Build the analytical, technical, and research capabilities needed to lead ethically and responsibly in a data-driven world.
Why study postgraduate Data Science?
Data is central to decision-making, innovation, and research across almost every sector. Postgraduate Data Science at Otago gives you the opportunity to develop advanced expertise in analysing, managing, modelling, and communicating data to support meaningful outcomes.
Our Data Science programmes combine strengths in statistics and computing, giving you both the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to work confidently with complex data. Areas of study include machine learning, data mining, statistical modelling, high-performance computing, large-scale data management and artificial intelligence.
You will explore not only how analytical techniques work, but also when they should be used, how their results should be interpreted, and how data-driven insights can be communicated effectively and responsibly to different audiences.
Our programmes also reflect Otago's commitment to responsible data practice, including Indigenous data sovereignty, data ethics, and the wider societal impacts of emerging technologies
Career opportunities
A Postgraduate degree in Data Science is valued wherever organisations need to generate insight, build predictive models, or support evidence-informed decision-making. Graduates may contribute to technical, analytical, research, or leadership-focused work across a wide range of sectors:
- Data science and analytics, generating insight from complex data to inform decisions.
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence, developing predictive models and intelligent data applications.
- Data engineering and management.
- Research and innovation, investigating new methods and applications across disciplines.
- Policy and strategic analysis, applying evidence to planning, evaluation, and decision-making
What it’s like to study at this level
In postgraduate Data Science study, you will work with modern methods for understanding and extracting value from data, while developing a deeper appreciation of the principles that underpin them.
Data Science at Otago is inherently interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise from computing and statistics. Depending on your interests, you may explore machine learning, data mining, statistical modelling, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, data management, and the ethical dimensions of data science.
A strong emphasis is placed on understanding both the strengths and limitations of analytical approaches. You will learn how to evaluate methods critically, work with complex and large-scale datasets, and communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Research-focused study provides opportunities to undertake supervised dissertation or thesis work, develop independent research skills, and contribute to new knowledge. Applied study emphasises professional practice, problem solving, and industry-relevant skills. Depending on your level of study, you may be supported through lectures, tutorials, computer-based laboratories, online resources, and academic supervision.
This is for you if ...
This subject suits graduates with a background in data science, statistics, computing, mathematics, information science, or a related field, who are looking to build advanced analytical, computational, or research capabilities. It may also suit professionals who work with data and want to extend their expertise in areas such as machine learning, statistical modelling, data management, or artificial intelligence.
Postgraduate Data Science is particularly relevant if you are interested in combining technical knowledge with critical thinking, working across disciplines, and communicating complex ideas clearly. It will also appeal if you are interested in responsible data practice, including data ethics, Indigenous data sovereignty, and the broader impacts of data-driven technologies.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Data Science as an undergraduate at Otago.
Interdisciplinary expertise for a data-driven future
Data Science at Otago combines expertise from the School of Computing and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, bringing together the disciplines that underpin modern data science practice.
Our academic staff contribute to research in machine learning, data analytics, large-scale data management, computational methods, health and life sciences, environmental and spatial modelling, and Indigenous data sovereignty. Whether your interests are applied, theoretical, or research-focused, you will develop the depth of understanding, critical thinking, and practical capability needed to make an impact in this rapidly evolving field.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component. The MSc(Applied) can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period.
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
This qualification will be offered from 2027.
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This qualification will be offered from 2027.
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Note: DHUM 403 may be substituted for 20 points of approved papers at 400-level or above for students who have completed DHUM 303 or DHUM 403. |
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Contacts
Matthew Parry
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Tel +64 3 479 7780
Email matthew.parry@otago.ac.nz
Grant Dick
School of Computing
Tel +64 3 479 8180
Email grant.dick@otago.ac.nz
Brendan McCane
School of Computing
Tel +64 3 479 8588
Email brendan.mccane@otago.ac.nz
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