Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics - 100% Online | Asia Pacific University (APU)

You are here

Home » Our Courses » Postgraduate Studies » Masters Degree Programmes

Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics - 100% Online


Duration:
Part time (2.5-3 years)

ODL - Fully Online


 


Awarded by:
APU, Malaysia


Intakes:
Part Time:
10 Jan 2025 | 11 Apr 2025 |
13 Jun 2025 | 15 Aug 2025 |
31 Oct 2025

  

APU-DMU DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMME


Students who are under Masters Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.


To know more about APU-DMU Dual Scheme, please click HERE


MORE THAN JUST A DATA SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS MASTER PROGRAMME

APU's Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL) programme is designed to provide you an edge with the latest technologies that are in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

Digital Transformation for IR4.0

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, or its equivalent qualification as accepted by the Senate.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 and not meeting a CGPA of 2.50 can be accepted, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.

• Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and with relevant working experience, subject to a rigorous internal assessment.

​• Bachelor’s degree in non-related fields with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 as accepted by the Senate and without relevant working experience, subject to passing pre-requisite courses.

Δ Fundamental skills in programming, database, mathematics and statistics would be an added advantage.
* Applicants without a Computing-related Bachelor’s degree must pass the pre-requisite modules to continue with the Master’s Degree.
 
Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

 
ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• IELTS : 5.5

For more information please click HERE

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (previous Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree taught in English) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.


PROGRAMME OUTLINE

This programme is specifically designed to provide:

  • Knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence.
  • Overall understanding of the impact of data science upon modern processes and business.
  • Exposure towards data science tools and techniques, as well as methods of data collection and utilisation, to turn data into useful information via various processes.

THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME

  • In addition to the degree award, a Joint Professional Certification will be offered by SAS Institute, USA.
  • 30% of the curriculum will allow for mini projects assessed as in-course work allowing for practical skills development in Data Analytics.
  • The curriculum covers a wide range of subject matter from Analytical Technologies, Exposure to tools such as R & SAS Modelers, Data Visualisation, Customer/User Behavioural Studies, Forecasting Methods and to Presenting the Business Intelligence reports.
  • External Programme Annual Reviews by International University Partners.
  • Programme Support by an Industry Advisory Panel involving data analytical experts from Petronas ICT, RedTone, SharePoint, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Maxis, IBM, Microsoft, Fusionex and Axiata.
  • Research opportunities via APU’s Centre of Analytics - APCA.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This programme is designed to provide students with knowledge and applied skills in data science, big data analytics and business intelligence. It aims to develop analytical and investigative knowledge and skills using data science tools and techniques, and to enhance data science knowledge and critical interpretation skills. Students will understand the impact of data science upon modern processes and businesses, be able to identify, and implement specific tools, practices, features and techniques to enhance the analysis of data.

MODULES & PROJECT

This programme comprises 11 coursework modules and a Capstone Project (2 parts). There are 8 compulsory Core Modules (including Research Methodology module) and you will have to choose 1 pathway (3 specialisation modules).

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES (FOR NON-COMPUTING STUDENTS)
DURATION: 4 MONTHS (ODL)

  • Introduction to R-programming
  • Statistics
  • Database for Data Science
  • Programming in Python

CORE MODULES

  • Big Data Analytics & Technologies
  • Data Management
  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Research Methodology for Capstone Project
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Data Analytical Programming
  • Multivariate Methods for Data Analysis
  • Capstone Project 1
  • Advanced Business Analytics and Visualisation
  • Capstone Project 2

SPECIALISATION MODULES (CHOOSE 1 PATHWAY ONLY)

Pathway 1 (Business Intelligence):

  • Behavioural Science, Social Media and Marketing Analytics
  • Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
  • Strategies in Emerging Markets OR Multilevel Data Analysis OR Operations Research and Optimization

Pathway 2 (Data Engineering):

  • Cloud Infrastructure and Services
  • Deep Learning
  • Natural Language Processing OR Building IoT Applications OR Data Protection and Management
* Specialisation modules may be pre-selected for students at the beginning of the semester. If students wish to change these pre-selected elective modules, they can choose from the available modules offered in the semester OR among the intensive delivery modules - however such changes may prolong the study duration.
 


OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

  • The ODL (Open & Distance Learning) programmes are designed to address the theoretical, practical and scientific skills and contribute towards new and meaningful knowledge in their field of expertise. 
  • ​ODL allows students to learn anytime, anywhere at their own pace - this power of freedom has ignited more interest & excitement in learning. 
  • All the Master (ODL) programmes are available for part-time study mode. The minimum duration of study is 2.5 years.
  • Students are to register the modules on a modular basis. Each module will be offered over a two-month duration.



