Master of Science in Data Science
Overview
This is a two-year program that results in a Masters degree (NQF Exit Level 9). The modules cover a range of advanced statistical techniques, customer intelligence analytics and data-driven Internet-of-Things analysis as well as statistical software. The program has a balance between theory and application. Furthermore, bootcamps are held to expose the students to a range of software. The program is facilitated by the Discipline of Statistics, which is home to a diverse group of academics specializing in a wide array of Statistics and Data Science teaching and research areas.
This Masters in Data Science is an analytical data science program, with a strong emphasis on statistical thinking and working with complex, real-world data to generate insight rather than algorithm or software development (which falls under computational data science). The focus is on extracting meaningful information from data, understanding uncertainty, and building interpretable models to support real-world decisions. As a result, advanced statistical training, such as Honours-level statistics modules, is essential, as the program builds on this foundation to produce deep analytical capability rather than narrow, tool-driven technical exposure.
SAQA
115522
NQF LEVEL
09
DURATION
2 Years
CLOSING DATE
31 October
Entry Requirements
Honours degree in Statistics, or
Honours degree in Data Science (which covers sufficient statistical methodology at an advanced level, i.e. Honours level), or
Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science
Please note that as this is an analytical Data Science Masters program (as opposed to computational Data Science), sufficient statistical methodological knowledge is required. Thus, an Honours in purely Computer Science (or similar) will not be considered. If you are interested in pursuing this program but do not yet meet the entrance requirement, then please consider our Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science.
Programme Structure
A hybrid approach has been adopted where online lectures take place after hours (from 6pm) on weekdays, with on-campus sessions every few weeks. These contact sessions can be used for teaching, practicals and assessments. All exams take place on campus. Therefore, this program is not fully online.
Cost of The Programme
Fees are charged per module. Click on the following for the fees for year 1 and year 2 in 2026. Please note that these fees will be subject to a slight increase each year.
International students are required to pay an additional levy. More information on this can be found here.
IMPORTANT: If accepted into the program, a registration fee of approximately R7300 (amount subject to change each year) must be paid by the deadline (typically by first week of February) to complete your registration into the program. This registration fee gets deducted off your fees for the year. See more info about financial clearance here. International students are required to pay full fees as well as an international levy.
Selection Process:
In December, applicants external to UKZN are emailed requesting them to submit their academic record and proof of qualifications.
Spaces are limited and selection is purely based on academic performance. The applicant’s credit weighted average (CWA) for their qualifying Honours degree or Postgraduate diploma (as per the entrance requirements above) is determined. Applicants are then ranked according to their CWA and the top candidates are selected. Applicants are informed of the outcome in early January. Lectures usually start in the second week of February.
How to Apply:
Use the “APPLY NOW” link below or at the top of this page. Once you reach the Online Applications page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button. Applications usually open around mid-year and close in October. Please remember to upload all documentation requested and pay the required application fee. International students can view which documents are required here.
Course Code: MSC-DS
PLEASE NOTE: For your application to be considered, the application fee must be paid upon applying. See here for more information on the application fee and banking details. Please take note of the payment reference to be used. Please submit proof of payment of the application fee by submitting a ticket here.
Modules
Semester 1
- Optimization and Recommendation Analysis – STAT802 (16 Credits)
- Data Reduction and Latent Variable Analysis – STAT804 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 32 Credits
Semester 2
- IoT Analytics – STAT801 (16 Credits)
- Research Methods for Data Science – STAT806 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 32 Credits
Semester 1
- Survival analysis and Retention Modelling – STAT803 (16 Credits)
- Contemporary topics in Business analytics – STAT805 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 32 Credits
Year LONG
- Research Project in Data Science – STAT8RP (96 Credits)
- Total Credits for Qualification: 192
Alumni Success Stories
UKZN Meets Industry Need for Data Scientists
In May 2023, UKZN graduated its first postgraduate cohort of Data Scientists – with six students awarded Postgraduate Diplomas in Data Science and a further five earning MSc degrees. ‘The PGDip and Masters in Data Science programs were conceptualised in 2016 and launched in 2021,’ explained senior lecturer in Statistics and coordinator of the Data Science programmes, Dr Danielle Roberts. ‘These qualifications are taught postgraduate degrees that are aligned to the Data Science needs of business and industry. They provide graduates in with the opportunity to further their studies in the fast-changing world of data.’
Resilience and Determination Score Cum Laude Master’s Degree in Data Science
Mr Sharlan Moodley took on the challenge of building a model to predict ordered levels of academic performance for his Master of Science in Data Science qualification with the aim of producing a more nuanced understanding of academic performance… and scored a cum laude result for his efforts. Originally from Durban and now working in Johannesburg as a data scientist at FNB South Africa, Moodley chose the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for his undergraduate and honours studies in Statistics as it is one of South Africa’s leading universities. He was also attracted to its Data Science programme, which enabled him to develop the industry-relevant skills he sought.
Apply today and take the next step toward your future*
*Applications open in June for next year
