if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list.