CAREER OPTIONS

  • Data Engineer
  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Data Analytics Manager
  • Business Analyst Manager
  • Data Innovation Manager
  • Machine Learning Scientist
  • Business Process Engineer
  • Data Wrangler / Munger / Miner
  • Business Intelligence Manager
  • Analytics & Reporting Manager
  • Decision Analytics Manager


JOINT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION BY TIBCO SOFTWARE INC.

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (ODL) programme in addition to their Masters Degrees, students will receive a professional certificate from TIBCO Software Inc. TIBCO is amongst the global leaders in Integration, Data Management and Analytics platforms that has a global clientele. In addition to the certification, TIBCO, as APU’s industry partner, has provided all students & lecturers with complimentary access to the TIBCO Spotfire software for academic purposes. Students are utilizing the software to perform tasks & projects related to data analytics.

TIBCO certification is awarded to students who complete:

  • Business Intelligence Systems
  • Applied Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning


SAS - APU JOINT CERTIFICATE IN DATA SCIENCE AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS

​

APU and SAS have signed an MoA in partnership to develop Data Scientists in Malaysia. SAS also has endorsed the UG and PG level programmes in Data Analytics by providing tools and educational material support for learning and research purposes. All UG and PG Data Analytics graduates will receive a Joint Professional Certificate from SAS.

In addition, students will be awarded an e-Badge, to feature this achievement on their CV and LinkedIn profiles.


​Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are two of the most promising fields of the 21st century that will impact all segments of daily life by 2025, from transport and logistics to healthcare and customer service. In the coming years, with the digitalization of the world and rapid development of technology and industry, AI and its associated branches promise a fulfilling future. According to the US Bureau of Labour statistics, the rise of Data Science will create roughly 11.5 million job openings by 2026, and by 2022, Data Scientists and Analysts will become the number one emerging role in the world, according to the World Economic Forum.

Source: https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/11-5-mn-job-openings-by-2026-sky-high-salaries-why-data-science-is-booming/amp_articleshow/74667347.cms


“The number of jobs requiring Data Science skills is expected to grow by 27.9 percent by 2026.”

- US Bureau of Labor Statistics



THE MALAYSIA BIG DATA VISION - DEMAND FOR DATA SCIENCE PROFESSIONALS

“Malaysia’s big data analytics market expected to grow to US$1.9b by 2025.” 
- Malaysia Digital Economy Corp’s (MDEC) commissioned study by IDC


“There is a prediction that by 2026 there will be 11.5 million 
jobs in this sector."
- LinkedIn


“We have partnered with five universities in Malaysia to embed analytics into their computer science curriculum. Also, we are working with these universities to upgrade the syllabus to produce data scientists to address future needs”
- Paul Moung, Managing Director of IBM Malaysia

Source: MDeC Presentation on Big Data from 2015 APU's Big Data Week Launch


Dream Big: Think BIG - Reasons to Study BIG Data:

1. “The United States alone faces a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 people with analytical expertise and 1.5 million managers and analysts with the skills to understand and make decisions based on the analysis of big data.” - McKinsey Report on BIG DATA

2. “Starting salaries for data scientists have gone north of $200,000” - Bloomberg

3. “The Whitehouse Administration is investing $200 Million into big data research projects” - Mushroom Networks

4. “Data scientists are the new superheroes,” says Pascal Clement, the Head of Amadeus Travel Intelligence in Madrid

5. “Malaysia needs additional 12,000 Data Scientists” - Ministry of Education

6.  “Data Scientist: The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century.” - Harvard Business Review


DATA SCIENCE @ APU - FORTIFIED THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

The programme has been carefully designed by APU with inputs and content from our partners, comprising major technology and software solutions providers, university partners as well as industry organisations who use analytics for strategic and competitive advantage.

The strength of these partnerships ensures that the programme comprehensively addresses all key stakeholders – Technology providers, Employers, Government as well as Students – in its learning outcomes, curriculum content, delivery and assessment. Students also obtain certification jointly issued with industry partners, which would certainly give them a head start in the exciting world of Big Data.

Furthermore, APU is also poised to become a frontrunner in analytics research through the establishment of the Asia Pacific Centre of Analytics (APCA), through which research activities will be undertaken to challenge boundaries in the application of analytics.

Graduates from this programme will not only gain an academic qualification from APU, but would also automatically attain a Globally Recognised Professional Industry Certification from SAS. Along the way, graduates would also gain exposure to industrial workshops led by experts from the industry, providing a valuable gateway into future careers.


COURSE FEES

Malaysian Students

International Students

RM 36,800

RM 36,800 (USD 9,200)

​* Fees stated above do not include Enrolment Fees, Registration Fees and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.

(N-DL/0613/7/0026)(03/26)(MQA/PA14220)

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.

Master of Computing & Technology Programmes