With more and more data being captured, there is growing need for people with the skills to manage large data collections, and make use of them through a range of data analysis techniques. It has been said that “data is the raw material of the 21st century”.
The Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc) is an interdisciplinary programme that encompasses understanding how data can be used in a business context, how large data sets can be managed, and how data can be analysed. The programme will also develop students' skills in data analysis techniques and computing.
Graduates of the MBusDataSc will have advanced knowledge in areas including: understanding of opportunities for applying data analysis in business, awareness of ethical and privacy issues and mitigation approaches, understanding of technologies for managing large data sets and the ability to select and apply appropriate technologies, and an understanding of different techniques for analysing data and the ability to select and apply appropriate techniques.
The programme can be completed in a 12 month period, starting in February (semester 1), and is available to be studied either on campus or via distance learning.
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Master of Business Data Science (MBusDataSc)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
Every applicant must either
be a graduate and normally have achieved an average grade of B in the papers satisfying the final year major subject requirements for the degree, including evidence of at least one first-year-equivalent paper passed in both computer programming and statistics, or
have alternative qualifications acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
Structure of the Programme
Every programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Business Data Science to the value of 180 points.
With prior approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce), papers worth up to a maximum of 60 points in a relevant subject offered by another tertiary institution, may be granted transfer credit for equivalent paper(s) within the programme. Such credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the applied or research project, secure the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator concerned for the proposed course of the investigation.
Duration of the Programme
A candidate must normally complete the requirements for the programme in 12 months of full-time study.
Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
Withdrawal from the Programme
Where a candidate withdraws from the programme, after completing the prescribed papers, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce or determine which papers shall be credited towards the diploma.
Examination of the Research or Applied Project
The report shall normally be reviewed by two examiners, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the final manuscript as submitted.
Where there is disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study that does not comply with these regulations.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
